Becoming a missionary may sound exotic and exciting but being a missionary is about a lot more than simply living in a foreign culture!
In this episode of Now is the Time I share with you six simple steps you can take to become a missionary. I also answer some listener questions.
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Thank you Elizabeth for this great question!
How can I become a missionary?
1. Make sure you know what a missionary is
Sometimes people are attracted to missions because of the promise of traveling the world and living in strange lands. If you just want to do that then you’re better off taking a job as a National Geographic photographer!
A missionary is one who is sent by God and the church to make disciples in another country or culture.
Before I became a missionary I read John Piper’s classic book Let the Nations be Glad . Piper does a great job explaining not only the what of missions but more importantly the why of missions.
2. Start doing the work of a missionary now
All followers of Jesus are called to do the work of a missionary, some are called to do it in a foreign land!
3. Determine your calling
- What opportunities for services has God given me?
- What skills has God blessed me with?
- What advice do I hear from godly people who know me?
- What passions is God developing in my heart?
4. Get training
5. Find a partnering organization
6. Raise needed support
This probably deserves its own post or podcast! Most missionaries need to raise support before leaving for the field. However, some are self supported through a business.
Listener questions
- Ray asked: “I have a question. I just read in the Wall St. Journal about catacombs under Odessa. How come no one offered to show them to me when I was there?”
- Chastity asked: “Are there any seminary/college classed you took to prepare?”
- Erik asked: “I would like to know the differences you see between the churches in U.S. (while you are here now) and the Ukraine.”
- Juliano asked: “What think you about the church’s investments in missions? Maybe praying, financial help, etc.”
- Giles asked: “Did you watch or keep up with the #StrangeFire conference thing? What is it & what did you think of it?”
Question: What would you add to my 6 steps to become a missionary?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:59 — 25.6MB) | Embed
Dave Arnold
October 24, 2013Good thoughts Caleb. I’ve read Piper’s book – it’s Excellant! Looking forward to listening to this podcast.
Caleb
October 24, 2013It is a good book! Let me know what you think after you’ve had a chance to listen. I was struggling to find a place to record now that we are in the States and ended up recording this podcast sitting in our car. It was the only quiet place I could find! I hope the audio quality is ok.
Dan Erickson
October 24, 2013Doing distant missionary work is probably not in my near future as I just bought a house, but local missions are always a good option. I’ll be volunteering at Union Gospel Mission’s Madison House for youth today.
Caleb
October 24, 2013Sounds like a great opportunity for ministry at the Union Gospel Mission Dan.
floyd
October 24, 2013I couldn’t begin to give any examples of what it might take to be a missionary. I do agree with your point that it starts exactly where God has placed our feet today.
Caleb
October 24, 2013That really is key Floyd. Too many of us are waiting for that one opportunity to begin ministering when most often it is right in front of us.
TCAvey
October 24, 2013I don’t have any thing to add to your list. I like what you say about everyone is a missionary somewhere. We are not all called to go to a different country, but we are all called to be lights right where we are.
Love your questions in #3, very helpful.
God bless.
Caleb
October 27, 2013Very true, we have to start right here and right now and then if God leads us to another place, great and if not then we just keep doing what he’s called us to do!
TCAvey
October 28, 2013Well said! How are the kids liking it here?
Caleb
October 28, 2013The kids are enjoying themselves! Of course we are living with grandma and grandpa so you can’t get much better!
TCAvey
October 29, 2013Yep. My kiddo loves his Mimi and Grandma! (all Grandpa’s are in heaven).
Betty Draper
October 27, 2013I think you covered the important points about “being a missionary” with the key one being number 3 in my book. One word comes to mind as I write. Flexibility is important in serving the Lord anywhere. He does not live by our time, anytime the situation presents itself to share is His time. Great post brother, very informative.
Caleb
October 27, 2013I couldn’t agree with you more about flexibility, it’s so important, that and patience will get you a long way.
Caleb
October 28, 2013Flexibility can be difficult for Americans as many of us are used to a more structured way of life. There are a lot of ministry opportunities that can happen if you are simply flexible.
Hazel Moon
November 4, 2013It is important to be a “missionary” where you are in the present time. Having a heart for souls and missions then you will be able to bless and minister to others.
Caleb
November 5, 2013Very true Hazel, thanks for sharing!