Becoming a Missionary Archives - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

From Home Office to Mission Field: A Lesson in God Dependence

Doug and Becca Gooding and their children, Nathan, Jonah, Tirzah, and Sam have answered God’s call to serve in a unique way.

Feb 14 2023

Over the next several months of TEAM Ministry Updates, we’ll be sharing stories that highlight each of TEAM’s defining values. Today we’d like to introduce you to the Gooding family. Their journey toward overseas ministry in Japan is marked by the value of “God Dependence.” Here is their story. Meet the Goodings In missions organizations like TEAM, it’s quite common for global workers to transition from a ministry post overseas to a position with the organization’s home office. It’s not as common for the opposite to be true. But our God has a wonderful way of revealing His plan…

Congreagation worshiping during a church service.

One of the greatest needs in international churches is for interim (short-term) and transitional pastors.

Nov 22 2022

Imagine entering a place where people from many nations gather as one. The faces are a kaleidoscope of color. Multiple languages, cultures, and backgrounds find commonality in the Gospel. This is the scene at international churches. Sounds like heaven, doesn’t it? Jeff Winters agrees. “There’s something so rich about having so many cultures in one place worshipping God,” says Jeff. “It’s a prelude to heaven when you go to an international church.” Jeff is a retired pastor who with his wife Judy served as an interim, or short-term, pastor at an international church in Turkey. Jeff and Judy stepped in…

Now more than ever, a good sending organization is key to a successful cross-cultural missionary journey.

Oct 25 2022

It’s no secret that a lot has changed in the last few years. Everyone is navigating the new waters of a post-pandemic world, and global missions is no exception. A few years ago, we shared some important reasons to partner with a missions agency, all of which are still valid considerations. Now, maybe more than ever, there are new, additional factors to consider. Here are three things to think about: Believe it or not, retirement is in your future! Wait, I won’t be a missionary forever? Believe it or not, most missionaries return to their host country at the…

Learn the language of missions with this quick reference glossary.

Jul 28 2022

If you’re just beginning to explore what it means to be a missionary, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by words and phrases in the “language” of missions. Some terms are used the same way across various missions agencies and audiences, while others are specific to a given mission organization. So what does it all mean? Here’s a quick and easy guide to “Missions Vocabulary 101” to bring you right up to speed with the latest in missions lingo. Key Terms in the “World” of Missions Of course, we can’t speak for every partner in the international missions community, but…

Have a heart for overseas missions? Serving in your own community is a great place to start.

Jun 23 2022

For many future missionaries, God’s calling to mission work can create an unnecessary sense of urgency. The desire to GO as soon as possible may cause an emotional decision to pursue cross-cultural missions right away without proper preparation. The result can be culture shock and difficulties adjusting to life on the mission field. Seasoned missionaries offer great advice to avoid this pitfall: think local before you go global. Taking the time to invest in local ministries that relate to the type of mission work you want to do will go a long way toward preparing you for the field. There…

When choosing what organization can best help you fulfill your missions calling, it’s important to know what questions to ask.

May 26 2022

If you’re considering becoming a missionary, one of the first steps you’ll take is choosing what sending organization to partner with. “Why do I need a missions organization?” you may ask. This is a big question that a missions coach can answer best. But the short version is that missions organizations like TEAM will train and equip you to serve, support you each step of the way and provide an infrastructure that will maximize your effectiveness in missions. So then, the next question is obvious. Which organization do I choose? This is another complex question that we can talk through…

Common questions from potential missionaries

When it comes to entering the mission field, there are no silly questions.

Mar 25 2022

Growing up I had a high school teacher with a poster in his class that read, “The only silly question is the one you didn’t ask.” In Mr. Johnson’s case, this referred to the complex world of algebra, but for potential missionaries, the dilemma can be the same. If you’re considering going to the mission field, you’ve likely already thought about the “big” questions – what type of ministry you’ll do, where you’ll go, etc. But often, potential missionaries wonder about the day-to-day aspects of missionary life as well. Maybe you have some of these details swirling around in your…

Your first year as missionary is less about bold ministry than it is about diligent studying and acclimation.

Aug 25 2021

“Your goal for the first term is to survive and want to come back.” When Eric Binion got this advice, he was a new missionary in South Africa. And at first, it sounded as absurd to him as it probably sounds to you. Eric already wanted to be in South Africa. Plus, a missionary’s first term is generally four years in-country. After language school, you still have two years to dedicate fully to ministry. Why aim for such a low goal? Decades later, Eric is giving the same advice. So, what should you expect your first year as a missionary?…

How do you know if God is calling you to long-term missions? Who are the best candidates for short-term mission trips? We’ve got answers.

Jul 27 2021

The journey of pursuing missions is unique for each person. God is personal and above all, and He is able to orchestrate all the details of a missionary’s life for His honor and glory. And yet, as you pursue cross-cultural Christian missions, you might find yourself stuck on this question: How long should you commit to overseas missions service? Is there really a valuable difference between short-term missions or a mid-term assignment? Should you just jump into long-term missions and commit your foreseeable future to overseas work? As a TEAM missions coach, I regularly help people walk through these questions,…

Muslim woman stands in French park, representing a situation in which cross-cultural training would be vital

When you minister to immigrants in a foreign country, cultural blunders are easy to make. You need the right cross-cultural training to give you a strong foundation for service.

Feb 11 2021

Without cross-cultural training, it’s easy for a new missionary to make costly mistakes. Mine could have been losing a friendship over a bowl of couscous. When my husband and I sensed God calling us to serve overseas, we weren’t seminary educated. We had traveled to over 15 countries together, but that was just enough for us to know we weren’t equipped to sustain a successful career as missionaries. Then we heard about Launch, a two-year, intensive internship in southern France. While living amongst North African immigrants, interns are trained in three areas: How to be a living testimony in a…

Category - Becoming a Missionary

From Home Office to Mission Field: A Lesson in God Dependence

International Churches: A Prelude to Heaven

Why You Need a Missions Agency in a Changing World

Missions Vocabulary 101

Ministry Before Missions: 5 Reasons to Think Local Before You Go Global

Questions to Ask a Missions Organization

10 Not-So-Silly Questions You May Have About Missions

5 Things to Expect Your First Year as a Missionary

How Long Should I Be a Missionary?

I Could Have Killed a Ministry Moment — Without Cross-Cultural Training