Advice From the Pro's...

Explore the many areas of ministry and how you can serve, too.

I'm really interested in missions and becoming a missionary. What should I do? How do I get started?

First of all, thank God for giving you a passion to reach out to others. It’s a big world and there is plenty of work to do.

Start praying that God will guide you through the process of preparation for mission service. Seek out someone in your church who has some experience in missions who will be able to give you wise counsel as you take the steps needed to be an effective messenger of the good news. Make sure you make the most of each day- it is easy to get so focused on some future possibility that we forget to serve and grow right where we are. Remember that tomorrow does not matter much to God if today does not belong to Him.

It is important for you to actively pursue the answer to the question "What does God want me to do with my life?” Sometimes we look at the call of God as if we are totally passive in the process of God directing us. I think God does direct us, but we also need to pursue His highest and best for us. Explore the options for mission service and see what opportunities link best with your dreams, gifts and calling. Plan to go on a summer mission internship which will allow for you to experience some of what is involved in serving on the mission field.

Begin to explore different mission agencies that will be able to come alongside you in your journey to mission service. Talk with them about ministry opportunities and what preparation will maximize your contribution to the work that God is doing around the world. Many agencies have developed steps that will help you through the process of becoming a missionary. The process may seem long and you may be tempted to take short cuts that will get you to the field quicker. To be an effective cross-cultural worker you will need to be well prepared, so hang in there and do not lose sight of the vision of how you can make a difference in the world. What better way to invest your life than to be the bearer of the good news of Jesus to those who have never heard.

Recommended Reading:

"On Being a Missionary" by Thomas Hale

"Send Me! Your Journey to the Nations" by Steve Hoke and Bill Taylor

"How to Be a World Class Christian" by Paul Borthwick

Biographies of missionaries such as William Carey, Adoniram Judson, Hudson Taylor and others.

Web Sites:

www.cmfi.org

www.ciy.com

www.theworldview.org