The Value of Missions Internships: Real-World Insights and Lessons

Why Pursue a Missions Internship?

In August of 2023, I did something I’d never done before: I flew to a foreign country and lived there for six months. My only previous international experiences were short trips to Canada and a brief visit to Mexico—hardly the sort of trips that would challenge me either personally or spiritually. But when I landed on the mission field that August, I thought I was ready for the challenges ahead (or so I believed).

What was I doing there? Two words: missions internship.

In this article, I’ll share the lessons I learned during those six months and offer encouragement for those considering a missions internship before committing to full-time missionary work.

What Is a Missions Internship?

When most people think of missions, they either picture long-term work in a foreign country to spread the gospel or short-term trips of a week or two, maybe even a month if time and resources allow. A missions internship is something in between and serves as an excellent preparation for those interested in long-term missions. It also dispels the “glamor” often associated with short-term trips (I’ll get into this more later).

In short, a missions internship lasts three to six months, during which you live in a foreign country alongside an experienced missionary family. You will immerse yourself in the local culture, adapt to a new way of life, and face the unique challenges of sharing the gospel in an unfamiliar context.

For my internship, I worked with two missionary families from Vision Baptist Missions (VBM) who also do ministry in a creative access country. For the rest of this article, I’ll just refer to the lead missionary and the assistant missionary. While every internship may look different, here are the key points I focused on during mine:

1. Learning the local language
2. Reading and reporting on twenty books related to missions and cultural adaptation
3. Meeting local people
4. Spending consistent, quality time with the missionaries I was serving alongside

The lead missionary also had some specific requirements for me, such as handing out fifty tracts a day, six days a week, and spending time intentionally building relationships with locals. With this backdrop, let's dive into some of the key lessons I learned during my internship.

Key Lessons Learned

1. The Need for More Missionaries is Critical

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His followers to "make disciples of all nations." In Acts 1, He expands on this, telling us to be His witnesses "to the uttermost parts of the earth." With over eight billion people in the world, this task can feel overwhelming. But that number didn’t fully hit home for me until I spent time on a particular mission field surrounded by millions of people. I also had the opportunity to other mission fields with dense populations. Thousands of people passed by me every day, and I was reminded of the urgency of the mission. Jesus’ command to pray for laborers (Matthew 9:37-38) became deeply personal. Seeing these cities without a visible Christian presence made the need for missionaries incredibly real.

2. A Good Support System is Crucial

Paul never went on his missionary journeys alone. Even after parting ways with Barnabas, he found new companions, like Silas, to continue the work. Jesus also sent His disciples out in pairs. This principle holds true today. In the stressful context of adapting to a foreign culture, having a solid support team is essential. Without the encouragement of the lead missionary, the assistant missionary, and their families, I would have been ready to pack my bags within two months. Their support, along with that of a counselor experienced in working with missionaries, was foundational in helping me navigate the challenges of living on the mission field.

3. Every Christian Needs Accountability

I’d heard this lesson growing up, but it wasn’t until two months before my internship that God put me in a position where I had to rely on accountability. Accountability isn’t just about checking off boxes—it’s about spiritual growth, overcoming sin, and staying on track with the goals God has set for you. While I had God’s Spirit, His Word, and prayer, the investment of others—like the lead missionary—proved invaluable. His consistent encouragement and willingness to challenge me in areas of weakness were essential to my growth during the internship.

4. Set Realistic Goals to Keep Moving Forward

Good goals stretch us. They break down the daunting task of disciple-making into achievable steps. With a strong team holding me accountable, I was able to make significant progress on the goals I set for myself. God has given us both intellect and His Spirit, and setting realistic goals allows us to partner with Him in advancing His kingdom.

5. Always Ask Questions

No matter how much you think you know, there’s always more to learn. Knowledge that leads to self-sufficiency can actually hinder spiritual growth. During my internship, I learned to seek help from others—especially those who had more experience or a deeper understanding of a situation. Asking questions is a humbling, yet essential part of the learning process.

Thoughts for Prospective Missionaries

6. An Internship Helps You Confirm If Missions Is Truly God’s Will for Your Life

Many prospective missionaries, myself included, grow up in the church and feel called to missions at a young age. For me, it wasn’t until Bible college that I became confident in this calling. However, missions can often feel abstract, and answering the question, “What will you do when you get there?” can be difficult. A missions internship is an excellent way to test if this calling is truly from God or just an exciting idea. It offers a real-world glimpse of what life in missions might look like, far beyond the idealized version many have.

7. Learning the Local Language Is a Must

There is no way to minister effectively in a foreign culture without learning the local language. After a few weeks on the mission field, I realized how vital this was. At first, written language around me didn’t bother me, but eventually, I felt overwhelmed and frustrated. Learning the language became my key to functioning there, both practically and spiritually. An internship is an excellent way to see firsthand how challenging (yet essential) language acquisition is for successful ministry.

8. Living in a Foreign Culture Reveals the Ugly in Your Soul

Stressful situations often reveal the flaws in our character. Living in a foreign culture, especially one vastly different from your own, will expose areas where God is still refining you. During my time on the mission field, I encountered sins and weaknesses I didn’t know were so prevalent in my life. This was uncomfortable, but it was also an opportunity for growth. Experiencing this in the context of a short-term internship is far better than facing it after making a long-term commitment to the mission field.

9. Failing During an Internship Is Better Than Failing on the Full-time Mission Field

The risks of going on an internship are minimal compared to the potential consequences of going straight into full-time missions before you're ready. Think of it like sports training—there’s no shame in attending a training camp, failing, and realizing you're not quite ready. But failing on the mission field after raising support and moving your family there can be far more discouraging and costly. An internship provides an environment where failure is a possibility, but it's less costly and more manageable.

10. The Worst Outcome from an Internship Is a Greater Appreciation for Missions

You might wonder, “What if I go and realize missions isn’t for me? Is that a waste of time and resources?” Absolutely not! It’s better to take the step of faith and learn through experience than to remain stagnant. If missions turns out not to be God’s plan for your life, you'll still gain a deeper understanding of His heart for the world, and you’ll be more aware of the areas where He’s still working in your life. The experience will draw you closer to God, and that alone is worth the investment.

Conclusion

A missions internship is an incredible opportunity to prepare for long-term ministry, and I hope you can see its value. If you’re looking for an adventure or a break from your routine, this is probably not the right fit for you. Missions is serious work, and those involved are on the front lines of a real spiritual battle. But if you believe God is calling you to missions, I highly encourage you to consider an internship. If you approach it in faith, God will bless your efforts and use the experience to deepen your walk with Him.

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