So you’re considering your next steps on your global mission journey...
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15) is the call to each of us. And yet it can seem like it is one big step that needs to be taken when in actual fact it is a lot of little steps to serving on the field.
The path to the mission field is a challenging one with lots of steps to take. But we are here to help you on that journey.
Here are some ideas to help you on your journey to serving in global mission.
BE FAT!
Faithful. Available. Teachable.
Be faithful in the ministry that God has given you to do now.
Be available, seeking opportunities to serve in new and different ways, to grow in your convictions, character, and competencies, and ability to cross cultures.
Be teachable. Recogise that you aren’t an expert, and be really open to learning from others.
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Read biographies of missionaries.
Read books on the theology and practise of cross-cultural mission.
Research countries that are least reached, least-resourced. The Joshua Project or Operation World have websites that help you find out the needs of different countries so you can pray for them.
Do a global mission course. ‘Perspectives’ , ‘Kairos’ or “The Unfinished Story’ are great examples to explore.
Connect with missionaries. Hear their stories. Join them as prayer partners, receive their prayer letters and pray for them, and be invested in what they do.
Connect with mission agencies. They often have events or useful training opportunities. ECM hold prayer nights every month and have missionaries come in and share directly from the field on what’s happening.
Find a mission mentor. Approach someone experienced like a returned missionary who can help guide you along the journey, pray with you, and offer feedback as you pursue this path.
GET PRACTICAL
Cultivate cross-cultural relationships Befriend people from other cultures and learn about them, their culture. how they do life. Discover their spiritual world view and be ready to share your faith.
Consider serving in a specific ministry
Some examples include: ESL programs, refugee work or working with international students.
Do a short term mission
Some mission agencies like ECM run these trips where you will go, watch and learn from missionaries, and get a feel for what it’s like for them day to day.
Consider a mission apprenticeship
An IMTS Apprenticeship is a 3 year cross-cultural ministry apprenticeship where you gain real-world experience with a cross-cultural missionary. You train under experienced cross-cultural ministry workers here in Australia and overseas.
For more info: ecmaustralia.org/imts
