preparing for missions Archives - Page 2 of 8 - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

How Do I Become Qualified for Missions?

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…

People pray together in a church in a different culture

Every missionary has to learn new cultures. But what if those cultural differences go deeper than you imagined? Learn about this and three other missionary lessons!

Apr 10 2019

Recently, I celebrated the five-year anniversary of becoming a TEAM missionary in Taiwan. Each year has been quite different, with its own share of surprises, disappointments and small victories. Today, I’m sharing four missionary lessons I’ve learned along the way. 1. Metacultural differences in thinking can go deeper than we expect. Through years of cross-cultural learning and teamwork in Taiwan, I’ve realized I didn’t simply cross from one culture to another but moved into a whole different neighborhood of national and local cultures. It’s a different metacultural context. We generally understand cultural differences by taking the way we would think…

What does it take to be a church planter? Find out as one TEAM missionary couple shares their church planting strategy!

Oct 09 2018

“The word that sticks in my mind is walls,” TEAM missionary David North told his wife, Kathy when they scouted out the location of their last church plant. “There are cement walls everywhere, it’s industrial, it’s dirty, it’s gray, but there are also spiritual walls.” When David and Kathy moved to the Filipino city of Mandaue they could feel an overwhelming darkness. But still, they moved. David and Kathy North have been church planters for over 20 years and have successfully planted several churches. They are champions for growing the Kingdom. But it hasn’t always been an easy road. Several times…

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…

As we celebrate 50 years of short-term ministry at TEAM, please ask God to provide more short-term workers for a long-term impact.

Sep 04 2018

Eight years ago, TEAM missionaries in Tokyo leased the site for what would become the SonRise Cafe. The vision was to create a missional coffee shop, where people could feel welcome — and get to hear the Gospel. But the only structure that stood there was a concrete shell. They needed pretty much everything, from floors and ceilings to kitchen cabinets. How would they get it all done? Their time was eaten up by other ministries. And then there was the matter of funds. It was impossible for them to accomplish on their own. That’s when five men from the…

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…

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 - preparing for missions

How Do I Become Qualified for Missions?

4 Lessons from My First 5 Years on the Field

‘We Don’t Want to be Heroes’: One Couple’s Church Planting Strategy

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?

Can Short-Term Ministry Have a Long-Term Impact? [September Prayer Focus]

To Be a Missionary, Tell the Right Story

Is Gen Z Ready for Serious Missions?

5 Ways to Prepare for Long-Term Missions Service