“What do I do now that I think the Lord may be calling me to full-time mission?”

1)  Read.  The Missionary Call by David Sills is a helpful book to clarify God’s call on your life.  Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper will challenge you to do more than pursue the “American Dream.”  Any missionary biography will stimulate your vision of God’s work and introduce you to the “average” men and women who have had the privilege of being used to accomplish his task.

2)  Take a Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course through the U.S. Center for World Missions.  This course is designed to give an overview of the history and work of God over the ages and throughout the world.  It is a great opportunity for anyone interested in being more actively involved in reaching the nations.  Perspectives classes are offered throughout the U.S. in local churches.  Check out www.perspectives.org to find a class near you.

3)  Talk to your family, pastor, or small group about your desires.  When God raises a passion for the nations in your heart, many of your closest, believing friends are already aware of God’s leading in your life.  (This is very confirming!)  Find a group of people who will come along-side you, pray for you, and partner with you as you seek God’s direction.  However, do not be surprised if some try to discourage you or act bewildered!  This is not uncommon.  Keep focused on God!

4)   Correspond with missionaries from your home church.  Missionaries who have already responded to God’s call, received training for cross-cultural work, and served on the “field” are invaluable sources of practical information.  In addition, they will become a source of great encouragement to you.

5)   Investigate different aspects of mission work.  There are many kinds of mission opportunities:  medical, bible translation, literacy, behind-the-scenes support, pioneer church-planting to unreached peoples.  Do you have certain skills or interests?  Determine the kind of mission for which you are best suited.

6)  Get trained.  Based on the type of mission work that interests you, find a school or mission agency that will prepare you biblically, theologically, linguistically, and cross-culturally.  Good training is essential when bringing the light of Christ to people and places filled with darkness.  The more prepared you are before you go, the better able you will be to handle the challenges ahead.  Consider To Every Tribe’s missionary training school, The Center for Pioneer Church Planting. 

7)  Check out the rest of this website.  The site is full of information, including:  audio and video messages, recommended books, mission articles, tribal research, training resources, etc.

May the Lord bless you as you discern “the call” and serve the Savior,

for the glory of God and the joy of all peoples!

by Margie Sanford