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jambo · #3 (**permalink**) 06-22-2008, 12:38 PM

I have always been curious as to why someone in ministry in your own country is a pastor yet if he does exactly the same thing in a different country he is considered a missionary. I visited one church and above the main exit door was a sign saying "You are now entering our mission field" Pastors and missionaries a really one and the same thing.

Missionary calls come in all sorts of ways and come over a period of time. Some impulsive or impressionable people hear a sermon or a report on the needs of situations in Africa, Asia or wherever and want to go. That is a bit like the seed that falls on the rocky soil. The same could be said for those with an adventurous spirit, or with the desire to travel and see new places, a desire to live in a better climate, maybe some just want want the attention whilst others are engaged in a form opf escapism. People in any of these categories can latch onto anything: buit that is not a missionary call. Those who simply "want to be a missionary" need to ask why they want to be one. If it is for any of the reasons outlined then it is pointless. If it is because they want to preach the word to needy people then take it to the next step.

My wife and I served on the missionfield in the Irish Republic for 10 years. I cannot speak for others but in our case it was like a growing mustard seed that we tried hard to resist and choke its growth. People told us that if we can do anything else other than go into the ministry (or missionfield) then do it which is what we tried to do. However over a period of time we really felt compelled to go. It was basically a growing conviction that this was the way the Lord was leading.

I think missionary calls can be assessed by the advice of church elders and the counsel of others. Common sense shoulfd be applied. If you cannot stick the heat do not go to a hot country. If you have a delicate stomach do not go to a country where you cannot cope with the food. If you are not ready for lonliness, setbacks, discouragement etc then stay well clear of ministry full stop.

If you asked every missionary what their call was they would each tell you something different but common to all would be that conviction that this is how they can use their gifts in the service of God.

If a person feels called to a particular country then he needs to weigh up the mission agencies working there. Sadly some mission agencies are evangelical cowboys. Others are naive, some mission agencies have policies that trample over the local church having the attitude that "we know best" and ignore local church leaders. Other mission agencies treat their own workers shamefully. The best mission agencies are those which listen to, support and serve the local church.