Serving as a missionary is a noble calling, but it’s not for everyone. How can you know if God is calling you specifically to this vital ministry? Here are some biblical insights to help discern if you are being called to missions:
1. You have a burden for the lost
Those called to missions have a deep concern for the spiritual state of unbelievers. Like the apostle Paul, they are “greatly distressed” for people who do not know Christ (Romans 9:2). This burden fuels their passion to share the gospel message far and wide. If you feel God putting an intense burden for the lost on your heart, it may indicate He is preparing you for missions.
2. You desire to make disciples of all nations
Before ascending into heaven, Jesus commanded His followers to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Those called to missions feel compelled to obey this command. They want to take the gospel to unreached people groups who have little to no access to the good news of Christ. Do you feel restless thinking about the billions worldwide who have never heard the name of Jesus? This restless urgency may be the Spirit’s nudge toward missions.
3. You are willing to leave your comfort zone
Most missionaries are called to leave behind the familiarity of home and plant their lives in another culture. This requires major lifestyle changes and stepping way outside of one’s comfort zone. If you are willing to leave family, friends, possessions, and your homeland in order to reach the lost, it shows the radical surrender required for cross-cultural missions.
4. You have spiritual gifts needed for missions
Certain spiritual gifts like evangelism, teaching, leadership, and hospitality can be exceptionally useful on the mission field (Ephesians 4:11-12). If you have seen God use you effectively in these areas and sense these giftings being refined for greater Kingdom impact, it could confirm a calling to missions. Additionally, if you have facility with foreign languages, this practical skill can equip you for global ministry.
5. You are affirmed by your spiritual community
God often uses other believers to affirm an individual’s calling to missions. Fellow Christians may recognize the hand of God on your life and confirm your giftings are well-suited for the mission field. Your pastor and mature spiritual mentors can provide guidance about pursuing missions. Listen to their insights as you seek God’s will.
6. You have a practical plan for serving
If God is urging you toward career missions, practical details will need to fall into place. You may research mission boards, connect with a sending church, and start making tangible preparations. As you take steps of obedient faith, watch for God to open right doors. When He calls you to a task, He equips you for success.
7. You are willing to endure hardship
The life of a missionary is not easy. You may face loneliness, culture shock, persecution, poverty, and danger. But those truly called are enabled by God to endure every hardship for the sake of reaching lost souls. Paul’s attitude was “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” (Acts 20:24). If you are willing to embrace challenges and sacrifices in bringing the gospel to the world, missions may be your calling.
8. Your desire persists over time
Transient whims or desires do not reflect a true call to missions. But when your burden for the lost and your sense of being drawn to the mission field remains steady over months or years, it demonstrates the Spirit’s consistent prompting. As you continue seeking God’s will in Scripture and prayer, watch for Him to confirm your calling through an ongoing, settled sense of certainty.
9. You take practical next steps
Once you discern the likelihood that God may be calling you, take faithful next steps. Pursue education or ministry training that will equip you for service. Look into mission boards that align with your vision and gifts. Begin building your team of financial and prayer supporters. An open door into missions will involve walking through doors of preparation.
10. You have peace amidst uncertainty
Even after taking practical steps, some uncertainty is normal when pursuing missions. After all, you are following God’s call into the unknown. But even if all the details are not crystal clear, you can move forward in peace when you know you are walking in obedience. As you wait on the Lord, trust Him to direct your path one step at a time.
The life of a missionary requires absolute surrender to God’s call. While only He can confirm a definite call to global ministry, these biblical insights provide helpful reflection. As you seek the Lord and listen to His Spirit, He will guide you to know if you are uniquely chosen and anointed “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) on the mission field.
The harvest in missions is plentiful but the workers are few (Luke 10:2). If God ignites your heart with passion for reaching the lost, respond without hesitation. There are millions waiting to hear about Jesus for the very first time. God needs willing workers to deliver the life-changing message of the gospel to the ends of the earth. If you sense the Lord asking you to Go, obey His call. A lifetime of joyful purpose awaits all who give their lives for the sake of Christ and His Great Commission.