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: What are some steps commonly overlooked by aspiring missionaries?
A: one more thing
Disclaimer: The following answer has not been reviewed or edited.
The answers listed above are excellent. Consider each point mentioned as crucial to better service on the field. In addition, I want to emphasize the need for more training beyond the basics. After we had been "on the field" for several years, the Lord laid it on our hearts that my husband should continue his education in missions. He already had studied theology, etc., but we were really needing instruction in how to function more efficiently and effectively in a cross cultural setting.From those studies, he learned a principle that has been a guiding light to successful ministry overseas: The mission is the vehicle that carries the message; the study of missions is learning how to deliver the message. But, without the message the mission is pointless.
Educate yourself.
In the how. But also in the what.
Otherwise you will be like Ahimaaz in 2 Samuel 18:19-30 who ran faster, but had no message when he arrived.
A: Too Valuable to Lose
In our experience of 38+ years in cross-cultural ministry, without a doubt, the three issues addressed in the study, "Too Valuable to Lose," are the most commonly overlooked steps:
1) The confirming call of the Church and the Holy Spirit. "The Church heard the Holy Spirit say, ’I want Barney and Saul.’" It was that confirming call that kept Timothy in Ephesus. And it is often the memory of the Church laying hands on and setting apart for the work of the ministry that keeps many missionaries on the field today.
2) Lack of pre-field TRAINING. I capitalize "training" to distinguish it from pre-field orientation. Every agency has their orientation to policies and procedures. Too few engage in true pre-field training. (A one-week trip to Mexico is NOT pre-field training!)
Pre-field training should include:
Principles of Cultural Adaptation
Introduction to Language Acquisition (LAMP)
Principles of Interpersonal Relationships
Principles of Spiritual Warfare
"Unculturating" the Gospel and Teachings of Christ.
Primary Health Care
Contingency Training
(It would be assumed, of course, that skills and experience in the type of work to be done on the field have already been mastered.)
3) Partners! Paul commended the Christians in Philippi for them being "partners in the Gospel" in six areas of care that he asked for, and the six areas of care that every missionary needs today. Member Care is a phrase that is getting more attention today, but the actual building of a team of partners is still a long way from being the norm.
As director of Emmaus Road International, we can offer you some resources in these three areas.
Occupying,
NEAL
1) The confirming call of the Church and the Holy Spirit. "The Church heard the Holy Spirit say, ’I want Barney and Saul.’" It was that confirming call that kept Timothy in Ephesus. And it is often the memory of the Church laying hands on and setting apart for the work of the ministry that keeps many missionaries on the field today.
2) Lack of pre-field TRAINING. I capitalize "training" to distinguish it from pre-field orientation. Every agency has their orientation to policies and procedures. Too few engage in true pre-field training. (A one-week trip to Mexico is NOT pre-field training!)
Pre-field training should include:
Principles of Cultural Adaptation
Introduction to Language Acquisition (LAMP)
Principles of Interpersonal Relationships
Principles of Spiritual Warfare
"Unculturating" the Gospel and Teachings of Christ.
Primary Health Care
Contingency Training
(It would be assumed, of course, that skills and experience in the type of work to be done on the field have already been mastered.)
3) Partners! Paul commended the Christians in Philippi for them being "partners in the Gospel" in six areas of care that he asked for, and the six areas of care that every missionary needs today. Member Care is a phrase that is getting more attention today, but the actual building of a team of partners is still a long way from being the norm.
As director of Emmaus Road International, we can offer you some resources in these three areas.
Occupying,
NEAL
A: Rev. Marty Nogues
Disclaimer: The following answer has not been reviewed or edited.
Preparing spiritually and physically for the work of foreign missions is critical. Many individuals who believe they are called to mission work have quite a different picture once they actually arrive in-country. I recommend any individual who has been called to mission work, go for a “short-term” mission trip of one to four weeks first before they make their final decision. The work is demanding and living conditions can often be far less then what we know in North America. Study to know your area (country) of mission work and it’s people and culture; many mistakes can be avoided this way. Without a prayer and support group both back home and abroad - you will almost certainly fail. We could never have accomplished what we have without the prayers and support of our partners back home and in country. Finally, be sure you fully understand the travel, resident, and laws of the country(s) you will serve in. It is often very difficult and expensive once you arrive in-country to accomplish needed paperwork.A: Build a Support Team.
More and more second career and retired people sense a call to missions. Many have their own financial resources and feel they can serve without raising support. Both from my personal experience and the experience of others we have sent into missions, I strongly urge people to raise a support team before they go to the field.
From a practical perspective, you will have many expenses and financial needs for the ministry that you don’t anticipate (travel, office supplies, resource materials, etc.). Most sending agencies will help you understand and plan for these needs, but don't overlook these critical ministry expenses and don't push your agency to send you before you have adequate support. My wife and I made the mistake of beginning ministry without developing an adequate partnership team, so we are constantly torn between the demands of our work and the need to raise support. Potential partners will feel a greater urgency to send you to the field than to help you stay on the field, so develop an adequate support base before you begin serving.
From a spiritual perspective, you need the support of a strong team behind you. You are entering the battlefield and need reserves behind you. You may have sufficient income so you don’t need financial support, but people will pray harder and be more committed to your ministry if they support you financially. When people financially support your ministry, you form a bond that grows over the years and you truly become partners in the Gospel. I believe these are divinely appointed relationships that God entrusts to us His servants. Yes, support raising is hard work and requires us to humble ourselves before the Lord, but you will miss a great blessing if you don't build a strong partnership team.
From a practical perspective, you will have many expenses and financial needs for the ministry that you don’t anticipate (travel, office supplies, resource materials, etc.). Most sending agencies will help you understand and plan for these needs, but don't overlook these critical ministry expenses and don't push your agency to send you before you have adequate support. My wife and I made the mistake of beginning ministry without developing an adequate partnership team, so we are constantly torn between the demands of our work and the need to raise support. Potential partners will feel a greater urgency to send you to the field than to help you stay on the field, so develop an adequate support base before you begin serving.
From a spiritual perspective, you need the support of a strong team behind you. You are entering the battlefield and need reserves behind you. You may have sufficient income so you don’t need financial support, but people will pray harder and be more committed to your ministry if they support you financially. When people financially support your ministry, you form a bond that grows over the years and you truly become partners in the Gospel. I believe these are divinely appointed relationships that God entrusts to us His servants. Yes, support raising is hard work and requires us to humble ourselves before the Lord, but you will miss a great blessing if you don't build a strong partnership team.
