What perspective should I take towards missions training?
What types of training should I consider?
Can I become a missionary if I don’t want to learn another language?
» more related questionsQ: Should I pursue a graduate degree in my profession or stop at a bachelor’s degree?
A: It depends.
Many variables are involved here. Much will depend on the agency with which you go and their requirements (if you plan to go with one). Also, consider the type of work you anticipate doing, whether it is "hands on" demonstration or teaching at a university. In addition, consider the country where you'll be and its level of development. Lastly, take into account how long you plan to be there: a short term experience, or long term – which involves learning the language and getting involved in the lives of the people.
Several concrete thoughts:
1) I assume you want to make a spiritual contribution as well as a professional one. If you don't have any formal biblical / theological training, I would suggest at least 2 or 3 years at a bible school or theological seminary, with a focus on cross-cultural communication. It's one thing to know principles of your profession. It's quite another to know how to get these across in a context totally foreign to you. You will undoubtedly encounter people who have their own ways and will find it difficult to change even when they receive ideas from an "expert" from the U.S.
2) If you plan to teach in a recognized institution, you'll undoubtedly want a higher level of training. But the people in the local situation should advise you on these details. In my own case, I am glad that I did my post-graduate study after my first term on the field. I had the language, knew the situation, was aware of what I needed, and this guided my choice of both subject and place to study.
Several concrete thoughts:
1) I assume you want to make a spiritual contribution as well as a professional one. If you don't have any formal biblical / theological training, I would suggest at least 2 or 3 years at a bible school or theological seminary, with a focus on cross-cultural communication. It's one thing to know principles of your profession. It's quite another to know how to get these across in a context totally foreign to you. You will undoubtedly encounter people who have their own ways and will find it difficult to change even when they receive ideas from an "expert" from the U.S.
2) If you plan to teach in a recognized institution, you'll undoubtedly want a higher level of training. But the people in the local situation should advise you on these details. In my own case, I am glad that I did my post-graduate study after my first term on the field. I had the language, knew the situation, was aware of what I needed, and this guided my choice of both subject and place to study.
A: Get all you can get if it is practical training.
That is, within limits. I am a medical doctor. I need everything I have ever learned, but not every one needs a doctorate! Get well trained. I know of a very devoted guy who got a masters in international development. He works here in Honduras with the very poor helping them adopt better farming methods. He does not come from an agricultural background. He spent only four months at a training site learning agricultural methods.
He has been here for 12 years with little to show for it. His "masters" has proven to be near useless.
He has been here for 12 years with little to show for it. His "masters" has proven to be near useless.
A: A graduate degree can open doors overseas.
I would encourage you to continue with graduate studies. Graduate degrees from the USA are highly respected and may open doors of opportunities that a bachelor's degree will not. Especially in a secular field, you're far more likely to receive a visa approval with a graduate degree than you will with a bachelor's degree.
I know it can seem like a waste of precious time. Perhaps while you are in graduate school, you will have the opportunity to further develop your plans for where and with what organization you will serve. It will also allow you to do some "friend-raising" while you share with others the ultimate purpose behind your studies. It sounds to me like the perfect opportunity to be better prepared for all that God has ahead in your exciting future.
I know it can seem like a waste of precious time. Perhaps while you are in graduate school, you will have the opportunity to further develop your plans for where and with what organization you will serve. It will also allow you to do some "friend-raising" while you share with others the ultimate purpose behind your studies. It sounds to me like the perfect opportunity to be better prepared for all that God has ahead in your exciting future.
