Missions was an integral part of my childhood, even from an early age. I still have fond memories of GA’s, a Wednesday night program for girls at my church, which was rich in teaching a biblical view of missions, missions history (the infamous Lottie Moon was a favorite), and regular prayer for the nations and missionaries. God used this experience within my church to stir my interest in his global work among the nations. It wasn’t long before my desire to serve overseas grew into a season of commitment and preparation to go.

Fresh out of college, I packed my bags in the fall of 2008, made my rounds of farewells, and headed overseas. I lived in South Asia for two years as a missionary among Muslims. After returning to the States, my love for cross-cultural work continued unabated! While no longer overseas, I’m thankful for the many opportunities the Lord has provided to continue supporting, encouraging, and praying for international missions, including a new opportunity for me to work part-time with Reaching and Teaching, a missions organization that comes alongside churches to help send out their members for three essential tasks of making mature disciples, establishing healthy churches, and training local leaders. It is a privilege I do not take lightly. Sadly, it took living on the field as a missionary for me to fully see and grasp the beauty of the role of the local church in sending well-equipped missionaries who plant healthy churches in global contexts. Because missions methods and strategies matter, the local church should be active in the task of assessing, setting apart, and equipping its members to the work of cross-cultural missions.

The New Testament makes it clear that as believers, we are “sent ones” that are called to share the gospel and disciple others wherever we are (Matt. 28:16-20; Rom. 10:13-15; 1 Cor. 12:7,11; Col. 3:12-17) . At the same time, we recognize that Scripture depicts those within the early church who were sent out for specific ministry, and we continue this “missionary endeavor” today for the sake of God’s glory and the salvation of people from all nations (Acts 13:2; 1 Pet.4:10; Rev. 5:9; 7:9). Discerning the opportunity for gospel-saturated and Christ-exalting cross-cultural ministry is an act of using sober judgment, prayer, and wisdom from within Christian community. My encouragement for those interested in missions is to seek out godly counsel within Christ Church as an initial step. Ask questions, pray, learn. There is a deep well of resources from which to draw.

Brothers and Sisters, the Lord has providentially set before us in his wisdom and kindness a global task that we all participate in — as those who send and those who are sent. The glorious and good news of the gospel is one of joyful proclamation that should be spread to every corner of the earth and lead to worship of our Triune God. What joy! What an honor! Pray that from within Christ Church we will send and send well for the glory of God among the nations.