How do I know if God is calling me to cross-cultural missions?

Before asking whether God is calling you to cross-cultural missions, it is important to recognize that every believer is called to serve God’s kingdom through wholehearted obedience. We do this as we use our gifts to love and serve others in the church, honor God through our work and daily responsibilities, and make Christ known wherever He has placed us.

For some, that obedience includes a specific calling to serve cross-culturally among those who have little or no access to the gospel. A missionary calling is not a higher calling, but a particular one. It is confirmed by the Holy Spirit in the heart of the person being called and affirmed by the local church.

So what does that calling look like? The answer is that it doesn't look the same for everyone.

God uses many different ways to guide His people. Peter received a vision. Philip was prompted by the Holy Spirit to go into the desert. The early believers were scattered through persecution. Paul and Barnabas were commissioned by the leaders of the church. Timothy was invited and mentored by Paul.

In each case, the Holy Spirit put a deep conviction in their hearts so that going and proclaiming the gospel became a matter of obedience. Paul described that conviction this way:

Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News! ... I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. (1 Cor. 9:16–17b)

Here are six ways God confirms His calling in a person's life.

1. Obey God’s Revealed Will
God’s revealed will is found in His Word. As you fill your mind with Scripture and obey what He has already revealed, your plans and priorities will be shaped by His character and His purposes (Ps. 119:97–105).

2. Seek God’s Specific Will in Prayer
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2)

Beyond God’s revealed will for all people, God’s plan for you at a particular time is confirmed in your heart by the Holy Spirit as you surrender yourself to Him. Pray asking for the wisdom to recognize and follow His leading (Jas. 1:5–6).

3. Consider the Desires of Your Heart
Contrary to popular belief, God doesn’t drag His children kicking and screaming to the mission field. As you delight yourself in the Lord, He shapes your desires so that His will becomes yours (Ps. 37:4). If He is calling you to missions, He will place that desire in your heart, and like David, you will be able to say, “I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart” (Ps. 40:8).

4. Consider the Way God Has Uniquely Made You
“We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do the good works He prepared in advance for us” (Eph. 2:10). God not only has a mission for you, but He has uniquely designed and equipped you for it—with spiritual gifts, talents, experiences, education, and burdens that He can use to serve others and advance His kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit.

5. Seek the Counsel and Affirmation of Church Leaders
Ask your pastor, church leaders, or mentors if they would be willing to pray with you as you seek God's direction.

If you—or they—aren’t sure that you are ready for missionary service, ask what training or preparation they would recommend. Sometimes God’s direction isn’t “no,” but “not yet.”

6. Pay Attention to Open and Closed Doors
God may place opportunities before you to serve cross-culturally. After praying, if you still don't have complete clarity but are willing to go, take the next step in faith while remaining submitted to God's will.

If it isn't the right path, He is fully able to close the door (Acts 16:6–7). Or He may use that opportunity to lead you to another one. Sometimes what seems like a small first step is simply the beginning of the mission He has prepared for you.

While each person's calling to missions may unfold differently, what matters is having a settled confidence, by faith, that God is leading you to make disciples cross-culturally.

Missionary service is difficult and costly. When the challenges become overwhelming, confidence in God's calling is often what gives missionaries the perseverance to remain faithful instead of giving up and returning home.

Take the Next Step

Do you sense God may be calling you to missions? Connect with our recruitment team to ask questions and explore opportunities to serve with Avant.

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