by Jon Konnerup
This is the third article in a series on why it seems fewer of the younger generation are surrendering to full-time ministry. Following are some additional reasons I believe fewer people are surrendering to serve as missionaries.
8. Confused definitions. Have you heard the saying, everybody’s job is nobody’s job? I believe ideas like this have affected our mission endeavors. Oftentimes, several church ministries are labeled as missions, thus confusing the uniqueness of the role of a full-time missionary and making it more difficult for young people to dedicate themselves to God in service as a missionary. Yes, everyone is to be a witness, but God does uniquely call some to enter the task of bringing in the harvest from foreign fields.
9. Inadequate preparation. There are some who feel that if there is a need, they will just go, try to fit in, and simply share the good news. In their eagerness they cut corners in order to get there. I am thankful doctors and other professionals do not have this mindset, but understand the need to be specially trained for the task ahead of them. Why then should it be any different for missionaries? It is true, God does use people from all walks of life in missionary service, but the need for those who are trained in cross-cultural ministries is a must. It is God’s call and the training they receive will keep them on the field when times get tough. There is a vast difference between going on a short mission trip where you know soon you are headed home, than going to the field for two to four years when you know you have to stick it out and do your best to make a difference. Culture shock is a reality and our people need to have quality training to prepare for this calling.
10. Debt. Debt is one area that keeps many from ever reaching the mission field. Those who know they are called of God and attend college for specialized training leave school with tremendous debt. In order to be a missionary through the BBFI, one’s debt must be minimal. Prospective candidates take a job or two to reduce their debt and end up staying in the secular workforce, never reaching the mission field. Many I have met across the country have shared that God called them, but they didn’t go because they were financially strapped and under the bondage of debt. If more of our churches’ people were out of debt, more could be giving to missions and the deputation process would be shortened for our new missionaries.
Next month, I will conclude this series with a few more reasons why fewer seem to be answering God’s call on their lives. We must all do our part to encourage the younger generation as they consider serving God as a missionary, taking the gospel to places where people won’t have a chance to hear of Jesus unless someone goes to them.