What We Do
Becoming a Missionary with LAM
Zeroing In On Your Call
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How Do I Zero in on My Call to Missions?
First, recognize that groups like LAM aren't the sending bodies for missionaries;
that's the role and function of the local church. That's where the preparation/training
starts. Talk through this decision with your pastor. Seek his advice and
counsel. Set up regular "check-in" meetings with him as far as progress goes.
Make sure you're in accountability about these decisions with leaders in
your church. Make sure you're someplace where people are asking tough questions
about walking in holiness, motivations, etc. Our flesh, the enemy, etc. seem
to betray us as we sincerely seek to serve God. Surround yourself with the
protection of the local church. In short, we want to make sure we're equipping
and submitting to the local church throughout this process. And that you
continue to serve actively and passionately within your local church.
Second, which should have been first, pray! We don't want to seek a formula or a process or an answer or a pattern. We want to seek the face and direction of God.
Third, feed your mind. This process will be different for every candidate. Seek out mission resources: web-sites, books, magazines, training courses (like Perspectives), etc. For instance, if I were going to work with children-at-risk, I'd check out the resources directory on Viva Network's website that lists useful books. I would read something by Phyllis Kilbourn—for example "Children in Crisis: A New Commitment". Do some research on needs/realities of children-at-risk. I'd make sure I studied the challenges, heartache, joys, responsibilities, etc. of working with at-risk kids. I'd take a training program for workers with at-risk children. Viva Network and other groups sponsor these types of programs. I'd make sure I was praying regularly for kids around the world. This approach can be tailored to any sort of ministry.
Fourth, prepare yourself theologically/biblically. Do you have formal Bible training? If not, I'd recommend beginning a couple classes by correspondence, etc. while working. Theology and Bible are always helpful in whatever area of work God leads us. This is a practical step you can be working on right now to better prepare you for what may lie ahead.
Fifth, nurture relationships with Hispanics in your area. Check out some church services. Go to Hispanic areas and grab some meals. Put yourself in places where you're stretched in regards to language, culture, food, communication, comfort, etc.
Now, let's chat about figuring out the "how and what" of your call. One important step for you may be figuring out what mission organization God would have you serve with. Again, your local church has a big say in this process. But here are some helpful thoughts/questions/issues to consider as you explore this process with mission agencies...
- What's the theological orientation? How do they work with other denominations/ministries/mission organizations, etc.?
- How are nationals setting the agenda for ministry? What is the relationship with the national church and national leaders? (As a greater missions community, we should be moving away from the model of North Americans setting up something and then transferring leadership to nationals...and moving to a model of national oversight/agenda-setting from the beginning.)
- What's their philosophy/approach to member care? Both ongoing care and crisis management?
- What's its vision for the next five years?
- What does the organization say its weaknesses are? (This gives insight into a) openness to change b.) healthy self-awareness in need for growth c.) insight into agenda for change, etc.)
- Who makes decisions? How are those decisions made?
- How are missionaries supervised? Who does the supervising? Nationals? North Americans? From North America? From the site of ministry?
- What's the role of women? How are couples viewed?
- What kind of orientation is given to missionaries before they go to their place of service? ...when they return to the U.S.?
- How much language preparation does the agency allow the missionary candidate to have?
- What are my roles and responsibilities within the mission? How can I serve/help them?
- What attracted you to this agency? Is this a good fit? Is God leading me here?
A note about mission agencies. The process can take time. If you're wanting to begin full-time ministry in two years, it's great that you begin now. The process with most mission agencies will likely include paperwork, interviews, Orientation, etc. You may also want to figure visiting the potential ministry site over a Christmas or summer break time.
As you begin to look at specific ministry assignments as a couple, here are some questions to keep in mind:
- How is this serving the national church?
- Am I serving a felt/perceived need of the national church or is this part of my agenda?
- What is the vision?
- Who will be my support base?
- What sort of administrative structure does this ministry have?
- Accountability structure?
- What do national church/ministry leaders outside this specific ministry have to say about it?
- How does the Church at-large around it perceive it?
- To whom do I look for leadership?
- What are my feelings about this person?
This last question is even more important than "What is my role? and What is my job?" Working in cross-cultural ministry in Latin America, especially working with children-at-risk, roles and responsibilities and tasks change, fluctuate and demand lots of flexibility from us. That's why the question of leadership and buying into the vision remains paramount.
We hope this helps you understand the process that is ahead of you in seeking to serve the Lord in missions. Please call us or write with any specific questions as you begin this process.
