We're All Uniquely Called to Missions

“Well, the cheeky answer is read Matthew 28:19-20. There you go! We’re all supposed to be on mission with Jesus. But more helpfully, we have to sit with Jesus and figure out how that looks for each of us. We are supposed to be involved in missions but there are different ways to do that: give, pray, go, all of the above. The Spirit will help guide you into what he has for you and in what way he has prepared you to be a part of the mission of making disciples of all nations.”

God, Church Community, & Short-Term Trips

“We are all called to go on mission! It could be in your local town or across the world. I think what is important is to be in communion with God with open ears and heart for his guidance. To spend time in the Word, with mentors, and also in a Christian community who can speak into how you are living on mission. For me, being a missionary was never what I imagined as kid. But throughout my teenage years I began to develop a heart for Spain and a passion for working with young people. It was not until later that I felt God call me to go to Spain as a missionary and then I went on a short-term trip where God confirmed the calling on my life. I would say if you think you are being called to serve abroad: prayer, talk with your pastor/mentors, and consider going on a short-term trip to see.”

Ask Questions About God's Will

“First, it’s good to remember that God’s will is not like a bulls-eye…It’s not just one thing and if you miss it, too bad! You are now outside of God’s will. I find it hard to believe that is how God works. I was once told that God’s will is more like the outer rings of a dart board. You can ask questions that help decide what could fit into God’s will. Ask questions like; Is it biblical? Is it fruitful? Does it bear fruit of the Spirit? Does this honor God and glorify his name? You can also consider if it fits your passions and giftings. 

Keeping this in mind, when I decided if this was what God wanted for me, I was very much praying for him to give me a sign of confirmation. However, the doors towards going onto the field were wide open and everything seemed to be lining up. So, while I was praying for God to “make ax heads float”, I also was willing to see the open doors and walk through them in obedience knowing that God calls us to make disciples. I held both, obedience and my desire for a sign, in tension. And one night, God got rid of the need and desire for a sign in my heart, and I was ready to go. Which in itself was kind of a miracle and a sign itself!” 

Start and End with Prayer

“The short answer is that Jesus wants everyone to go on mission, but I'm assuming the question is more with the heart of how do I know if Jesus wants me to go vocational to another country on mission. My best answer for this is to start and end with prayer, but also make sure you are bringing other spiritually mature brothers and sisters into this decision. God gave us the body of Christ for many reasons, and one is for helping with discernment of big questions in our lives. Another thing that is often helpful, is to start with something shorter or closer (i.e. a short-term trip, a local cross-cultural outreach, etc.), as God often confirms things as we get exposure and experience.”