Q: Is there any need in missions for "regular" Christians who may not have or want advanced training?

Maybe you don't have a degree, but there’s probably something that you know a lot about and that you do well, whether it's motorcycle repair or worship music or serving. Whatever it is, God has put those specific tools in your hands to use for His glory among the nations. With a little "knocking on doors," you can find a niche somewhere in world missions for anything you're good at. One warning, though: You shouldn't become a missionary unless you are willing to learn new things in the process!

If you are thinking of a missions career, you should first look for an agency to send you. All agencies have their requirements, including education. Missionaries do many things today; not all are preachers or teachers. However, all should be prepared, as Peter tells us (1 Pet 3:15), to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have” whether one be a physician, agronomist, or mechanic. Our ministry, wherever we are, should be full orbed and holistic. Thus, the proper perspective would be to decide what the Lord is leading you to be and do and then get as fully prepared as possible. If you get formal training make sure you include some courses in cross-cultural communication.