How can I know if God is leading me to become a missionary?
Are there missionaries who have gone even though initially they had no desire to go?
How much should I consider the needs of the world and my gifts?
» more related questionsQ: How long does it take between deciding to go and actually going?
A: It Varies
This is a question that many people ask, and the only accurate answer is, "It varies."
There are typically a host of logistical issues to work through. Most missionaries must raise their own support (funds) to cover their personal and ministry needs on the field. This can take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on whether you are single or have a family, where you will be serving, what type of ministry you’ll be involved with, etc. You may also need to obtain some further training in how to learn a language, cross-cultural communications, and a host of other topics that may be relevant to your ministry and your host country environment. If you are going to a restricted access country, you may need to connect with an existing organization, or start a new one, for the purposes of getting a visa, work permit, or other documents that will allow you to enter and remain in the country.
There are also many factors that may impact your readiness to go. For example, it is best if you are sent out by your local church, which should help you confirm your calling to go as well as identify any growth areas or issues that may or should be addressed before you leave. Most churches are not able to send out and support missionaries, so you may also want to get connected to a missionary sending agency (Frontiers, Pioneers, YWAM, OM, etc.), which may require or recommend other areas to ensure you are ready spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and otherwise.
These are not all of the factors involved but should be adequate to help you see how the time between one’s commitment to go and the actual departure can vary significantly.
There are typically a host of logistical issues to work through. Most missionaries must raise their own support (funds) to cover their personal and ministry needs on the field. This can take anywhere from a few months to a few years depending on whether you are single or have a family, where you will be serving, what type of ministry you’ll be involved with, etc. You may also need to obtain some further training in how to learn a language, cross-cultural communications, and a host of other topics that may be relevant to your ministry and your host country environment. If you are going to a restricted access country, you may need to connect with an existing organization, or start a new one, for the purposes of getting a visa, work permit, or other documents that will allow you to enter and remain in the country.
There are also many factors that may impact your readiness to go. For example, it is best if you are sent out by your local church, which should help you confirm your calling to go as well as identify any growth areas or issues that may or should be addressed before you leave. Most churches are not able to send out and support missionaries, so you may also want to get connected to a missionary sending agency (Frontiers, Pioneers, YWAM, OM, etc.), which may require or recommend other areas to ensure you are ready spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and otherwise.
These are not all of the factors involved but should be adequate to help you see how the time between one’s commitment to go and the actual departure can vary significantly.
A: God is not in a hurry
Disclaimer: The following answer has not been reviewed or edited.
Before anyone can know for sure they are called to missions, they need to take a missions trip for at least 10-14 days. You will know whether you love it or hate it.Then you need to decide what you have to offer. Will you be a medical missionary or a teacher/preacher of the Word of God? Or something else? You need to prepare for what you will be doing there.
Lastly, it can take 1-2 years to get all the details lined up. Leaving your job, selling your home, preparing your family for this relocation, itinerating to raise awareness and develop a financial base.
God is not in a hurry. The better you plan for success, the more success you will have. Take the time to prepare properly and visit the nation for short-term trips while you are preparing. It can help solidify your vision and keep you in touch with the dream while you are waiting for it to manifest.
A: In His time.
How long it takes is how long until the Lord may consider you to be ready; many have a call to go but still have to work through issues.
Be ready to go and wait for the LORD to give you the go ahead.
His time is always the best time.
Be ready to go and wait for the LORD to give you the go ahead.
His time is always the best time.
