A missionary call: Is it God's will for you?

A missionary call: Is it God's will for you?

Discover if you have a mission call 1. Immerse yourself in the Word All of it! Not just a few favorite phrases 2. Listen to the Holy Spirit The inner witness 3. Look to God as sovereign He often leads by opening and closing doors 4. Seek the counsel of mature Christians Church elders, pastor, a mentor, close Christian friends --Joe Mattox, Heart Institute, Lake Wales,FL< /small>

Other great pages to visit:Keeping passionShort-term mission tripsFinding God's willAdopting the unreachedPraying for missionariesNazarene Missions Int'lAmateur radioBible bloopersMissions slogansBrainstormingManaging conflict

When does God call people to long-term missionary service? 21% were called to missions as a result of a missions education service in their local church 20% felt God calling them after listening to missionary speakers 19% were called because of their own family's missions vision and conversations 10% heard God's call through reading books by or about missionaries -- Terry Read, missionary and missions professor

Feeling that God is calling you to missionary service?

"How can they hear without someone preaching to them?" -- Romans 10:14

Take these steps to discover if He is calling you

1. Read everything about missions and missionaries that you can get your hands on.
   • Start by reading the story of Susan Fitkin's call to missions. She's a lady who had a dramatic "call" to global evangelism, a call which led her to be a mobilizer and vision-caster at home rather than an on-the-field missionary.
2. Get involved in the missions mobilization and education program of your local church
3. Go hear every missionary speaker that you can. God sometimes chooses that time to clarify His calling to young people.
4. Talk to your pastor.
   • Verbalizing your thinking with him and enlisting his prayer support may help you sort through various issues.
5. Throw yourself into active ministry through your local church.
   • Learn to minister effectively in your own culture before you attempt cross-cultural ministry.
6. Go on a short-term missions trip like SNU's "Commission Unto Mexico." [ more info on Mexico trip ] A cross-cultural mission trip will give you a taste of life on the mission field and a good opportunity to sense God's leadership.
7. Contact a missionary sending agency.
   • If you are Nazarene, contact the candidate coordinator in the Global Mission office
8. Consider giving a year of volunteer service overseas before deciding whether you should offer the rest of your life. Help for going on a one-year missions experience
9. Persevere.
   • In her book, Venture of the Heart, Lela Morgan says that early Nazarene missions leader H.F. Reynolds told a young would-be missionary: "Brother Winans, we cannot send you to South America; but if God has called you, you will go or backslide."

"I may not end up being a goer, but I can still play a role in reaching the world for Christ by being a sender."
    -- Heather Hartwick, Nazarene Bible College student 

God's leadership: Key elements of a divine call

In reflecting on a case study used in Theology of Missions class, student Kimberly Jayne noted that some common elements of a call into long-term or career ministry were:

1. A metaphysical encounter with God which establishes a sense of calling (This may as dramatic as the burning bush episode Moses had in Exodus 3 or it may be a gentle whisper like the still small voice Elijah heard in 1 Kings 19).
2. A time of reflection or doubting of the calling
3. An affirmation of the call through the Body of Christ (the Church)
4. A willingness to obey that puts no conditions on where you are willing to go or on what God may ask you to do

Wanting to know God's will? A stick figure diagram can help you. . . [ read more ]

How to know that you are called from Evangelical Missions Quarterly . . . God delights to call his children in unique and personal ways. He doesn't use a cookie-cutter template or a 10-step formula. Before revealing his unique callings, God always provides more general callings to His people -- callings to salvation, holiness and obedience. If we miss these, we will never hear God's more personal and peculiar callings. Hearing a call to ministry is not a measure of spiritual commitment. Calling is not a status to wear. Responding to a call always requires doing. Being called is not a reflection of giftedness. Calling is more than the sum of our gifts. It is individually sculpted to incorporate both God's purposes and our passions      --Gary Corwin, in his editorial "Calling and Character," published in an issue of EMQ

"Wherever He leads, I'll go" In January of 1936, Southern Baptist songwriter B.B. McKinney was leading the music at the Alabama Sunday School Convention in Clanton. The featured speaker was R.S. Jones, McKinney's friend of many years who, because of ill health, had recently returned from missionary service in Brazil. Prior to one evening service, the two men were visiting over dinner when Jones revealed to McKinney that his physicians were not going to allow him to return to South America. Asked about his future plans, the missionary said, "I don't know, but wherever He leads I'll go." The words stuck in McKinney's mind. Before the convention's evening session, he had written both the words and music of this song. At the close of Rev. Jones' message, McKinney related this story and then the just-written sang "Wherever He leads I'll go" for the congregation.     told by Billy Graham in Crusade Hymn Stories, Hope Publishing Company, 1967.

How do you hear God's call?

You can make yourself ready to hear when God speaks. You need ready feet and a pure heart.

Nazarene Roots

The Call of Susan Fitkin

One way or example of how God calls people

"I awoke trembling and greatly moved, and was wondering what it all meant, when I became conscious of the divine presence. It was like a person standing beside my bed, and in an audible voice saying solemnly: 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature!'

"I was astonished, for I was still an invalid, but I at once replied, 'Oh, Lord, I will go, but you know how frail I am. You will have to take all the responsibility.' He assured me that He would, and a great peace filled my soul. This was such a clear call that I never doubted it.'"

After 10 years of preaching, pastoring and starting churches, first for the Friends and then for the Association of Pentecostal Churches, Susan Fitkin was ordained an elder in the new Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene, with Dr. Bresee officiating. She later wrote, "This was a memorable occasion but it was only the human sanction to God's work. For, years before, He had definitely spoken His precious words to my heart: 'Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit,' and has He not verified it again and again?" (S. N. Fitkin, Grace Much More Abounding, Nazarene Publishing House, n.d., pages 10-11, 46.)

As founder and president of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society [now Nazarene Missions International] from 1915-45, Susan Fitkin played a major role in establishing the Nazarene passion for world missions. She frequently visited the mission fields at her own expense. Then, she would write of her experiences and tour in the States telling the church of the needs. In 1956, the memoirs committee of the General Assembly wrote that it would be impossible to fully know "the results of her prayers, her compassion for the lost, and her untiring efforts to send the Gospel to the ends of the earth."

Prepared by Steve Cooley, former director of Nazarene Archives
Published in the Herald of Holiness,. Used by permission.

Picking up Susan Fitkin's mantle

Wanda Knox graduated from college and was married as Susan Fitkin was passing from the scene. Like Susan Fitkin, Wanda Knox would leave a lasting imprint on Nazarene world mission outreach. [ read more ] Caring for missionary speakers hculbert@snu.edu Home Assignment devotional reflection 10/40 Window Humorous look at Home Assignment 10 ways to ruin mission trips Nazarene Missions International   Most missionaries spend a portion of their time back home among their sending churches. That "home assignment" time is given to speaking about their work and explaining their vision for the future of churches where they work. Their presence helps local churches become missionary churches. Prayer support is mustered, offerings are taken for specific needs of that missionary and a long-term commitment to praying for and giving to world evangelism is emphasized. [ Praying for missionaries ] How do you get a missionary to come to your church? Many Nazarene missionaries use the scheduling services of the Deputation Secretary at the Global Ministry Center. So, if you're a Nazarene, that's a good place to start. Deputation services with missionaries How does your church rate when you host missionary speakers? Take this easy "how to care for missionaries" test. Then, grade it yourself. 1. When the missionary comes, I feel and act like it is a privilege to have him or her, rather than an inconvenience. Always Sometimes Never 2. I contact the missionary in advance. If we are planning a service with a special emphasis such as Faith Promise, I write or call ahead so he or she will not be caught off-guard. Always Sometimes Never 3. I advertise, promote, and plan special events to get the maximum number of people involved. In other words, I do some creative planning. Always Sometimes< /b> Never 4. When a missionary speaker comes to town, the whole church has opportunity to hear him or her. Youth, choir, or children are not dismissed to other activities. Always Sometimes< /b> Never 5. I take an offering after the missionary talks (not before!). Always Sometimes Never 6. I make sure the people know what the offering will be used for. As pastor (or missions president), I take responsibility for promoting a good offering. Always Sometimes Never 7. Even if we have something in our Faith Promise budget for missionary speakers, we still take a love offering to add to that amount. Always Sometimes Never 8. Our treasurer has been alerted to have a check ready for the missionary before he or she leaves (It's tacky to do it before he or she speaks). Always Sometimes Never 9. I send the missionary to a hotel or a home in which I myself would enjoy spending the night. Always Sometimes Never 10. I spend personal time praying specifically for the missionary service. Always Sometimes Never How to figure your grade 10 Always = A+ 9 Always = B 8 Always = C Total of "Always" 7 steps to a successful deputation service "So many churches do not take advantage of the opportunity to have a real, live missionary in their church! They are missing such a blessing." -- Vicky Mullins, Perry, OK   Pray Prepare the congregation mentally and spiritually to embrace the missionary as "their missionary" Plan carefully the format of the weekend or details of service Promote well ahead of time Publicize using a variety of media (bulletin boards, worship folders, skits, PowerPoint slides, announcements in Sunday school classes) Pamper the missionary while he or she is with you as well as giving generous offering for their ministry Provide opportunity to challenge young people and children seize Praying hands for missions hculbert@snu.edu Praying for missionaries    Missionary discouragement     "Lord, teach us to pray" Two churches' attitudes toward missions 10/40 Window Seeking God's will? African martyr's commitment Mission trip fund-raising Ways to ruin mission trips PowerPoint presentations Nazarene Missions International resources   "The man or woman at home who prays often has as much to do with the effectiveness of the missionary on the field, and consequently with the results of his or her labors, as the missionary."    — R. A. Torrey   How to pray for missionaries — Prayer and missions "Pray for us." -- Hebrews 13:18 Making your "concerts of prayer" effective: Praying for world evangelism's front-line workers Want to know how to pray for those working to fulfill Jesus' Great Commission among those yet unreached? Use your fingers as memory aids when you pray for missions. Here's how your fingers can be prayer reminders: Thumb Since your thumb is nearest to you, begin by praying for those missionaries closest to you. They are the easiest ones to remember. C.S. Lewis said that praying for those we love is a "sweet duty." Index or pointing finder Let your "pointing finger" remind you to pray for missionaries who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and evangelists. They need support and wisdom for pointing others in the right direction. Middle finger Our tallest finger reminds us of our church leaders. We can never pray too much for them. Pray for those who supervise and direct missionary outreach. Ring finger As any piano teacher will testify, the ring finger is our weakest finger. This weaker finger reminds us to pray for those missionaries who are discouraged, in trouble, or in pain. [ read more ] Little finger Our little finger is the smallest of the digits on our hands, which is where we should place our individual wants and desires in relation to world evangelism needs. The Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Let your pinkie remind you to pray for the people of the world who have the greatest need to find Jesus. Pray that they will open their eyes and see Him.      --Author unknown contributed by Bev Borbe, former general president of Nazarene Missions International Intercessory prayer support is a key thing that believers in local churches can do to support world evangelism. "All movements of the Spirit in China, within our experience, may be traced to prayer" said Jonathan Goforth, missionary Seven things all missionaries need . . . and which people neglect to pray forr: Victory over mental stagnation Freshness in prayer and in Bible teaching Guidance in how to present the Gospel Deliverance from the temptation to pride Wisdom in relationships with other missionaries Strength to overcome temptations brought on by loneliness [ read more ] A saving sense of humor [ read more ] Adapted from WorldTeam's brochure, "Praying for missionaries." From a missionary: Specifics to pray for When traveling . . . That missionaries will pass effortlessly through customs and immigration lines as they enter and leave coutries That the planes on which missionaries travel will not encounter mechanical problems or trouble from terrorists That our missionaries will make all their transportation connections Health and safety objectives Protection for the missionaries from accidents, crime, natural disasters, terrorists, and dangerous animals Protection for the missionaries from debilitting sickness That missionaries will find time for proper sleep, rest, and exercise That missionaries' food and water needs will be met Spiritual watchcare objectives Times of intimacy for missionaries with Jesus in Bible, prayer and worship Shielding for the missionaries from dark forces in spiritual realms Preservation for missionaries from discouragement, fear, and doubt That missionaries will demonstrate purity, humility, boldness, wisdom, patience, love for people, a teachable spirit and the power of the Holy Spirit Teamwork objectives That teams of missionaries will experience and express unity, love, good communication, patience, and spiritual gifts [ more on conflict management ] That missionaries will resist temptations toward jealousy, envy, bitterness, and pride That missionaries will be granted grace for cultural adjustments, dealing with jet lag, being away from family and friends and lack of privacy. [ more on culture shock ] For missionaries to have wisdom to design and implement effective efforts that will make a long-term difference here . . . and that they will be able to establish and maintain a solid friendships with government officials and other leaders in their chosen place of service. Verses to read at prayer time Exodus 4:12; 33:14 Psalms 4:8, 19:14, 121:1-8 Isaiah 40:29-31; 55:10-11 Zechariah 4:6 Acts 1:8, 4:29,30 Ephesians 3:16-20; 6:10-20 Portions adapted from an article by Gail Seiver in World Christian, Vol. 14, Number 4. BLESS -- an acronym to guide your prayer for a missionary or for a people group B -- Body Pray for physical health and nutrition. L - Labor. Pray for their work. E - Emotions. Pray for emotional health and well-being of the missionary or people group. S - Social. Pray for their social relationsips, their families and extended families. Pray that God will keep marriages together. S - Spiritual. Pray for their spiritual condition. contributed by CMA missionary Lisa Miriam Rohrick Will you join the 714 Club? An invitation from Fred Huff, former missionary and "the elephant who praises God" "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will answer their prayers and heal their land." --2 Chronicles 7:14 People everywhere are invited to join the 714 Club. The Club takes its name from 2 Chronicles 7:14. There are no meetings to attend and no dues to pay. There's only one rule: Club members agree to pray for Africa each day at 7:14 a.m. and again at 7:14 p.m. What should you pray for? Pray for the Africa Region Church of the Nazarene as it evangelizes that great continent, preaching and teaching scriptural holiness so that new Christians will be discipled. Pray that God will give vision for the directions to be taken in the future. Pray that God will give boldness and discernment to field strategy coordinators. Pray for missionaries as they carry out their specialized ministries. Pray for the district superintendents across the African continent. Pray for the Bible college principals and rectors and other educational leaders, staff and faculty as they train men and women for ministry. Pray for pastors and missionaries across the Africa region, as well as all of the lay people, that God will give each one strength and power to carry out the ministries in which He calls the churches to engage.   — a plea by J. Fred Huff known in Africa as Dumisani Ndhlovu (the elephant that praises God) former Nazarene regional director for Africa, a region where the Church of the Nazarene now is present in every country and also has ministries within several of the culrual groups which missiologists consider to be unreached because of the small percentage of Christians within them. For more on why we should pray for missions, go to the listing of Bible passages that illustrate how important world evangelism is to God