The process of serving as a Global Mission Worker is no small task. You are considering leaving your current life and lifestyle for something entirely different, for God’s glory. MSC can help you navigate the process of going out as a Global Mission Worker – as you think through the finances, logistics, training, communications, and commendation.
Step 1: Respond
The first step is to RESPOND to God’s call. We believe that a big part of the biblical response to a sense of God’s calling is to prayerfully involve others. Your church leaders can check out our SEND, which will help them think through their part in the process. Talk to the leaders of the local church where you fellowship, give them the opportunity to ask questions, assess where you’re at, give recommendations and provide input. Think about when, where, and how long you want to go. Get in touch with MSC so that we can help support and guide the process. Throughout the process, continue serving in your current God-given context.
We’re not here to tell you or your church leaders what to do, but we are here to provide you with decades of experience helping mission workers get out to where God’s called them. We’re here to Serve, Inform, and Encourage you as you GO – and to do the same for your local church as they SEND. So, if you’re responding to the call to go and make disciples, read on!
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Step 2: Prepare
The next step as you GO is to PREPARE and plan. How will you get there? Who will you connect with on the ground, both now and once you arrive? What logistical needs have to be met? What personal affairs need to be put in order? These are just some of the questions that should begin being addressed at this stage. This is a key stage where MSC’s expertise can serve and aid both you and your local church as we connect you with like-minded believers where you’re heading, suggest the questions often left un-asked, and help you to establish realistic and faith-filled plans.
During this phase, meet regularly with your church leaders to dream, plan, and pray. Devote yourself to your spiritual growth and your walk with the Lord as you prepare. Meet with former missionaries or those home on furlough, read recent books on contemporary missions, and learn all you can about the culture and country you are heading to. Look through available mission training options and determine the best fit for your timetable, term, and finances. Crossing cultures and crossing oceans involves so many things that will be utterly foreign and unexpected. Cuisine, language, cultural differences, traditions – the list of significant challenges is boundless. The more you’re able to be prepared for these changes and challenges, the less they can hold you back from your Gospel goals. Make sure you receive training that will minimize the impact of these paradigm shifts.
MSC strongly encourages prospective mission workers to research the social, cultural, economic, and political history of their intended country of service. Two places to begin learning about these things are Wikipedia and the United Nations. In addition, we highly recommend developing an understanding of the history of missions and in particular brethren missions. A book list has been provided below to help you begin or continue this process.
We also have a list of books to work through as you think about going as mission workers:
Step 3: Train
Depending on the term of your mission work (whether short, long, or life-term), the appropriate training will differ. The amount of learning and practical prep for a two-week trip should by nature be hugely different from what’s necessary for those leaving for a permanent residence in another nation or culture. Wherever you decide to receive the training you need, put your all into it. There are many resources available which will not only save you months or years of learning things the hard way but will also save you from making many mistakes which can do damage and limit the effectiveness of your ministry. Click here to discover some recommended training options.
Step 4: Connect
This step is twofold. Once you are out in the chosen mission field, you will obviously be eager to CONNECT with the people there, the people that God has called you to reach and their culture. You’ll be walking with them, encouraging them, exhorting them to be saved or to grow up in Christ.
However, you also have a responsibility to CONNECT with your local church “back home,” although you are a distance away, still walking with them, encouraging them, and exhorting them to do great things for God’s glory. Let them know how you are doing, give them opportunities to tactfully pray for you and for the work God is doing around you. Let them know what’s happening and how they can help. Remember to connect with us here at MSC as well so that we can help you connect with believers all across Canada!