missionary calling Archives - Page 2 of 5 - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

How to Become a Missionary

Are you interested in becoming a missionary but don't know where to start? Look no further! We broke down the process into 5 main steps most missionaries go through!

Sep 24 2019

The pursuit of becoming a missionary is ambiguous. It starts as a dream, and the process of taking it from a dream to reality includes a lot of little “next steps” that aren’t super clear. In my role as a missions coach, that is exactly what I like to help people do. I help people take their best next step as they discern how God wants to use them in cross-cultural ministry. So, here is a simple overview of the main steps toward becoming a missionary. Talk with Your Church It’s easy to feel like cross-cultural mission work is an…

Group picture of the Emmanuel Church congregation, planted by TEAM missionaries

Art Reyes' parents worked hard to give him the American Dream. They were shocked when Art told them he was moving back to Mexico — as a missionary. Photo courtesy of Vicki Reyes.

Aug 29 2019

¡Lea esta publicación en español aquí! “Why? I worked so hard to bring you to the USA so you could have a future! Now, you are taking your family back to Mexico? Why?” The Lord is using Hispanic American missionaries to share the Gospel in Spanish-speaking countries. Already familiar with the language and the collective Hispanic culture, these missionaries can usually jump into ministry without years of language school or cultural faux pas. But for the missionary’s family — especially parents — doing ministry in Latin America can feel like ungratefulness. Almost half of adult Hispanics in the U.S. are first…

Opening your home can scary and exhausting, but one missionary shares how it became her favorite part of the week!

Nov 29 2018

Once, during a church barbecue at our house, my husband found me in an upstairs bedroom, hiding from our guests. Moments before, in an effort to find a topic that I might have in common with my fellow church goers, I had blurted out something really strange that just didn’t come out right. I attempted to graciously excuse myself and hightailed it out of there. I think of this story fairly often because, honestly, one of my biggest weaknesses is not enjoying small talk and, more specifically, despising moments like this. It happened probably five years ago, and yet I…

As a missionary, what does it look like to really deepen your relationship with God? Keep reading to discover ways to rest in His grace.

Sep 24 2018

I listened as a seasoned missionary, more educated than myself, shared from his heart. He leaned forward and asked a question I wasn’t expecting: “Mike, what does it really mean to be loved by God?” I fumbled for a moment under the inner pressure to respond with just the right theological answer. Thankfully, I hesitated and replied honestly: “I’m not totally sure. I am still learning that myself.” The missionary leaned back with a sigh of relief and said, “Thank you. I was so afraid you were going to give me a formula.” Since then, I’ve met with many successful…

Do short-term trips lead to long-term service?

Kiersten knew she was called to missions. But that meant facing her fears in order to get there. Read what God taught her throughout her missionary journey!

Sep 17 2018

Kiersten Hutchinson was the perfect missionary candidate: She’d gone on short-term mission trips for years. She attended the Urbana missions conference, not once but twice. She led her church’s mission board and ran missions conferences. “If anyone asked about me, it was, ‘Oh yeah, she’s well on her way to missions,’” Kiersten says. “You know, no questions.” And that’s what Kiersten thought, too. Until it was actually time for her first two-year assignment. Suddenly, the confident 20-something was gripped with fear that wouldn’t budge. Two years in Zimbabwe was simply too much. And soon, she called her sending agency, TEAM,…

Read how five individuals prove that anyone can become a short-term missionary — regardless of life stage. Photo courtesy of the David and Jan Fitzgerald.

Sep 11 2018

A recent college graduate, a young married couple and a nearly retired couple wouldn’t typically have a lot in common. Gen Z-ers are just starting their careers and learning how to live as independent adults. Millennials are navigating buying houses, settling down and maybe even starting a new family. Baby Boomers are considering what life looks like after retirement and trying to decide how they will spend their post-career years. And yet, they do share one big thing: God is using them in short-term missions. A Couple with a House, Careers — and a Calling Going on a short-term mission…

What does it take to be a missionary? Is it about having the right training, vision or passion — or is there something more?

Aug 30 2018

So, you want to know if you have what it takes to be a missionary? Well, brace yourself. Everyone has an opinion. Some folks will tell you all it takes is the right training. Others may tell you that it takes the right passion. Still, more good-intentioned people will say that the right vision is all you need. But rather than the right training, passion or vision, we must start with the right story. We humans like to talk about ourselves. If we start with ourselves, though, we’ll never have what it takes to be a missionary. A missionary is…

Who is Generation Z and how will they impact the future of missions? Find out as we uncover traits of these upcoming world-changers.

Aug 13 2018

Have you ever been fearful about the future of missions? Anxiously wondered if these next generations will carry on the vision God has so clearly given? We all know those worries and fears need to be given over the Jesus, to acknowledge that the work is being done by the Holy Spirit and we aren’t in control. But sometimes it’s helpful to be encouraged in our doubts and questions. It helps us refute the lies of the enemy, and it allows us to participate in God’s work with this next generation through prayer and mentoring. I serve as a missions…

Kwenzo had a mom and nine siblings to support. So when God called him to ministry, he thought it was impossible.

Aug 07 2018

Kwenzo’s father was dead. His mother had eight other children to support. And as the oldest son, Kwenzo couldn’t just watch his family struggle. Ever since high school, he’d wanted to be an electrical engineer. It wasn’t just interesting. It could provide for his family! So when God called Kwenzo to a livelihood of ministry, he resisted. What about school? Kwenzo thought. How can I take care of my family on a minister’s salary? But then came the dreams. A Savior He Had to Follow Kwenzo was in high school when he met Jesus. A friend invited him to church,…

If God's calling you to long-term missions, you've probably wondered, "What do I do now?" Find out how you can begin preparing today!

Jul 26 2018

Feeling the conviction to serve in long-term missions is an exciting time in any Christian’s life. It may come during a short-term mission trip or an engaging sermon at church. It may shock you or feel like exactly what you’ve been waiting for. But however you felt led to long-term missions, you’re probably wondering, “What do I do now?” My calling to serve God in missions came at the age of 14, in the form of an unmistakable inner conversation with God that I couldn’t ignore. That started me on the path of preparation. Since then, I’ve not only served…

Tag - missionary calling

How to Become a Missionary

Hispanics are Giving Up the American Dream — for Missions

Why Hospitality is Worth the Loss

Why Missions Can’t Fix Your Relationship with God

When It Comes to Missions, God Can Use Your Baby Steps

What Do College Grads Have in Common with Retirees?

To Be a Missionary, Tell the Right Story

Is Gen Z Ready for Serious Missions?

What Happens When You Tell God No?

5 Ways to Prepare for Long-Term Missions Service