FAQ for Potential iEDGErs
As you graduate and are praying over next steps, iEDGE may be on your radar. Please take a moment to read some common FAQs for Applicants. We would love to talk to you personally if you have any other questions.
What will I do on campus if I serve on iEDGE?
Your primary responsibility is to serve the international staff team in any way necessary to further their long-term country strategy as they carry out our Navigator calling:
To advance the gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom,
into the Nations, through spiritual generations of laborers
living and discipling among those who don’t yet know Jesus.
To advance the gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom,
into the Nations, through spiritual generations of laborers
living and discipling among those who don’t yet know Jesus.
How long is my commitment on iEDGE?
iEDGE is a two-year staff assignment from your arrival date in the country (with an option of a third year). There is an additional 6-8 months of training before leaving for the field. Many go on to begin a career with The Navigators after their time on iEDGE, but this is in no way an expectation.
Where will I be serving?
iEDGE teams are assigned to an international location based on the strategic needs of each country. Every effort is made to match iEDGE candidates with an international team that best compliments their talents, experience, personality and spiritual gifts. However iEDGE cannot promise a specific location assignment.
What about training, and when is the first Summit?
iEDGE has four training summits throughout the course of your commitment. Each Summit consists of workshops led by veteran Navigator staff as well as Bible Studies and discussion times. The main thrust of the iEDGE training comes through experiential learning on the field during your time in country. The four summits are each focused on a specific training objective:
- EDGE Summit 1 (June) – fundraising and team building
- Cross Cultural Summit– (Sept) – cross cultural training and pre-departure preparation
- Mid-Term Summit (Jan after 1 yr on field) – evaluation and encouragement
- Debriefing Summit (after your return to US) – debrief experience and consider best next steps
When might I start working on campus?
iEDGE Staff spend their first summer on staff fund raising. You must have 100% of your total budget either pledged or raised before you can be approved for departure. Since iEDGE is a team focused ministry every team member must have 100% of their funding goal pledge before the team can be approved for departure. We expect iEDGE teams to arrive in their assigned countries between Nov 1- Jan 1.
What about the money?
At your first iEDGE orientation, you will receive training teaching you how to raise personal support, which includes: salary, benefits (life and health insurance), ministry and training expenses. We are committed to helping you raise the finances necessary to be deployed to your assigned country. Our aim is to keep budgets as realistic as possible and at the same time make sure that you are not worried about money during your term of service.
When do I start getting paid?
iEDGE staff can begin receiving a partial salary once they reach 85% of the total goal. The total budget amount (including salary) is based on current personal debt, cost of living in the area of placement, travel and training costs. A typical 2 year budget ranges from $80,000-120,000 depending on the location.
When do I start health insurance and is it a good plan?
All iEDGE Staff receive The Navigator’s insurance plan through Aetna which is one of the best in the industry. Health insurance starts after your first month of full salary.
How do I apply?
The application process is an important part of the iEDGE experience. Throughout the process we spend much time in prayer, asking God that He would lead both us and you regarding your future. We are concerned not only about discerning if God has called you to iEDGE but also about helping you, in any way that we can, discern what God's plan for your future may be.
To apply, go to www.iedge.org/application to download an application, reference forms and background history questionnaire. Fill it out electronically and email it back to applications.iedge@navigators.org. Application deadline is Feb 1.
To apply, go to www.iedge.org/application to download an application, reference forms and background history questionnaire. Fill it out electronically and email it back to applications.iedge@navigators.org. Application deadline is Feb 1.
What is the process?
The application process takes about two months (so start early!) from application submission, review, interview, and acceptance. Once accepted, you will attend a June Summit in Colorado Springs to meet your team and to learn principles for effectively funding your ministry. Summer months are spent in intensive fund raising. Teams will attend a Cross-Cultural Training Summit in September also in Colorado Springs before departing for their ministry assignment in the fall. A Mid-Term Summit at your one-year mark is designed to encourage you and evaluate your experiences. You will attend a fourth and final Debriefing Summit with your team upon your return to the U.S.
What is the commitment?
24 months on the field plus your initial training and funding months (approximately six months). Most teams depart for their 24 fields months in November.