Literacy & Women’s Ministry Worker

At a Glance

LocationGoroka, Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea

DepartmentSending & Planting

Ideal ProfileMarried woman

Commitment3–5 years+

PreparationIndividualized with your church and To Every Tribe.

Financial supportSupport-funded salary and approved expenses; full approved monthly support and one-time costs raised before departure.

Reports toPapua New Guinea Field Director

LanguageTok Pisin is the language of literacy instruction; protected learning time supports teaching readiness.

Initial ministryDevelop language readiness, learn from local women, and assist literacy and discipleship.

AvailabilityStart dates are arranged individually after preparation, funding, and field approval.

HousingStation housing is available subject to space, without a separate housing charge.

The Opportunity

Help women read Scripture for themselves.

There is a massive need to teach Papua New Guineans to read and write, with a specific, urgent gap among the female population.

We are seeking a married woman to lead literacy initiatives that open the door for women to read the Bible for themselves and take their place as pillars in the local church.

Literacy and discipleship help women engage with Scripture and equip local women to teach others, strengthening churches and extending their ministry into surrounding communities.

This position is filled by a married woman. Her husband and any accompanying children are part of the household preparing for field life; their presence does not mean that each household member fills this role.

What You’ll Do

Literacy Training: Conduct literacy classes ranging from basic phonics to reading comprehension, specifically tailored for adult women.
Teacher Training: Train local women to become literacy teachers within their own villages.
Discipleship: Use literacy classes as a bridge to deep spiritual discipleship and Bible study.
Resource Development: Assist in creating or adapting simple reading materials relevant to daily village life.

Language preparation & teaching readiness: Literacy instruction is in Tok Pisin. Develop Tok Pisin proficiency through protected language-learning time. Begin by observing and assisting; take on teaching responsibilities as language ability and teaching readiness are assessed with experienced workers.

Local continuity: Equip and mentor local women to lead literacy lessons and Scripture-based discipleship, prepare usable resources, and continue teaching others within their communities.

Who We’re Looking For

Teaching experience (formal or informal).
A specific calling/heart for women’s ministry.
Patience and the ability to teach across language barriers.

Core Competencies

Adaptable

You thrive in “The Land of the Unexpected.” When students arrive late or bring children to class, you adjust.

Community Focused

You are willing to live in close proximity to fellow missionaries and nationals.

Disciple-Maker

You view every interaction as an opportunity to point people to Jesus.

Resilient

You maintain a strong work ethic even in difficult, resource-limited situations.

Team Player

You are willing to step outside your official role to help the team.

Lifelong Learner

You are committed to learning the local trade language to teach effectively.

A group outside a building in Papua New Guinea

Life in Goroka

Make room for everyday ministry.

Life near Goroka combines local church and community relationships with the wider mission station’s ministry.

Station housing is available subject to space, without a separate housing charge.

Families arrange schooling with field-team guidance.

The practical picture

Practical expectations

Start dates are arranged individually after preparation, funding, and field approval.

Full approved monthly support and one-time costs raised before departure.

Missionaries obtain healthcare coverage; costs are included in the approved support budget.

To Every Tribe and the field team guide visas, work permits, and residency preparation. Missionaries provide the required documents and raise the associated costs.

Required transportation costs are included in the approved support budget.

Preparation & support

You won’t take the next step alone.

Develop an appropriate training and practical preparation plan. This may include the cohort, an internship, an apprenticeship, or the one-year training.

Career missionary service may be pursued directly; a separate internship or apprenticeship is not a universal prerequisite. Field apprenticeship is a recommended supported first term for new missionaries: learn the language and culture, contribute to ministry, and serve under experienced missionaries with supervision, mentorship, and ongoing training.

Everyone has protected language-learning time tailored to the role.

Regular field-leader check-ins, with mentoring tailored to experience and needs.

Salary

The person serving in this position raises funds for their salary, ministry expenses and benefits. When you accept the position we will provide you with a fundraising coach who will guide you through the entire process.