“Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
— Isaiah 6:8 (AMP)

The True Call to Mission #

Desiring to serve in the mission field is noble, but the desire alone is not enough. Emotion, excitement, and passion may stir the heart temporarily, but they cannot sustain a soul in the trials, loneliness, and spiritual warfare of real mission life. Only a divine call by the Spirit of God can anchor the missionary for endurance and fruitfulness.

How does one truly discern the call? #

• A deep, undeniable stirring in the spirit that does not fade.
• A growing burden for lost souls or a specific nation, people, or need.
• Consistent confirmation through the Holy Spirit, Scripture, godly counsel, and church leadership.

“So also the Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit [assuring us] that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16 (AMP)

Note: The Holy Spirit does not rush the process. As the Lord Jesus Himself waited thirty years before stepping into public ministry, so too must the missionary wait until the Spirit confirms readiness. All this is only when Christ is in you, you are moved by the Holy Spirit, you are dead to the world, dead to Adam and the flesh, but alive in Christ and the Spirit.

The Role of Pastoral Witness and Church Confirmation #

A trustworthy local church and discerning pastoral oversight are essential. The pastor is often given spiritual insight to see God’s stirring in the believer’s life. However, pastors are human and can err — either affirming a calling that is not genuine or delaying one that is. Therefore, prayer, patience, and counsel from the church body remain vital.

“Where there is no wise guidance, the people fall, but in the abundance of counsellors there is victory.” — Proverbs 11:14 (AMP)

Steps of Practical Preparation #

Once the call is confirmed, preparation begins with deliberate choices:

A missionary must be flexible, willing to learn, and open to correction in every step of this process.

Biblical and Theological Education #

Formal biblical training is often recommended to ground the missionary in sound doctrine. Even Paul the Apostle, after his Damascus encounter, went away for a time of learning and preparation (Galatians 1:17-18).

Not every mission board demands a formal degree, but none should overlook the need for a firm biblical grounding. The missionary represents Christ, not personal opinion.

Practical and Vocational Training #

Some missionaries may require practical skills training depending on their field assignment:

Work experience, apprenticeships, and hands-on training make the missionary more effective, resourceful, and self-reliant in challenging environments.

Language Preparation #

Language proficiency opens hearts. While formal language school may be part of mission preparation, personal discipline in self-study (using apps, online resources, or tutors) is highly encouraged. Remember, language opens culture, and culture opens souls.

“To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews… I have become all things to all men, so that by all means [possible] I may save some.” — 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 (AMP)

Reading Missionary Biographies #

A rich practice is reading biographies of past missionaries like Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, or David Livingstone. These stories reveal hardships, tests of faith, divine provision, and the cost of obedience, preparing the heart for spiritual endurance.

Exposure through Short-term Mission Trips #

Short-term field trips serve as excellent exposure and discernment tools. They:

• Reveal personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Cultivate sensitivity to new cultures and people.
• Confirm or question the missionary burden.

Real faces, real souls, and real needs stir the heart more than books ever can.

Building Relationships with Seasoned Missionaries #

Connecting with experienced missionaries — either directly or online — provides insight, wisdom, and spiritual encouragement. These friendships become lifelines when facing discouragement or doubt in the field.

“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another.” — Proverbs 27:17 (AMP)

Gathering Prayer and Financial Support #

Before going, the missionary must secure prayer covering and financial provision. This requires sharing the vision with churches, friends, and supporters. Paul modelled this by thanking the Philippian church for their partnership (Philippians 4:15–19).

“Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account.” — Philippians 4:17 (AMP)

This is not fundraising; it is partnership in gospel labour.

God’s Timing and Lifelong Readiness #

God’s preparation includes delays, pruning, trials, and tests — all shaping the inner man. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness before his call. David was anointed but waited years before the throne. The missionary may need years of preparation before being sent.

Key Point: It is better to wait fully prepared than to rush in half-ready.

“For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time… Though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, because it will certainly come; it will not delay.” — Habakkuk 2:3 (AMP)

Missionary Preparation at a Glance #

Conclusion #

The call to missionary service is holy, weighty, and Spirit-driven. It is not for the self-willed or the unprepared. The missionary must be crucified to self, Adam, and the world — alive only in Christ and the Spirit. God’s servant must be willing to learn, grow, wait, and endure — for the sake of the nations and the glory of Christ.

“And Jesus came up and said to them, ‘All authority [all power of absolute rule] in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…'” — Matthew 28:18-19 (AMP)

May God raise true labourers for His harvest.

In Christ,
Shaliach.