Preparing Now, for Then
Becoming a missionary is not an overnight process. It's the result of a lifetime of formation and work that God has been doing in each of us. Here are six things you can be doing right now as you journey toward the adventure of missionary service.
Seek Counsel.
Missions agencies like LAM aren't the sending bodies for missionaries; that's the role and function of the local church, where the preparation and training starts. Talk through this decision with your pastor and mentors, seeking their advice and counsel and submitting to them throughout this process. And continue to serve actively and passionately within your local church.
Surround yourself with people who ask tough questions about walking in holiness, motivations for service, etc. It is easy to deceive and betray ourselves even as we sincerely seek to serve God.
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. Use this season of searching to seek first after God Himself, not even the guidance He provides. Grow your prayer life, whether through praying with others or learning new forms of prayer.
- Richard Foster: Celebration of Discipline
- Randall Neighbour on Small Group Prayer
Feed your mind.
Seek out mission resources (web-sites, books, magazines, training courses) to grow your understanding in your area of interest. If you are going to work with children-at-risk, check out the resources directory at Viva Network, for example. Research the needs and realities of children-at-risk. Take a training program for workers with at-risk children. And pray regularly for kids around the world. This approach can be tailored to any sort of ministry.
MissionFinder.org Training Resources
Prepare professionally.
Do you have the necessary training? If you want to work with children-at-risk, have you studied child development, elementary education or social work? If you want to do social entrepreneurship, do you have training and experience in business? Whatever your goal, look at a comparable position in the US and prepare yourself accordingly. The professional certification requirements may very, but the recommended preparation and training are comparable. Get training and experience that will make you a knowledgeable and excellent servant wherever you are.
Seek Bible and Theology Training.
Do you have formal Bible training? If not, we'd recommend beginning a couple classes online or in the evenings while working. Theology and Bible are always helpful in whatever area of work God leads us. Many seminaries, colleges and Bible schools offer online classes, or check with your denomination to see if they offer lay ministry training.
Bible Study Fellowship is an international, non-denominational free Bible study program that we highly recommend. See if there is a class meeting near you.
Nurture relationships with Hispanics in your area.
In most areas of the US, the Latin mission field has come to you. Check out hispanic church services. Go to Latin stores and restaurants and have a meal. Put yourself in places where you're stretched in regards to language, culture, food, communication, comfort, etc.
