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Getting involved in missions can feel daunting, but it starts with simple steps. Here are 10 practical ways to grow your involvement in missions, moving from personal discipleship to global action:
10 Practical Steps to Mission Involvement
- Prioritize Prayer
Prayer is the greatest catalyst for reaching the unreached. Start by intentionally praying for missionaries, the lost, and specific unreached people groups. Remember: apart from God, we can't accomplish the mission, but He has all authority and is with us (Matthew 28:18-20).
- Seek Missions Education
Don't go it alone. Ask your church about existing missions-specific training, teaching, or small groups. If nothing is offered, express your interest—you might spark something and get others involved!
- Meet a Missionary
Many mission journeys begin with a personal connection. Ask your church to host a visiting missionary or simply meet with one you know to hear their story. Hearing firsthand accounts provides vital inspiration and context.
- Grow as a Disciple-Maker
The core mission is making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Missions starts with personal spiritual growth. Focus on deepening your relationship with Jesus and practically learning how to help others follow Him.
- Do Local Cross-Cultural Ministry
The nations are often in your neighborhood. Identify communities of different nationalities, cultures, or religions near you (e.g., a Pakistani community, a specific language group). Go there: eat at a restaurant, shop, and regularly frequent a place to make a friend or two. This is the heart of missionary life!
- Pursue Formal Training
If you feel called to a deeper involvement, consider additional missions and Bible education. Look for classes, courses, or programs offered by nearby Bible colleges, seminaries, or even churches that focus specifically on global or cross-cultural missions.
- Find Mission Encouragement
Identify a mature believer and mentor who knows you and has missions experience. Seek their encouragement, not just for the decision to get involved, but for ongoing support throughout your ministry journey.
- Attend Missions Events & Conferences
Conferences and special events are great for inspiration and new ideas. Attend missions conferences to be inspired, encouraged, and equipped with concepts you can implement immediately in your involvement.
- Take a Focused Missions Course
Consider taking the Kairos course (easily found by Googling "Kairos Course"). This education is designed to mobilize the whole Church for cross-cultural mission to the world's least-reached peoples, providing both inspiration and practical next steps.
- Listen to Missions Sermons
Just as we started with prayer, end with God's Word. Listen to sermons about God’s heart for the nations, evangelism, and global missions. Hearing the Scriptures expounded is a crucial source of refreshing and direction (e.g., David Platt's "Divine Sovereignty the Fuel of Death Defying Missions").