This Exit process is specifically for International missionaries and does not apply for interns/residents/fellows who are part of a Fixed-term Program or Collegiate Program.

If you are a Fixed-term employee or U.S.-based employee, please contact your liaison for Exiting instructions and information. 


The Exit process can take 30-60 days.

If you are planning to exit your International Field Assignment, start your exit conversation with international@reliant.org early. This applies to all types of exits:

Steps for Exiting your International Field

Please Note: These steps are not always completed in this exact order. It is best to familiarize yourself as much as possible with the process so that you can complete steps as they make sense in your situation. The most important thing is to keep us up-to-date regarding your plans. We know things may be ever-changing throughout this process of transition!


Communicating Exit and Confirming Important Dates (60 days+ before exiting the field)

First, make sure to communicate your plan to exit with Reliant. Reach out to international@reliant.org 3-6 months before your intended exit to begin the conversation about exiting. We want to support these changes well. 


*If you are unsure of your dates, go ahead and reach out to your International Liaison. We can work together to find a timeline that makes sense with your situation.

The International team can offer guidance in determining these important exit dates:

EventTimeframe
Field Departure DateThe last day of ministry on the field is established with your supervisor.
Take Remaining PTOWe recommend using PTO before returning to the states because visiting and responding to donors often occurs soon after arrival. 
Return StatesideAfter field ministry responsibilities and PTO have been completed. We will want to know your specific flight information for returning to the states. 
Final FurloughTypically 1-3 months after the last date of field ministry responsibilities have ended. This is your first few months of being back in the states while continuing to be employed by Reliant. It's intended for meeting with donors and attending a debrief.
Meet with DonorsDonors can continue to give even after your last date of employment with Reliant (see info below). Reliant needs to approve communication with donors.
Attend DebriefTypically a 1-week debrief within 1-3 months after the last date of field ministry responsibilities have ended.
Employment Exit InterviewAt least 14 days before your last day of employment. Interview with the Reliant International team.
Last Day of Employment with ReliantLast day of insurance and benefits. For information regarding continuing coverage of benefits, visit International Continuance Coverage for Medical Insurance.
Last Normal Paycheck 

The month following the last day of employment with Reliant (on the 15th of that month).

MTD Account Closed to Incoming Gifts

The month following the last day of employment with Reliant (on the last day of that month). 

Last Paycheck for Backpay

The second month following the last day of employment with Reliant (on the 15th of that month).

Last Reimbursement Date

The second month following the last day of employment with Reliant (on the last business day of that month, as long as submitted by the appropriate deadline).

Example Timeline

This is an example of a typical exit timeline. We know each situation is unique and we will work with you to plan your transition to be as smooth as possible.

Field DeparturePTO/Final Furlough/DebriefFinal Day of EmploymentLast PaycheckGifts Turned OffLast Backpay CheckLast Reimbursement Date
January 31Feb 1 - April 30April 30May 15May 31June 15June 30



Complete the International Exit Information Form

This makes your exit plans official. We need this form 30 days before your exit from the field, at the latest due by the 16th of the month the exit is taking place.





Pre-departure Tasks (30-60 days before departure from the field)

Pre-approval is required for the first communication notifying donors that you are exiting your ministry. We want you to include concrete information about your final furlough plans and when their gifts will automatically be turned off. It is important to let partners know if you need funds to cover final expenses. You can encourage them to continue supporting other Reliant workers.

Donors appreciate hearing of your move at least one month beforehand. Please allow Reliant 5 days to review your draft. 

Resource: International Exit Prayer Letter Sample Wording


Exiting international missionaries are required to complete a debrief program within 3 months of returning to the states. We strongly encourage attending 4-6 weeks after returning. Your ministry may do its own debriefing, but below are some great options to consider

  1. DAR (Debrief and Renewal) program with Missionary Training Institute (www.mti.org) in Colorado.
  2. CIT's (Center for Intercultural Training) Debrief Retreat in North Carolina (https://cit-online.org). 


Some international workers will tell you that re-entry can be an even more difficult transition than your initial overseas launch. We strongly recommend all returning workers to complete six sessions of counseling during their re-entry transition. You may choose to start this as you prepare to head home, or wait until you are back in the US. Reach out to the International Team about how to use MTD funds to cover this expense. We are also able to recommend counseling groups that work specifically with cross-cultural workers if you need guidance in that area.



Final Furlough (the 60-90 days following your re-entry into the U.S.)

Exiting missionaries are allowed to take up to 90 days of final furlough time after exiting the field. This time is meant for you to re-enter, attend a debrief, meet with your supporters and have the space to plan your next steps. 


Two months before your final employment date, schedule a time to discuss details that must be finalized before the payroll deadline (16th of the month) before your final employment date.

  1. Re-Entry Bonus. Anyone exiting an international assignment has the option of receiving a re-entry bonus. See Bonuses.
  2. Back Pay. Outstanding salary may be able to be paid. See Backpay.
  3. Reimbursements. Reliant generally accepts requests for reimbursement of ministry expenses until the end of the second month following the last day of employment. Employees must submit reimbursement forms to reimbursements@reliant.org for these requests to be considered by Reliant. See International Reimbursements. 

If applicable, financial partners may be informed by the exiting employee in the exit prayer letter that some contributions may be used, among other things, to pay outstanding salary and/or expenses to the terminating employee.


Employees covered by the Reliant group health plan may be eligible under certain conditions for continuing certain health insurance benefits following termination of Reliant employment. Continuation of coverage generally allows certain qualified beneficiaries to continue temporary access to affordable health insurance in situations where they would otherwise lose their employer-provided coverage. For more information regarding the continuation of coverage, visit International Continuance Coverage for Medical Insurance.


If you believe there may be an account balance remaining in the MTD fund for which you are responsible after your final Reliant paycheck and ministry expenses are paid out, you may submit an Exiting Missionary Transfer Request Form. Requests can either be done as a dollar amount or a percentage of available funds. Exiting transfers are subject to Reliant's MTD Fund Transfer Policy. Please check the policy for limitations. 

MTD Transfer Requests must be received by the Employment Services Department (payroll@reliant.org) no later than the 16th day in the month of exit.


This is a great chance for you to give Reliant feedback to help us continue to improve and serve our workers in new and better ways. It should only take a few minutes to fill out this survey, but it is very valuable to us!


Just like we did a Roundtable call with your sending church before you left, we will have a final Roundtable call with your sending church in the last month of your employment. We want to make sure that you have the support network and resources that you need to successfully navigate this new season of life.