In a recent missions class, Missionary Tim Johnson was sharing what God had been teaching him. He presented a list that Pastor Chip Ray had taught a group of missionaries during their missions conference. This advice was specifically for missionaries regarding what pastors are looking for in a missionary. I was so helped by this list, and I wanted to pass it on to my missionary friends:
- Be a soul winner.
Don’t fall for the idea that you will be a soul winner when you graduate, become full time, or get on the field. Be a witness where we are right now! Get tracts from the church where you are, and pass them out. Share about Jesus on the road.
- Be engaged with the people.
No, you won’t know people when you first walk in to a meeting, but try to get to know them. Get out of your comfort zone, and be willing to talk to people. Pastors try to lead their people to engage with the missionaries, so help him by being engaged with the people. If they’re picking up chairs, cleaning up, or doing something, jump in and help them.
- Be grateful.
It goes a long way when a missionary gives a thank you card. Too many missionaries expect a love offering and to be treated nicely, but many do not show gratitude. You would be surprised, according to the pastor, how many missionaries forget to say thank you or send a thank you card. This should not be the case. Express your gratitude!
- Be humble.
A missionary is told he is doing the Lord’s work, he is a hero, and they are happy to have him present, and sometimes this gets to their head. Don’t believe you have arrived. Don’t become prideful. Stay humble. It is pleasing to God and the people.
- Be positive.
Everyone deals with sickness and hard times. Don’t be a complainer, don’t dwell on the negative. Stay positive.
- Be prompt.
Be on time. Thirty minutes early is not really early, so shoot for an hour. You don’t want to be late. Many times the pastor wants to get to know you and that happens best beforehand. Keep within your time limit.
- Show manners.
Use words such as: “Yes sir, yes ma’am, thank you, please,” etc. Teach your kids to show manners as well, in speech, response, and behavior. Manners go a long way, so remember your manners.
- Keep going.
Don’t give up, keep moving forward.
- Don’t quit.
Pastors get frustrated by missionaries that quit. Know what God has called you to, and keep going. Everyone has difficulties, but you should know this before you start, so don’t quit when life is hard.
- Don’t neglect time alone with God.
You might be in a different church every day of the month, and many times you are the one teaching or presenting, but please don’t neglect your time alone with God.
- Be passionate.
You might be tired and have been in several churches and conferences, but this is that specific church’s one missions conference of the year. When you are presenting and preaching, be excited and passionate.
- Preach and present about missions.
A pastor can invite someone else to preach and teach on other topics, but when you as a missionary are visiting a church, preach on your topic. The pastor invited you because you’re a missionary, so speak about missions.
