Category: mini theologies for missionaries

Call

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WHO ABOVE WHERE AND WHAT

A crisis unexpectedly hit the region. Foreigners were being kicked out. Many didn’t know if they would ever get to return. One pioneer who had been serving in the field among the Fulani was devastated.

“But my calling is to the Fulani!” she argued, her voice tightened with a mixture of frustration and despair. “God called me here, for them! How can I abandon that?” The thought of starting over with a new language, new culture, and new relationships felt like an unbearable weight. Her zeal, once a roaring fire, had dwindled to a flickering ember. She felt disoriented and utterly unfulfilled.

If her calling was to a specific people in a specific place, and that was now changing, did that mean her calling was a mistake? Was God’s plan for her failing? She knew deep down that her identity wasn’t “missionary to the Fulani”; it was “one called by Christ to a holy life.”

This realization didn’t instantly make the new assignment easy, nor did it erase her heartache for the Fulani. But it shifted her foundation. Her calling wasn’t dependent on a place or a people group’s response, but on the unchanging purpose of making Christ known. The “where” and “what” might shift, but the “Who” remained constant, providing an unshakeable anchor in the shifting sands of the mission field.

BIBLICAL REFLECTION ON CALLING

God is the One who calls. Throughout biblical history and modern missions, calling was demonstrated as a personal encounter with God that led to specific assignments: Abraham was called to trust and go (Genesis 12:1-4); Paul was called to a new identity and to proclaim the good news to the Gentiles (Acts 9:1-19, Romans 1:1) Everyone called is called by God’s sovereign initiative and grace, not from human merit, ambition, or even a deep desire for service alone. A call is an act of God setting an individual apart for His purposes.

Called to Jesus first and foremost. At its deepest level, biblical calling is fundamentally an invitation into a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ Himself—a call to salvation, relationship, and discipleship. It is primarily a call to Him, which then leads to a call from Him for His purposes. Your identity as a “called one” is rooted in your being in Christ, not in your location, title, or specific ministry task. (John 15:5; Philippians 3:7-8; 2 Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 12:2-3)

Called to be like Jesus. Every follower of Jesus is called to live a holy life and to walk worthy. Calling is most often in Scripture a word used to describe who we are to be rather than what we do. We are called to be more and more like Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Ephesians 4:1-3)

Called to spread Jesus’ name and kingdom. Every follower of Jesus is called to be an ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). We represent Jesus to our neighbors and to the world. The ultimate aim of any calling is the glory of God and the expansion of His Kingdom. Mission pioneers are instruments in God’s hand to make His name known, spread His salvation, and establish His will among all peoples. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)

Jesus had a two-fold calling—to proclaim the gospel and to heal. For Him, there was never a tension or dichotomy between evangelism (preaching) and social ministry (healing). Jesus modeled, commanded, and empowered His disciples to engage in both preaching the Kingdom of God and healing the sick. (Luke 9:2, Matthew 10:7-8, Mark 6:7, 12-13)

Called where you are before being called elsewhere. Before God sends you to serve somewhere else, He calls you to serve faithfully where you are. The present context is often God’s training ground for future assignments. Consider Paul’s Macedonian call. He was called to do what he had always been doing, just somewhere else. Faithfulness in your local community prepares you for responsibilities beyond your comfort zone and boundaries. (Luke 16:10; 16:9-10; Romans 1:6)

Call is affirmed by the church. A call is affirmed when the church sends someone who is willing, capable, and tested to proclaim the gospel and establish the church in another culture. When that happens, a missionary can be confident in God’s direction not only because of his subjective desire but also because of the affirmation of God’s people in the church. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 13:1-3; 14:26-27)

God equips all who are called. A calling comes with God’s enablement. It is sustained not by human strength or skill alone, but by the Holy Spirit’s power, providing the necessary gifts, wisdom, and endurance. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Romans 12:6-8)

A missionary’s journey often begins with a deep, personal conviction of God’s love and a desire to follow Christ wholeheartedly. This leads to a burden for the lost, which then, through prayer and discernment, may narrow to a specific people group or type of ministry. The “Who” (Jesus) remains the driving force that sustains them through the challenges of the “where” and “what.”

Your calling to the mission field is a sacred trust. By rooting it firmly in your relationship with Jesus Christ, embracing faithfulness in your current context, and understanding that your ultimate identity is found in Him, you will be equipped to endure, thrive, and effectively advance His Kingdom among the unreached.

What other Scriptures or biblical aspects come to mind when you consider “calling”? Take a few moments to look up 1-2 of these verses and journal what the Lord highlights for you.

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” — 2 Timothy 1:9

THE IMPORTANCE OF CALLING

Understanding your calling is not merely an abstract spiritual concept but the very bedrock of your endurance, identity, and effectiveness. In the face of immense challenges, cultural complexities, and spiritual opposition, a clear grasp of God’s call will anchor your soul and propel your ministry forward.

Supernatural Empowerment: Recognizing that the call is from God reminds you that He also provides the power to fulfill it, guarding against self-reliance. This means that your calling is not primarily defined by the country you serve in, the people group you target, or the specific type of ministry you do (e.g., church planting, medical work, community development). These are important expressions of your calling, but the core is your personal, intimate connection with the Caller Himself.

Provides Unwavering Purpose and Direction: A clear calling gives you a divine “why” for your work, extending far beyond personal ambition or fleeting enthusiasm. When you have been affirmed that God has called you, it provides an unshakeable sense of purpose that guides your decisions and keeps you focused on His agenda, not your own.

Identity Beyond Performance: In contexts where “results” are slow or hard to measure, your identity remains secure in who you are in Christ, not in what you accomplish. This guards against burnout, self-condemnation, and the temptation to “prove” your work.

Clarity in Confusion and Resilience in Hardship: When faced with loneliness, cultural shock, slow progress, or spiritual attacks, your calling to Jesus Himself provides an unshakeable anchor. You are not there because of a program, place, or people, but because of Him. When ministry directions are unclear or unexpected challenges arise, returning to the core call to Jesus helps you discern His will and remain faithful.

Facilitates Healthy Accountability and Partnership: A clearly understood calling, especially when affirmed by the local church, fosters healthy accountability relationships. It allows sending churches and fellow workers to understand your purpose and support you effectively, preventing “lone ranger” ministry.

Understanding your calling is the spiritual compass that keeps mission workers oriented towards God’s will, resilient through trials, secure in their identity, and empowered for effective, God-glorifying service in the harvest field.

PRAYER ACTION

Consider the Scriptures you cling to above. Consider calling. Write a prayer for the kind of person you want to be for the call.

BUILDING A PRACTICAL MINI-THEOLOGY

Take some time to prayerfully draft your practical mini-theology of “the call” by responding to these questions:

What is the call of God? How do you know if you’re called? How are we called to a Person above a place, people group, title, or ministry?

example: God is… We are the kind of people who… It is most like us/me to… We/I will… We/I hold to…

What was Jesus called to do? And how does this inform your call?

What does God call us to do/be? How does God prepare you for your call, where you’re at before sending you somewhere else?

Once you finish, share your responses with your mentor. Ask for feedback. Adjust your draft as needed.

Additional Resources for Going Deeper:
The Call, by Os Guinness
Preach and Heal, by Charles Fielding
Calling: A Biblical Perspective, by TheologyofWork.org
Understanding Your Calling, by J.T. Hutts
The Antioch Journey, 31-day Devotional
On Being a Missionary, by Thomas Hale
The Missionary Call: A Biblical and Practical Appraisal, by MissioNexus

Dwell

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WHERE GOD IS AND WHERE YOU WANT TO BE

One day I was invited to visit the family village of a good friend, I drove a few kilometers outside the city on what was nothing more than a bumpy dirt path for donkeys. In the middle of nowhere, we came upon a cluster of small African huts. The dwellings were made of mud bricks and thatched roofs.

As I approached one of the huts, I could hear the hum of a small diesel generator. When I stepped inside the abode there was a group of men who were all watching WWE. I never expected to be in one of the remotest places on earth and see that. It was surreal. One of the young men proceeded to turn to me and ask, “How do these wrestlers not get hurt?” It wasn’t the place to explain (spoiler alert!) that those wrestlers were part of an act and it was not real.

There is something even more amazing that sometimes feels unreal: God dwells among us and abides in us! Where God is, is where we want to be. We often wrestle with this reality.

BIBLICAL REFLECTION ON DWELLING

The story of the Bible reveals a progressive unfolding of God’s desire to dwell with His people. This theme culminates in the New Testament reality that believers themselves, individually and corporately, are His dwelling place. However, let’s back up the story a bit.

God dwelled in the Garden. God has always been. When He created the world and breathed life in Adam and Eve, He walked among them. He was present and actively connecting with them. When they sinned it severed their connection with God and mankind who have been longing for intimacy with God like Eden ever since. (Genesis 2:8-15; Isaiah 51:3, Ezekiel 36:35)

God dwelled in a pillar and tent. In the Old Testament, God chose to dwell among His people in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The sign of his presence was a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. These physical structures symbolized God’s presence, holiness, and accessibility (albeit with limitations). This established the foundational truth that God desired to be with His people. (Exodus 13: 21-22; 25:8-9; 29:45-46; Numbers 9:15-23; 1 Kings 8:27)

God dwells among us. Jesus Himself is the ultimate “tabernacling” of God among humanity. In Him, the fullness of God dwelt bodily, making God intimately knowable and accessible. (John 1:1-5; 1:14; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25)

God dwells in us. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, individual believers become temples of the Holy Spirit, and the collective body of believers—the church—becomes a spiritual house and God’s dwelling place on earth. This means that wherever pioneer workers go, and as they gather believers, they are carrying and establishing God’s presence.(John 14:15-17; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20; Ephesians 2:19-22)

God dwells in His city. The future dwelling place of God with humanity is depicted in Revelation 21, where the new heaven and new earth are seen as the temple, and God will fully dwell with His redeemed people. This provides enduring hope for the pioneer, reminding them of the glorious end goal of their work. (Revelation 21:1-3; Colossians 3:1-2)

God calls us to spread His dwelling around the world. As new believers are gathered and discipled, forming new communities in Christ, they are literally building God’s dwelling place in new lands. This transforms a remote outpost into a spiritual epicenter.

What other Scriptures or biblical aspects come to mind when you consider an abiding in Christ and God’s dwelling place? Take a few moments to look up 1-2 of these verses and journal what the Lord highlights for you.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” — Revelation 21:3-4

THE IMPORTANCE OF ABIDING

When you have confidence and comfort that God is with you and that you are near to Him, then you have indescribable joy. Connection with God is an utter delight. Pioneer mission work can be lonely, demanding, and often discouraging. In environments where spiritual support is scarce and visible fruit is slow to appear, the temptation to rely on one’s own strength or strategies is great. There are two foundational truths for each pioneer: the need to abide with Christ and the reality of God’s dwelling place. These truths are lifelines that sustain, empower, and bear fruit in the most challenging mission fields.

Abiding Defined: The word “abide” (Greek: meno) signifies remaining, dwelling, staying, or continuing in a close, intimate, and dependent relationship. Jesus Himself uses the powerful metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate this vital connection. (John 15:1-11)

Necessity for Life and Connection: Just as a branch cannot produce fruit apart from the vine, a mission worker cannot truly live or be fruitful apart from Christ. This isn’t merely about occasional connection, but a continuous, moment-by-moment reliance. Pioneer contexts often strip away human comforts and resources, making the need for divine life even more stark. (1 John 2:24-28; Galatians 2:20)

Source of Nourishment and Direction: Abiding in Christ means drawing all our spiritual nourishment, strength, wisdom, and direction directly from Him. It frees us from the burden of self-sufficiency and the exhaustion that comes from trying to accomplish God’s work in our own strength. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Lasting Fruitfulness: True, lasting fruit in mission— gospel seed scattering, discipleship, church planting, transformation—flows from Christ’s life through us, not from our own efforts. Abiding ensures that our work is Spirit-led and God-honoring. This is crucial for pioneers who may see little “visible” fruit and need to trust God for the deeper, unseen work.

Peace Amid Chaos: A deep, abiding relationship with Christ provides an unshakable inner peace, even when external circumstances are chaotic, dangerous, or discouraging. This peace is a powerful witness in its own right.

Accepting the invitation to abide: In isolated and challenging fields, the pioneer is never truly alone. The God who dwells in them is present, providing comfort, guidance, and power. More than any strategy or skill, simply abiding with Christ is non-negotiable.

Expanding Mission: The central storyline of the entire Bible revolves around God’s purpose to dwell with his people, and this dwelling place is meant to expand to fill the entire earth. God’s presence with us is a comforting and empowering as we pioneer the gospel among the nations and unreached. As we go, even if it be the most challenging location, He goes with us. (Matthew 28:18-20)

PRAYER ACTION

Consider the Scriptures you cling to above. Consider the dwelling place of God. Write a prayer for the kind of person you want to be who abides with Christ and spreads His dwelling place among the unreached and unengaged.

BUILDING A PRACTICAL MINI-THEOLOGY OF DWELLING

Take some time to prayerfully draft your practical mini-theology of “God’s dwelling” by responding to these questions:

Where is God’s dwelling place? Why does this matter for me and the mission?

example: God is… We are the kind of people who… It is most like us/me to… We/I will… We/I hold to…

What does it mean to abide with Christ? What can it look like to abide with the Lord anywhere, even in isolated locations?

Once you finish share your responses with your mentor. Ask for feedback. Adjust your draft as needed.

Additional Resources for Going Deeper:
God Dwells Among Us, G.K. Beale
The Presence of God, Ryan Lister
InDwell — 7 Day Devotional

Praying Through the TabernacleDownload

Awe

Posted in missions, attributes of God, theology, mini theologies for missionariesTagged , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

WHY FAN INTO FLAME A PASSION FOR GOD

When I walked into the sultan’s courtyard it was my first time visiting someone who would be considered a king. We were welcomed by his assistant who led us to a waiting area where we’d get to meet his excellence. Before we stepped up towards the veranda of the sultan’s palace, we removed our shoes. As we entered the room where the sultan sat, we bowed our heads and continually faced his direction. Even though we were in rural and dusty Chad, Africa there was a regality and reverence to the occasion that I will never forget.

It is way too easy to forget that I am consistently in the presence of royalty. God is King. The King’s Spirit resides in His people. My body is more than a sultan’s palace, it is a holy temple. Wherever I go, He goes too. When I think about what drew me to the nations, it was a sense of wanting to spread the fame of God’s name to places and people where He was not yet named or worshiped.

Human’s are hardwired for awe. We can awe people, money, power, and stuff. You can have it all and miss awe. We can become awe forgetful, awe discouraged, awe empty, awe seduced, awe kidnapped, awe numb, and awe weary. 

God is truly the most awesome. To awe is to have a passion for God. A passion for God is not merely a fleeting emotion; it’s a deep-seated, all-consuming devotion that permeates every aspect of a believer’s life. It’s an active, vibrant love for God that expresses itself in various ways. It is a Soli Deo lifestyle that seeks to live unto God alone.

In essence, a passion for God is the heartbeat of a living faith. It’s a spiritual fire that needs tending and spreading, and the benefits of doing so are immeasurable, for your own good, for the good of others, and most importantly, for the glory of God.

Fanning a passion for God into flame is not about striving to earn His love or perform for Him. It’s about experiencing the fullness of life He offers and being an instrument in His hands who passes that awe down to the generation that follows.

BIBLICAL REFLECTION OF AWE

Pioneer mission work is inherently challenging, often characterized by isolation, resistance, and a constant need for resilience. In such demanding contexts, a deep-seated awe of God is not merely a pleasant sentiment but a foundational necessity. It provides perspective, fuels endurance, and empowers effective ministry. This brief theology explores the biblical concept of awe and its practical implications for those pioneering God’s kingdom.

Awe defined: Biblical awe (aka: “fear of the Lord”) isn’t a cowering dread, but a profound reverence, wonder, and respect for God’s infinite majesty, power, holiness, and love. It’s a recognition of God’s utter transcendence and immanence, His absolute otherness, and His intimate presence. This awe transforms the way we understand of ourselves, the world, and the mission. (Psalm 33:8; 66:5; 89:7; Hebrews 12:28)

God’s Transcendence: Awe grasps the vastness of God’s being, His uncreated nature, His eternality, and His sovereign control over all things. This understanding humbles us, reminding us that our plans and efforts are ultimately dependent on Him. For the pioneer, this means trusting God’s overarching plan even when immediate results are unseen or obstacles seem insurmountable. (Psalm 33:8-9; Isaiah 40:12-17; Job 37:22-24; Revelation 15:3-4)

God’s Immanence: While transcendent, God is also intimately involved in His creation and the lives of His people. Awe acknowledges His presence, His unwavering faithfulness, and His active working in and through us. This encourages the pioneer, assuring them that they are never truly alone and that God is at work even in the most barren of lands. (Isaiah 57:15; Acts 17:27-28; Matthew 1:23)

God’s Holiness and Righteousness: Awe recognizes God’s absolute purity and perfection. This prompts repentance, confession, and a desire to live lives that honor Him. For the pioneer, this means a commitment to personal integrity and ethical conduct, understanding that their lives are a testimony. (Leviticus 10:3; 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalm 99:3-5)

God’s Love and Mercy: Perhaps the most profound aspect of biblical awe is the wonder at God’s boundless love and mercy, especially as revealed in the cross of Christ. This love, extended to undeserving humanity, evokes deep gratitude and motivates compassionate service. For the pioneer, this fuels a self-giving love for the unreached, mirroring God’s own heart. (Psalm 103:8-14; John 3:16; Romans 5:8)

Cultivating a deep, abiding awe of God is not an optional extra. It aligns our hearts with God’s, empowers us to overcome adversity, and transforms us into vibrant witnesses of His awesome reality to the unreached peoples of the nations.

What other Scriptures or biblical aspects come to mind when you consider an awe for God? Take a few moments to look up 1-2 of these verses and journal what the Lord highlights for you.

“Awe means that you will look at everything in your life through the lens of God’s Existence and Glory, and you will surrender all your life to His purpose.” — Paul Tripp, Awe

THE IMPORTANCE OF AWE

Nothing but awe of God will sustain someone on the field. If it is not awe of God, then the heart will gravitate towards substitute awes. When awe of self or something else supplants awe of God, God ceases to be King and He is reduced to being your servant. When the mission doesn’t produce vertical awe of God, something is amiss. When an awe of God fuels the pioneer in the mission field several outcomes emerge:

Humility and Dependence: Awe reminds me of my smallness and God’s greatness, fostering a spirit of complete dependence on Him for wisdom, strength, and guidance. This counters self-reliance and burnout.

Courage and Boldness: When God is seen in His awesomeness, fear of humans diminishes. The pioneer, filled with awe for God, can face persecution, opposition, and daunting challenges with supernatural courage. They will even pray for boldness (Acts 4:23-31).

Resilience and Endurance: Awe provides a deep well of motivation that sustains through hardship and discouragement. Knowing the awesome God is with them, pioneers can persevere even when the fruit is slow in coming.

Worship and Joy: Awe naturally leads to worship, even in difficult circumstances. This worship fuels joy, which is a source of strength and a vital witness to others (Matthew 9:8).

Effective Witness: A life lived in awe of God is a contagious and compelling testimony. One’s awe and connections with God can be more effective than words alone.

Spiritual Discernment: Awe cultivates a sensitivity to God’s presence and leading, enabling pioneers to discern His will and walk in obedience amid complex cultural and spiritual landscapes.

PRAYER ACTION

Consider the Scriptures you cling to above. Consider your awe of God. Write a prayer for the kind of person you want to be who fans into flame a passion of God in yourself and others.

BUILDING A PRACTICAL MINI-THEOLOGY OF AWE

Take some time to prayerfully draft your practical mini-theology of “awe” by responding to these questions:

What is awe and/or a passion for God? Why is this needed to go to hard places?

example: God is… We are the kind of people who… It is most like us/me to… We/I will… We/I hold to…

What does it look like to live a Soli Deo lifestyle? How does this kind of lifestyle relate to surrender?

Why not just fan your flame for God, but start mini fires wherever you go? What does it look like to fan into flame a passion for God?

Once you finish share your responses with your mentor. Ask for feedback. Adjust your draft as needed.

Additional Resources for Going Deeper:
Awe, Paul David Tripp
The Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer
The Heart of Pioneers, Steve Richardson