Q: Can I become a missionary if I don’t want to learn another language?

Yes, you can be a missionary to some group where at least some people speak your language. Many unreached people groups are moving to other areas or countries and have learned English. Frequently when resistant people move elsewhere they become open to the gospel. In addition, many locals involved with international business companies speak English, so you have vast opportunities with educated middle and upper class people. Finally, worldwide over 400 million people speak English. You could be a missionary to Israel, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, etc.

Also consider the worldwide market for you as an English teacher. If you are a native English speaker, you could go just about anywhere in the world and teach or tutor English. Language doesn't need to be a barrier. Visit ESL-jobs.com, a website to mobilize Christians to take jobs teaching English as a second language in Asia. These are first of all ministry positions but they also offer some income.

Finally, examine your heart concerning the language issue. Are you unwilling to try to learn at least some of a foreign language? You should do some language learning to show the love of Christ wherever you go.

Throughout our whole organization, we stress the need to learn the language and understand the culture of the people you are living among. Our experiences have convinced us that these things become so very important to the effectiveness in "making disciples." People have to hear and understand the Gospel both in word and deed.

If you are unwilling to learn another language then I would definitely advise you to work only among those who speak a language common to you both.

In any case, I encourage you to ask the Lord to bring you freedom and fulfill His purposes. Express your fears honestly to God. Then if His purposes for you would best be fulfilled by learning another language, start praying for a transformation in your heart and mind and the grace and courage to take up the challenge.

Why don't you want to learn another language? Our agency has North Americans come to southeast Asia and live with a local family. After four months of language study, some start leading simple Bible studies. Most don't study the language more than 12 months. I acknowledge that languages in some other countries are harder to learn, but it is well worth being able to communicate on the heart level in their own language. Every effort toward learning the language will put you ahead in relating to people whether or not you achieve fluency.

While it is certainly possible to be a missionary without learning another language, I think a willingness to learn to communicate with people and meet them where they are is vital to any missional witness. If someone asked me this question I would have reservations not so much about a person’s ability to communicate (as has been pointed out there will always be opportunities to witness to those who speak your own language) but rather in terms of whether the person is truly willing to learn, and be changed, in order to bridge the gap to the people they are wanting to serve.

I realise that some people find language-learning a lot easier than others, but if someone isn’t willing to make an effort to learn another language, at least to a basic level, I would wonder whether they are really willing to sacrifice everything as Jesus did in order to spend time with people, understand them, and meet them in the mundane things of their everyday lives.