Have you ever thought to yourself, “I would love to be a missionary if it weren’t for… ”?

Many of us love the idea of participating in the Great Commission overseas, but are hindered by a variety of obstacles.

What if your perceived “obstacle” isn’t truly an impediment? 

Many missionaries have found that the training, support, and creative opportunities offered by mission agencies allow them to use their gifts to yield incredible kingdom increase around the world even despite limitations that initially seemed like barriers too great to overcome.

You can serve in missions even if:

1. You’re not a skilled evangelist. 

While evangelistic gifting is a huge blessing, it is certainly not a requirement. Just as God called and used timid communicators like Moses in the Bible, He is using people with all sorts of gifting around the world today to “spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere” (2 Cor 2:14).

God often chooses to use those who are weak or struggling with confidence to communicate His heart to the lost. One of the most winsome yet simple ways that missionaries share the gospel is through sharing their own personal experience of the good news. Learning this natural way of bearing witness to the hope within is something that new MTW missionaries frequently site as a highlight of the training they receive before departing for the field.

2. You don’t intend to serve long term. 

Many have heard seemingly larger-than-life missionary stories about men and women in centuries past who dedicated their entire lives to sharing the gospel overseas. Today, however, mission agencies actually guide many missionary candidates toward a shorter initial commitment of just one to two years.  At MTW, candidate specialists collaborate with potential missionaries to assess and determine the most suitable initial time commitment.

Mission agencies are finding that a smaller initial commitment provides an entryway into missions that is deeply formative and clarifying but without the pressure of life-long commitment from the get-go. Through a shorter initial term, new missionaries gain a greater sense of clarity, equipping, and confidence for the work that the Lord is calling them toward whether it be continued service abroad, working in a missionary support role, or serving to advance God’s kingdom back home.

3. You don’t have a natural aptitude for language learning.

While language learning is certainly a challenge that God calls many people to for the sake of the gospel, missionary candidates are often surprised to learn just how many foreign fields need men and women who are willing to serve cross-culturally yet minister in English. Many serve in locations where global citizens such as expats and refugees are eager to interact with hospitable English speakers, providing incredible opportunities for the gospel to go forth.

For those who do serve in a field where learning a language is important, mission organizations provide support and guidance in that endeavor as well. At MTW, team leadership on the field collaborates with missionary candidates to put a plan in place for the necessary language acquisition.

4. You have debt.

Many assume that debt is an automatic disqualifier for missionary work, but that’s not necessarily the case. Depending on a variety of different factors, some mission agencies are willing to help candidates form a plan for paying off debt as they pursue mission. MTW regularly has conversations with prospective missionaries about these sorts of things. Having a conversation to discover your options is always worth it!

5. You’re not a pastor or seminary-trained.

Pastors and others with theological training certainly play a pivotal role in advancing God’s kingdom around the world, however as Ephesians 4:12 alludes, it is actually those who have been equipped by pastors who God often uses to call people to Himself. The mission field is no exception.

We need pastors, but we also need non-pastors who are willing to befriend and share their lives with other non-pastors around the world. In recent years MTW has commissioned new missionaries with backgrounds in everything from nursing to information technology, to aerospace engineering, to photography, and a plethora of other things as well. God designs us each uniquely and outfits us strategically for the work He is already doing in the world. Consider reaching out to find out how your skill set might be used. A lack of education should not be a hinderance.

6. You struggle with anxiety.

Anxiety is an unfortunate reality that many missionaries around the world face daily, looking to the Lord to sustain and empower them despite this common symptom of life in a fallen world. Mission agencies help those who are considering missionary service to evaluate whether their medical conditions such as anxiety will be manageable for them on the mission field and can help direct them toward fields that they will be best suited for. Additionally, MTW has a Member Care Team that provides support to missionaries facing all different sorts of challenges, connecting them to counselors as needed and helping them develop a plan to be healthy on the field.

7. You’re older (or think you missed your window).

In recent years, MTW has commissioned more and more second-career or retirement-age adults as foreign missionaries. These people bring a wealth of wisdom and experience that is incredibly valuable on missionary teams and in some contexts, their age even wins them instant rapport from nationals. Mission agencies are also happy to put you in touch with other “older” people who have moved overseas and can speak to your concerns, providing clarity and reassurance.

8. You’re still exploring your calling.

Missionary candidate specialists interact daily with people who are interested in missions but are still exploring their calling. These professionals are equipped to walk alongside, pray with, encourage, and provide guiding discernment to those who are weighing different pathways to using their gifts.

For those still discerning their calling, mission agencies offer short-term opportunities—from one week to one year—that can provide valuable clarity while contributing to the work of the Great Commission.

9. You’ve made big mistakes in the past.

Throughout the Bible, God called people into ministry despite huge failures in their past, and He is still doing so today! Missionary applications ask about past struggles, not because those things are necessarily disqualifiers, but because agencies seek to help candidates consider whether sufficient healing and restoration has taken place. They seek to compassionately come alongside and wisely advise. Missionaries often find that it is precisely their own story of healing that the Lord uses mightily to bring hope to lost people.

If you have longed to participate in global missions, don’t let your circumstances, gifting, or your past keep you from reaching out to have a conversation with a mission agency. God might use that small step of faith to invite you into a beautiful journey of partnership with Him.

Interested in exploring service with MTW? Visit mtw.org/serve to get started.