Maybe you’ve wanted to be a missionary since a real, live one spoke to your first-grade class. Maybe it’s been on your heart for a few years; you’re just waiting for the right moment (ideally indicated in flashing neon). Maybe you’d never considered the possibility of living more than ten minutes from a Walmart until you recently had the chance to sing from a kuna hymnal or hear the crispy crackle of a celebratory Luzon lechon.
Something on Your Mind
Now, though, it’s a Thought. One of those capital T ones that Just. Won’t. Get. Out. Of. Your. Head.
I’ve been where you are, and I’m here to tell you: Stop thinking about it! At least, in the fretful manner of a one-and-done Big Decision. That part is done; your heavenly Father, in His unfathomable wisdom, knows where and when and how He would have you serve Him.
Instead, try these five tactics as you walk through the process of discerning the will of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), who desires that your heart be unburdened.
5 Steps for Your Discernment Journey
1. Pray.
Pour your thoughts, feelings, concerns, questions, doubts, and delights out repeatedly before the throne of the One who is faithful to hear and answer. Leave it all at the foot of the cross, leaning into His promised rest.
2. Dialogue.
Discuss with family and friends, as you can (your idea may not be public knowledge in all spheres of life!). If you are dating, engaged, or married, it is imperative that your significant other be as committed (or not, in the end) to the idea as you are. If you have children, they will feed off your attitude regarding leaving everything that’s familiar. While you’re most likely an adult who doesn’t need your mommy and daddy’s permission, having their emotional backing and advocacy will go far. These individuals, as well as siblings, friends, and others, can also pray for you.
3. Consult with Your Sending Agency.
If you’ve gotten as far as identifying a sending agency, reach out. LCMS International Mission (hint, hint … send a quick email to missionary.recruitment@lcms.org anytime!) has a long history of sending international missionaries and a proven process for vetting their viability. The caring, experienced staff members walk dozens of individuals, couples, and families through the process annually, and they know what to look for to set them up for success or gently nudge them toward another vocation within the Body of Christ.
4. Educate Yourself About Mission Strategy.
Look into mission strategy, broadly, and your organization’s overseas work, more particularly. The LCMS states this on their missionaries page:
The main priority of a missionary is to bring the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ to people who have never heard the Good News. (lcms.org)
To what end? Planting Lutheran churches. Showing mercy likewise brings people into fellowship with other like-minded Christians and eventually, with the Holy Spirit’s nudging, into God’s family through Baptism. Missionaries from a wide spectrum of backgrounds are actively engaged in this work; social media, mailing lists, and missionary presentations are all great ways to grow in understanding of what the calling you are considering might look like. With an open mind in case plans change, look up the geography, climate, demographics, and the like of the country or region you’re most likely to land in, or seek out books and movies that paint a picture of life there.
5. Spend Time in the Word.
God’s will is ultimately revealed through His Word (see Psalm 119:105), which is read, preached, taught, and inwardly digested. Be faithful in prayer (are you sensing a theme?), in your reading of the Scriptures, in meeting together for corporate worship, and in study that transcends Sunday morning.
Et voilà! You’re not thinking about it at all, anymore, right? Simply waiting for God’s revealed will in His perfect timing? We all wish it were that easy. Good news: It IS. Paul reminds the Thessalonians,
He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
On the cross, He already has; the Christian’s joy is to broadcast, to the neighboring cubicle and the neighboring continent, that Good News. Ideally in flashing neon.
Scripture: ESV®.
As you prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to serve, Justification as the Formative Power of Mission offers a Gospel-centered vision of mission rooted in Christ’s saving work.
