becoming a missionary Archives - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

Missions Vocabulary 101

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…

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…

The Church is strengthened when mature Christians take time to mentor fellow believers and live life together.

Jan 14 2022

When Stuvan read the message from a colleague introducing him to Balraj, a church planter asking for discipleship, he paused before answering. It could have been a no brainer. Stuvan, a south Asian TEAM missionary, is passionate about mentoring national workers in foundational Christian beliefs. Instead, he took the time to ask questions, do research and pray for guidance. Was Balraj serious about serving God and about being trained? Was he faithful? Did Balraj have the time for discipleship with Stuvan? Was he available? And was Balraj willing to learn? Was he teachable? “I really wanted to make sure,” Stuvan…

Thanks to CPI's network, dozens of churches like this one in Mangaldan have been planted across the Philippines.

Dec 15 2021

The students at the Church Planting Institute are a mismatched bunch. High school dropouts and college professors. A former gang member and a former aspiring priest. Mature believers and brand new ones. But they’re all attending the CPI because they share two things in common. “It’s basically, do you believe in Christ? Are you passionate about Him enough to invest your life in multiplying for Christ?” says TEAM missionary David Weaver. “And if you are, then … we’ll take you wherever you’re at and disciple you from there.” This easy entry philosophy might not lend the Filipino school much prestige,…

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,…

Creating powerful missionary update videos is easier than you think. You just need a few simple tools and strategies.

May 27 2021

Missionaries have sent written letters to supporters from day one (think Paul). But today, missionaries have exponentially more outlets and mediums to share their stories, and video should be near the top of that list. As TEAM’s multimedia video producer, I constantly see the power of video help missionaries engage supporters and share God’s incredible work. Using video from the early fundraising process through your time on the mission field will help your supporters, friends and family better visualize what your life and ministry looks like on a day to day basis. And when people can better understand your ministry,…

Serving in international churches is a chance to minister to unreached people groups in closed nations - with the government’s blessing.

Feb 14 2021

In a world where missionary visas are increasingly hard to get, Hunter and Wendy* are doing something truly remarkable. They’re moving to a Muslim-majority country where local churches operate underground. They’ll work to make disciples among unreached people groups. And they’ll do it with the local government’s approval. It sounds impossible, but opportunities like this are opening around the world, thanks to international churches. “It’s kind of amazing because it’s a Muslim country, and it’s illegal to become a Christian there, … but I’m going to have ‘pastor’ in my visa,” Hunter says. Committed to the Unreached Hunter and Wendy…

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…

Tag - becoming a missionary

Missions Vocabulary 101

Questions to Ask a Missions Organization

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

Making Disciples who Make Disciples

The Church Planting Program That Became a Filipino Movement

5 Things to Expect Your First Year as a Missionary

How Long Should I Be a Missionary?

How to Wow Your Supporters with Video Updates

International Churches: A Gateway to the Unreached

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