According to our research, it usually takes many years for candidates to go from initial interest in overseas mission to actually going. Most commonly, it took our mission partners 7-10 years; for more than a quarter, it was even longer.
This means we need to be realistic with people when they first express interest in global mission and as a local church be ready to walk patiently alongside potential candidates for many years, praying and supporting them.
Sometimes, potential mission partners might not know how much paperwork and preparation is required and how long the journey can take. Sharing Julian Milson’s experience might help manage expectations and encourage prospective candidates to start the process as soon as they are able: “Had we been more aware of the process we would need to go through (including fundraising) we might have made the decision earlier. The practicalities seemed rather opaque beforehand.”
Similarly, Chris Strajnic, our mission partner in Sweden, explains what the process was like for him: “It takes a longer time than we might hope and the route to missions can be different to what we expect, both in terms of timing and how it practically gets resolved. A lot of patience is needed. But all the jobs I had before going overseas played a role and were part of my preparations (the working experience was invaluable), not just the theological training and church ministry, but real life, something many ignore. Being active in church ministry at home will prepare you, more than anything, for missions.”
Jem Hovil, who serves in East Africa, echoes that final point: “Going overseas is a process. Beginning at home by gaining experience in intercultural dynamics and ministry is a great first step.”
Adam* who serves in West Africa states: “The more experience someone has in the UK working with the gospel, the more qualified they are for gospel ministry overseas.”
As well as throwing yourself into the life of your home church while you begin the journey to overseas mission, thinking about training options is also important.
Only three of our mission partners had not completed any formal theological training before going overseas and they had been active in their local churches, receiving training as part of their normal Christian service. More than half had completed a church apprenticeship, underlining how these schemes remain a key way of raising up long-term gospel workers. Others had completed training at a variety of institutions, including Oak Hill Theological College, Cornhill Training Course, Belfast Bible College and George Whitefield College.
Alanna Creighton, a mission partner in Nigeria, shares how her husband’s training has been vital on the mission field: “I think it is much better when mission partners have clear local contacts, pathways, skills and preparation so they can be involved in worthwhile work from the beginning. Rick’s PhD and teaching experience and short-term teaching projects equipped him with the skills to be of genuine use here, which gave me confidence that it was worth the considerable risks to come.”
Ultimately, all the experience built up through your life and during the discernment process is useful when overseas. As Lotta Strajnic, our mission partner in Sweden, adds: “the better prepared you are for mission before you go, the easier it will be.”
To find out more about the typical pathways to overseas mission as well as the barriers and fears faced by our mission partners, download our new report, Pathways to Mission.
Adam* – name changed to protect identity.