What should I do if I think God is calling me to cross-cultural missions?
You have heard about the Great Commission and Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations. You have prayerfully considered your calling to go…but now what?
For some, the temptation might be to jump on the first plane to Dakar or Dili. “The lost must hear the gospel; Jesus has commanded us to preach it, and time is fleeting, after all!” they say. “I’ll figure it out when I get there!”
Still others might get caught up in endless planning before they are ready to go. “When it comes to preparation, surely more is always better,” they reason. “I’ll feel ready in six years.”
The truth is that for most people, the best path lies between these extremes. Missions is a marathon, so we have to be prepared for the long haul—but we don’t have unlimited time, either. Here are some ways to keep deliberately moving forward:
1. Honestly Evaluate Your Personal Health and Readiness
Readiness can take many forms: spiritual and relational, educational and emotional, physical and practical. Take a moment to reflect honestly on both your strengths and areas for growth. Ask for input from wise, trusted mentors.
Do you have a solid grasp of the Bible as a whole—how to interpret its parts and put them together, what the gospel is, and how to apply these truths in various contexts? Are you burdened by stifling debt or besetting sins? Would others say that you are emotionally and relationally healthy? Do you practice regular spiritual disciplines that help you trust and obey the Lord, especially when things are difficult?
Ultimately, the question is not “Am I perfect?” but “Am I healthy, growing, and taking action where needed?”
2. Stay Deeply Involved in Your Church
Being a missionary may expose you to cultural realities that are challenging to prepare for in advance. But you can still strengthen your ministry muscles at home. Plans need to be made and executed. Teamwork and collaboration are necessities. Adaptability and perseverance through hardship and change are required. Humility and dependence upon the Lord are essential. And people will both inspire you and deeply let you down—wherever you are.
These are realities that all missionaries face. Before trying to do ministry in another country and culture, first get involved in ministry where you currently are. Talk to the leadership at your church. Tell them you want to pursue cross-cultural missions, but you want to begin with ministry experience in your own church and community. See how you can begin serving now and humbly learn through those experiences and the mentorship of your home church.
3. Pursue Evangelism and Cross-Cultural Relationships Now
One advantage of living in a globalized world is the proximity Christians now have to share the gospel with unreached peoples, even in our own communities! For most of us, we do not need to travel to another country to reach the unreached; we can meet and befriend them at the grocery store, university, or local park.
Do you know how to share the gospel, especially with someone from another culture? How are you building relationships through food, arts, language, leisure, or curiosity about their beliefs? When you are invited into their homes, are you gaining a sense of culturally accepted customs, boundaries, and taboos?
The boldness to share the gospel and establish cross-cultural relationships does not suddenly appear after stepping off the plane in another country. These are core missionary abilities that you can begin practicing as a way of life now, even as you prepare to go overseas.
4. Commit to Short-Term or Mid-Term Service
Committing to a career in cross-cultural missions can feel like a huge step—even more so if you have never been on an international missions trip before! Seeing life on the mission field for yourself is sometimes the best way to confirm a calling to missions in general or to a particular place or people group.
At Avant, we provide opportunities to serve for a shorter period of time so you can determine if a long-term commitment is what God is leading you to. When you go with Avant, you are not getting a sanitized, ministry-lite vacation. You will come alongside seasoned long-term missionaries who will care for you and help you learn what it is really like to reach the unreached with the gospel.
5. Speak with a Mobilizer
Stepping into cross-cultural ministry is a big step. You will have questions. The path to getting there can feel intimidating. But it doesn’t need to be, and we can help! Our team of mobilizers welcomes the opportunity to meet you, listen to your story, and support you in taking your next steps. Get connected today, and we will help you get to the mission field
Explore Your Path to Missions
Connect with an Avant mobilizer to share your story, ask questions, and learn how you could serve with Avant.
Check out our short-term and mid-term opportunities to gain firsthand ministry experience as you consider your next steps in missions.
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