The Call to the Mission Field: Preparing for a Life of Service
The stories of individuals called by God to serve in missions are both inspiring and varied. I was personally called to serve when I was 23, content with my life and job, yet the Lord led me to Italy where I learned the profound doctrines of grace, evangelism, and missions, transforming my life. Similarly, my former colleague, Tom, was moved to action while visiting an Italian graveyard, realizing the souls buried there likely perished without ever hearing the Gospel. He dedicated his retirement to mission work. God's call does not come with a one-size-fits-all timeline.
The Unpredictable Path of Calling
God's call to the mission field is as varied as the individuals He calls. Some experience a sudden, undeniable urge to leave everything behind, while for others, the call matures over years, even decades. I write this post particularly to speak to the younger generation who feel a stirring in their hearts for unreached lands. The world often tempts us with comfort, ease, and the status quo, and thus the decision to serve abroad is a daunting one.
Preparing for the Call
If you're a young Christian with a desire to serve, understand that preparation is key. It's never too early to get yourself equipped, but it can be too late. Whether you are called to serve the Lord overseas, in the U.S., or right where you are, these steps can fortify your faith and readiness for whatever service God has for you:
1. Develop Spiritual Disciplines - Developing spiritual disciplines is vital for Christian life and mission work. Just as athletes must train relentlessly, Christians need to cultivate spiritual practices to grow in grace and effectively serve in missions. This involves regular Bible reading, understanding the value of Scripture, and engaging in disciplined study to nourish one's soul. Key disciplines include daily scripture intake, avoiding spiritual "junk food" by being discerning about Christian content, engaging in regular spiritual exercise through service and evangelism, and ensuring spiritual rest through prayer, meditation, and solitude. These practices are not for salvation but for growth in Christlikeness, enabling Christians to be fruitful and faithful in any mission field. Just as physical health requires deliberate effort, spiritual health demands intentional discipline, with the Holy Spirit providing the energy and motivation to sustain such a lifestyle. It's never too early to become a more disciplined disciple. Pro tip - let love for Christ be your motivation.
2. Cultivate Long-Term Vision - Cultivating a long-term vision is essential for effective Christian service, particularly in mission work. The Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 illustrates this through the contrast between the foolish virgins, who did not prepare for the bridegroom's delayed arrival, and the wise ones, who brought extra oil, symbolizing foresight and preparation. This parable teaches us not to be short-sighted, assuming immediate outcomes like the return of Christ, but to plan for the long haul in spreading the Gospel. Many contemporary issues in Christianity arise from a lack of this long-term vision, misunderstanding the gradual expansion of God's kingdom. As you engage with the Great Commission, start planning early, committing your plans to the Lord who will establish them, as advised in Proverbs 16:3.
3. Build Resilience for Challenges and Setbacks - It's never too early to start developing a tough exterior and a strong heart. A missionary cannot endure long without learning to handle heartaches, setbacks, and various trials by leaning on Christ. We live in a time where people are easily offended and overly sensitive. No matter where or how the Lord calls you, you must seek Him to fortify your heart. Like parenting and all other endeavors that glorify God, missions are not for the faint-hearted. Building resilience and a robust trust in God's sovereign care is imperative.
4. Establish a Support Network - If you aspire to be a missionary, securing the support of a church is essential, particularly a church that is biblically sound and healthy. Understanding and being part of such a church is crucial because biblical missions are facilitated through these communities, which are central to God's mission. Being actively involved in your church not only prepares you for missionary work but also ensures that when God calls you, you'll have the confirmation, love, and support of your church family. As you serve overseas, you represent your church, and through your efforts, they extend their impact to unreached people groups. Therefore, it's wise to start discussing your missionary aspirations with your church community early on.
5. Immerse Yourself in Language and Culture - If you feel called to serve a specific people group, start learning their language now to lay a foundation before you go. While full immersion on the field is the most effective way to learn, arriving with some language skills can be advantageous. The account in Acts 21:39-22:2 shows how Paul, by addressing the crowd in Hebrew, gained their attention and respect, illustrating the power of speaking in someone's native language. Today, with resources like books, podcasts, videos, apps, and opportunities to connect with native speakers in local communities, there's no better time to immerse yourself in another culture's language, enhancing your ability to communicate and connect when you serve abroad.
6. Understand the Spiritual Climate of the Mission Field - Understanding the spiritual climate of a mission field like Italy is crucial, where the historical and cultural context significantly shapes evangelism. New missionaries often arrive with enthusiasm but soon encounter the complex realities of a country deeply influenced by centuries of Roman Catholic tradition and a sophisticated, historically rich culture. Italy's spiritual landscape is not a blank slate but more like a field requiring extensive plowing before any sowing can be effective. The Italian people's perception of Christianity is often colored by the grandeur of the Catholic Church, making small evangelical gatherings seem insignificant. To effectively minister in such an environment, one must invest time in learning about Italy's history, its cultural depth, and the spiritual challenges that come with it, thereby gaining insight to speak to the hearts of the Italian people with relevance and understanding.
The Example of Timothy
In Acts 16, we see the apostle Paul, ever on the move, selecting Timothy as a companion. Timothy was not just any disciple; he was "well-spoken of by the brothers," indicating his life was a testament to his faith. Paul recognized in him the qualities needed for effective ministry: humility, teachability, and readiness to serve.
Are You Ready?
If Paul walked into your church, would he see in you a disciple like Timothy? Would you be ready to go if called? Preparing now through spiritual, cultural, and practical means can ensure you are not just ready but effective when the call comes.
The path to the mission field is unique for each believer, but one constant remains: the call from God is clear and compelling. Whether you feel this call now or in the future, start preparing your heart, mind, and life. What you do now is important. It's never too early to begin getting yourself equipped, but sadly, it can often be too late. Remember, the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Let's strive to be among those quality workers, ready to answer God's call with joy and dedication.
Stay tuned for my soon-coming book on being equipped. One chapter in the book dives deeper into the content of this post.
Written by Jesse Schreck | founder, director, and missionary church planter in Italy with Practical Missions Cohort
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