global missions Archives - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

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

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…

What does it really take to be a missionary? Keep reading to see some of the qualifications for being successful on the field!

Jul 08 2019

As a missions coach, one of the questions I receive is, “What do I need to do to be qualified for missions?” Many people nail down the “who” and the “where” before they address the “what” in their missionary call. But as one missionary in the Middle East, Neena*, explains, “Our ‘call’ to another country does not exempt us from any further duties.” When it comes to being effective cross-cultural witnesses, being strategically equipped is just as important has having a personal calling. For some, that equipping means attending seminary to be the best church leader you can be. For…

What would it look like for your church to carry out the mission of Acts 1:8, integrating both local and global missions? Photo by TEAM

Jan 25 2018

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 is a common verse in the missions world, used to encourage every Christian to take the Gospel to their Jerusalem (local city), Judea and Samaria (region), and the ends of the earth (world). But with limited time and resources, this mission can seem like more than we can handle. Churches often start asking, “Should we focus on local or global missions?” In answering this question,…

Gather the family together to make this Christmas keepsake and remember the reason Christ came to Earth! Photo by TEAM

Dec 19 2017

Christmas is more than a holiday. It’s a time when we remember that Christ came to Earth so the whole world could experience true joy and lasting relationship with Him. This year, we want to help you create a tangible reminder of why we celebrate. This ornament is also a great reminder to pray for those all over the world who have yet to hear the Good News — and the missionaries sharing it. Ready? Let’s get started! This craft is perfect for the whole family, ages 6 and up. Download instructions and templates here. Prep time: 30 min. Dry…

Where culture doesn't contradict spiritual truth, western missionaries must take care to leave it unchanged. Photo by Robert Johnson / TEAM

Apr 15 2014

Today, TEAM missionary Brett Miller shares about how missionaries impact cultures in good and bad ways — and how to avoid the latter. Recently, I went pheasant hunting with some friends of my Dad who were kind enough to include me in their circle. It was a special day and, as one of them pointed out, likely my last day of pheasant hunting. There are no pheasants in Swaziland, where my wife and I are going to serve as missionaries. One of the men I was hunting with made a perceptive comment. He told me that missions had done serious…

Tag - global missions

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

How Do I Become Qualified for Missions?

4 Ways to Unite Your Local and Global Missions Strategy

DIY: “Joy to the World” Ornament

Do Western Missionaries Damage Cultures?