Matthew 9:37-38 says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” This is not a new story regarding the need for missionaries in the field. In addition to the selfishness that often prevents us from serving others, and the busyness of day-to-day life, there are other reasons why someone might pass up the opportunity to engage in missional living.
Four words: Myths about Christian missions. These often wrap us up in fear and stifle the opportunity to dream. Sadly, misconceptions about Christian missions can prevent people from stepping out and engaging in this important work.
We want to address some of these myths about Christian missions in the hope that, if you’ve been believing any of them, you’ll instead feel free to step into your God-given purpose in missions and be encouraged to discover your unique role and calling. We will share scripture, real-life examples, and other resources to help get you started.
What Is Christian Missions?
It’s easy to look at the life of Jesus and gain an understanding of what missions are. He was the ultimate missionary—someone who walked closely with the Father and couldn’t help but walk in obedience to Him. He went where the Father told Him to go and did what He told Him to do. This is really what missions is all about.
Sure, a significant part of missions could involve picking up your life, moving to an unfamiliar location, and sharing the gospel with those who have never heard it. This is a major aspect of missions, but there are more opportunities than simply that.
When Jesus commanded His disciples to live missionally through the Great Commission in Matthew 28, He told them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He had commanded. He didn’t specify that this had to happen in a certain overseas location; instead, He said to go and make disciples of all the nations. He left the opportunities open for God to lead them as they went. Keep in mind that He was speaking to His disciples, who came from many different backgrounds, workplaces, and personalities.
Though this was a single moment with His twelve disciples, you can see over time (Acts 2, for example) that those twelve multiplied and the gospel continued to spread. This shows that the spreading of the gospel is a responsibility for all of Jesus’ followers, and that we all play a role—whether it’s in community development, church planting, education, healthcare, or more. God can use your life to serve others in a missional way, bringing great impact to any location.
Myth-Busting time!
Jesus made missions look easy. We, on the other hand, often complicate things and let common misconceptions hold us back. It’s important to address these myths so that we can step into missions boldly and, if we want to see the world changed, take action. Now, let’s address these Myths about Christian missions!
Myth 1: Missions Work Is Only for the “Super-Spiritual” or Those with a Special Calling
Jesus often spent His time with the ordinary, the despised, and those who were often rejected. He kept His eyes open for those whom the Father highlighted, rather than those the world might have suggested He choose as His disciples. Missions is not reserved for ‘elite’ Christians, and this is proven through how Jesus selected His followers. They were tax collectors, fishermen, and men and women who had been freed from demons and sickness. God doesn’t call only those who seem to be the best qualified for the job, but those who lean on Him for strength and guidance to accomplish His will.
This is why He also chose people like Saul and David in the Old Testament—men from the smallest and most lowly tribes. He used those who didn’t rely on their already established wisdom, but instead, on those who needed a teacher. He doesn’t ask for anything to be special about you—only that you are willing to respond to His call and walk with Him in obedience to His leading.
Loren Cunningham is a great example of an ordinary person who God used to build one of the greatest missions organizations in the world, YWAM (Youth With A Mission). He grew up in Taft, California, a dusty oil town, where his parents moved to start a church-planting ministry. It was said of Loren’s family that they were poor in material wealth but rich in good works.
This example is encouraging for those of us who feel that missions might put us in over our heads, making us feel as though we couldn’t do it on our own.
Myth 2: You Must Go Overseas to Be a Missionary
In Acts 1:8, Jesus says to His disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We see that He didn’t direct them to one specific location. Instead, He named nearby regions as well as the ends of the earth. That being said, when we have a deep desire for others to know God, we will go to great lengths to make sure that happens—regardless of how far those people may be.
There is great significance in moving to a distant land to share the gospel, but we must also recognize that obedience to God is our primary purpose. To some, He may call to go far; to others, He may call to stay and serve their local communities.
Staying local doesn’t give us an excuse to grow passive in our sharing of the gospel, and being the one who goes further from home doesn’t make someone closer to God.
In Matthew 5, Jesus frees a man of demons. After his healing, the man asked Jesus if he could follow Him. Instead of allowing him to journey with Him, Jesus challenged him with this: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.”
The story continues: “The man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.”
God used this man’s testimony to impact his own hometown. He knows best how to use our lives for His greatest glory—whether that means we stay in one region or go to another.
Myth 3: Missionaries Live in Constant Danger and Discomfort
Following Jesus doesn’t always come with a promise of comfort or safety. Sometimes it requires a great deal of risk and discomfort. But this is true for every believer—whether on a distant mission field or not. Part of following Him is learning to trust Him, even when we don’t have the full picture or understand His entire plan. This can be uncomfortable for anyone, in any circumstance. As believers, however, we cannot find our comfort solely in the world. We can rest in God’s presence and find that to be truly sustaining.
Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” There are verses all throughout the Bible that remind us of God’s presence, His comfort, and His protection.
Psalm 91:9-10 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge, and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.”
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”
So, we shouldn’t worry! As we walk in relationship with God, we can ask Him to show up with comfort and protection, as His Word promises He will. Missions is not always easy, nor is it always challenging. Life with God may have heights and depths, but His presence is guaranteed overall.
Myth 4: Missions Work Is Only About Evangelism
Jesus lived a compassionate life. This is what led Him to heal. Evangelism is central to missions, but it is through compassion that we carry it out. Additionally, compassion can move us to provide healthcare, education, disaster relief, and social justice work. Though, doing these things without God, is simply humanitarian work. We must not simply act out of our own kindness, but align with God’s heart. When our compassion partners with His desire to love His people, the result can look like any of the above. These acts can also open doors to evangelism, furthering our ultimate desire to see people come to know God.
Micah 6:8 says, “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
James 2:17 says, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
God sees our deeds of servanthood as much as He hears our words while sharing the gospel.
Heidi Baker, with Iris Global, is a great example of one who pairs faith with action. She lives in Mozambique, serving the people, enduring persecution, and is known for her deep love for God and a desire to be close to Him.
She stands firm through difficult times and continues to serve, even when circumstances aren’t ideal. We, too, can be faithful to God in the simplicity of day-to-day life. As we grow in Him, a natural desire to serve others will be produced in us.
Myth 5: You Need to Be a Certain Age or Have Specific Qualifications
When YWAM started, it was during a time when missions was seemingly only for adults—not for youth. Thankfully, Loren and Darlene Cunningham boldly changed the culture of that day and invited young people to join them in reaching the lost around the world. As a result, today, both young and old alike are sharing the gospel all over the world!
Jesus discipled men and women of various ages. There is no age limit or starting point for following Jesus in the Bible. While the way we follow Him may look different from age group to age group, it is flexible nonetheless. Even within YWAM—a youth movement—all ages contribute. Those further long in years help guide the younger generation and pour into them as they learn to disciple others. We all have a place in responding to the Great Commission.
From a young age, Jesus spent time in His “Father’s house” (Luke 2:49), even teaching the teachers of that day! He knew the Father, and that was all He really needed to do what He did.
At an older age, God used people like Eli, who mentored Samuel from the younger generation, teaching him to walk closely with God.
Be encouraged—whatever your age or qualifications. Gods requirements are different from mans. Read more on What Are The Qualifications of A Missionary.
Myth 6: Missions Work Is a Lifelong Commitment
A missionary in Southeast Asia once said, “Who decides what is considered long-term for a missionary? Is it two years, ten years, a lifetime?” All they knew was that they were committed to what God had spoken to them, until He led them to move on to something else. Lifelong commitments to one location on the mission field can be rare, and if that is how God is leading, that is beautiful. He is not restricted by timelines set by man. He can move in two days, two years, or a lifetime on the field. Every missionary, whether involved in short-term or long-term missions, plays a role in the Great Commission.
Two men named Johann Leonhard Dober and David Nitschmann sold themselves into slavery in 1732 to reach African slaves. This is the kind of mission that looks like a lifelong commitment. On the other hand, many missionaries have gone from place to place over the years, doing short-term or mid-term missions that have still had lasting effects in the locations they visited. Both have their place and are a response to God’s call for people to go and reach the unreached.
So, take the pressure off of having to be a “career” missionary and simply ask God where He would like you to be—and for how long.
Isaiah 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
Myth 7: Missionaries Must Be Financially Independent
YWAM Value #16 is practicing dependence on God. Independence is in direct opposition to dependence. Therefore, as a YWAM missionary, the expectation is to believe in faith that God Himself will be the primary source and provider for every missionary. Trusting in God’s provision builds faith in our relationship with Him and demonstrates our dependence on Him. As we lock arms with Him, He often provides a team of others to join in and lock arms with us.
Missionaries are often supported by others, whether that be their home church, family members, or friends. We are not alone when it comes to our needs. The purpose of partnership is to be “all in” together. So, if you’re considering missionary work and know you’ll need support, remember that those people are your partners, joining you in a common goal. It doesn’t have to be intimidating. Ultimately, God is the provider, regardless of how many supporting friends or family you have—or don’t have. Read more about How To Raise Funds For Missions Trips.
There are countless stories of missionaries crying out to God for financial help, only to find money in their mailbox, left in specific locations for them to discover, or in today’s day and age, sent electronically. God speaks to and leads the body of Christ, so remember that He hears you and can guide others to help provide for your needs.
2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Myth 8: Only Pastors or Trained Church Leaders Can Be Missionaries
While church leaders and pastors are absolutely vital, the world needs more than just the pastor from each church. Every believer—whether new in their faith or one who has walked with Christ for many years—is needed to fulfill the Great Commission. The mission field needs people skilled in teaching, sports, media, healthcare, and so on. These gifts are door openers to share the gospel and, oftentimes, the key to getting missionaries through doors that some pastors might not be able to access without those specific abilities.
Be aware of your gifts and see how you can use them in missions! Romans 12:4-8 talks about the body of Christ walking in different gifts. It suggests that we each do our part and serve in the areas that we are gifted in!
In the early 1900s, there was a missionary named Gladys Aylward who traveled alone from England to China. She wasn’t by any means a church leader or pastor. She was a simple housemaid from her early teens, who loved God and had a heart for the Chinese people. She didn’t allow her title or lack of formal position to hold her back from taking risks and serving God in difficult places.
We can learn from her life that, if we have the love of God in our hearts and the determination to see the lost saved, we can go anywhere and do anything—no matter what our role in society or the church!
Myth 9: Missions Work Is Only for Extroverts
This misconception couldn’t be further from the truth! Being an introvert doesn’t mean you’re more fearful, nor does it mean you’re quiet, socially awkward, or that you don’t have important things to say. To be an introvert simply means that you need space to recharge alone. Being in missions might involve a full schedule, but like Jesus, there should always be space to step away from the crowds and be alone with, and refreshed by the Father.
Luke 5:16
“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Neither introvert nor extrovert is bound to a specific job or role. Some of the most evangelistic people in missions are actually introverts! So, we should always have an open mind regarding where people might thrive in a certain role. That being said, those who prefer working alone can often thrive best in roles like administration, intercession, tech, and more. Missions teams need a diversity of personalities. If all missionaries were extroverts, we wouldn’t fulfill the full desire of God’s heart for our teams.
Myth 10: God’s Calling Is Always Crystal Clear
God is a big God! Hearing from the Creator of the world can be difficult because our minds are often crowded with the things of this world. Asking big questions like, “What is my call?” can take time to get answered. Sometimes it’s a process of discernment, and other times, God responds very clearly and in an instant.
So, what does one do if they’re hearing crickets? Step out in the last thing God led you to do! Be willing to take a leap of faith in the things you believe He might be leading you toward. Seek wise counsel from spiritual mentors and trusted community members. As you walk in obedience in the small things along the way, greater clarity will come. Though His voice may be hard to hear at times, the Holy Spirit is a good leader and brings conviction when something seems to be going the wrong way. Lean into those convictions and trust that He will continue to guide you on the journey!
Isaiah 30:21 – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.”
YWAM Lancaster’s Missions Programs
Maybe a couple of weeks on a mission trip is your first step. Maybe a five-month DTS is the first foot in the door. God’s calling over your life can develop gradually, rather than through one dramatic, singular event. Our job is to simply be faithful with what we are given and do our best to follow His leadership.
Now that we’ve set things straight and given you accurate facts about Christian missions, we hope you’re feeling encouraged and ready to step out into the mission field! The world is waiting to hear your voice and testimony. Through YWAM Lancaster, you could have the opportunity to prove these myths wrong and share Jesus boldly with the world. Check out our Discipleship Training School and apply today!
