So You Want to Be a Missionary…
Ever wonder how a missionary becomes a missionary? Undoubtedly, you’ve met a family or individual following God’s call to cross-cultural missions. You’ve listened to their presentation and perhaps partnered with them in prayer and financial support. But months and even years of work have taken place long before a missionary heads to the field.
Meredith Graber of Faith Baptist Fellowship in Sioux Falls, SD, recently attended the Missionary Discovery and Assessment (MD&A) with Converge International Ministries in Orlando, FL. Meredith longs to share Jesus with people around the world, and she sought direction and clarity through this process with Converge. She shared with me the steps involved and some of what she most appreciated about the process.
Several months before her arrival in Orlando for the actual MD&A, Meredith took a couple of months to fill out Converge’s extensive application for those interested in cross-cultural ministry. After answering questions about her faith, family background, and other details of her life, Meredith had a brief video interview with staff members from Converge to establish when she would come for the four-day assessment. Once that date was set, she filled out several standard personality and ministry evaluations.
With great anticipation, Meredith set off for Orlando in late July. She described the week as intense, full, and extremely helpful. Each day, she had different types of interviews: sharing testimonies, giving a gospel presentation, preparing and teaching a devotional, and receiving the results of her evaluations. Converge staff members also observed participants during teamwork activities (such as an escape room), so everything wasn’t in a classroom setting! They were also given information about Converge International for more background about the organization.
For Meredith, the most helpful part of the week was talking with the psychologist brought in by Converge. Their conversation gave her insight into her own heart and how her life experiences would affect the ministry to which she feels called.
After all of the interviews and activities, Meredith and the other participants had one-on-one meetings with Converge staff where they received one of three recommendations: Stay, Prepare, Go. For those, like Meredith, who received Prepare, additional support is provided. The staff who had spent so much time learning the hearts of these applicants gave further counsel about how they can prepare for future ministry. Meredith will now prayerfully consider the counsel of the Converge International staff she received at the end of her week. She returned to Sioux Falls exhausted but thankful for the time spent with people she trusted. As she considers the opportunities before her to grow in ministry, let’s join her in prayer! Pray for God to give Meredith wisdom to discern which ministry and educational opportunities to pursue as she prepares for her gospel work!
After hearing some of Meredith’s story, perhaps you want to learn more about becoming an international missionary! The time spent in preparation is vitally important! We encourage you to talk with the leadership of your local church about international missions, and we’d love to help if you’d like to pursue such a calling! You can learn more here.