Qualifications/Requirements for Partner Service To qualify as missionary partners, individuals should be members of a local C&MA church and meet the essential qualifications of career missionaries or missionary associates, which include spiritual maturity, emotional stability, doctrinal soundness, knowledge of the Scriptures, and adaptability. Partners also provide a record of academic training and practical experience deemed acceptable to IM. Missionary partners are funded primarily from sources outside the Great Commission Fund and are granted missionary partner status by IM for a specific period of time (usually two to four years). The ministry in which missionary partners are engaged is approved by the appropriate field director and contributes directly and in a positive manner to the C&MA missions program. While Missionary Partners are always invited to attend mission functions and activities, the exact nature of the missionary partners' role within the mission is determined by the field director in consultation with the field leadership team. Missionary partners are not eligible to participate in the C&MA Retirement Plan but may participate in the Alliance medical plan at personal expense.