In a broad sense, anyone who spreads the Gospel across cultural
lines is a missionary. All Christians are called to obey the Great Commission
to make disciples, and some Christians have opportunities to make disciples among
people of a different culture (see Matt. 28:18-20). So as Christians go about
their daily activities, they may spread the Gospel to people of various
cultures.
This training module is addressed primarily to missionaries who
are called by the Lord to devote their lives to mission activity. Before going
to a mission field, a missionary should have received a call to missions (see
the training module entitled “The Call to Missions”). If the Lord has not
called a missionary, the missionary will not be successful or satisfied.
We recommend that missionaries go in teams of two or more. Having one
or more companions on the field provides security, encouragement, and enhances
the chances of a successful mission. Paul the Apostle went with one or more
companions in mission work (see Acts 13:2,3). Jesus sent his disciples out in
pairs to evangelize (see Luke 10:2). It is helpful to have a spiritually mature
missionary disciple a less spiritually mature missionary.
Jesus surrounded himself with twelve disciples who traveled with
him, and learned from him. A mission team might consist of a husband and wife.
If the married couple has children, the children would usually go with their parents.
A mission team might consist of two men or two women. Some mission fields are
more open to men and some mission fields are more open to women.
Missionaries require
training prior to going on mission. This website offers much of the training
required, and links with other helpful websites. In addition, missionaries
should receive training from Christians in person. Such discipleship may come
from a mission organization, a local church, a Christian family, or from other
Christian mentors.
(For
details and for free course visit <www.missionstraining.org>)
