How can I get started in mission?
Apostle Paul stated, “I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” Since you have come to this page of the TCM website, you are probably wondering what you can do to get involved. Here are three major ways that you can begin your missionary journey.
PRAY
Mission begins with a commitment to prayer. The Holy Spirit spoke to the elders of the Antioch church while they were in fervent prayer, instructing them to send Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. Missionaries are spiritual warriors who are carrying the light of Jesus into the darkest regions of our world. Spiritual battles require spiritual weapons—and prayer is a key weapon in our arsenal. Some sample ways to pray for missionaries:
- Put missionary prayer cards on the dining room table and pray for a different missionary each day.
- Read a missionary newsletter in a meeting and immediately pray for the needs mentioned.
- Include missionaries and projects on the regular prayer list of your church.
- Remember that there is nothing that cannot be brought to the Lord in prayer.
In Ephesians we are told to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
GIVE
As a faith mission, TCM depends on the gifts of mission-minded individuals, churches and organizations for support. Mission is a partnership between the fields, missionaries, organization and churches. Gifts can be designated for the following purposes.
- A missionary. Most gifts to TCM are for a particular missionary. If you know a missionary, you can join their support team.
- A national leader. A major work of a TCM missionary is training and empowering national church leaders. You can support them.
- A field. The countries where TCM works are called fields, and they need support. You may wish to designate a gift to a particular country.
- A project. TCM regularly publishes projects on the website and through publications. Take note of a project that God is calling you to assist.
- Things to Come Mission. Since TCM does not raise use missionary support to support itself, you can be a part of our organization by giving to the Where Needed Fund (used as needs arise) or the General Fund (used for the daily operation of the organization).
Remember also that you can give a non-cash item such as a vehicle, stocks or property. Including Things to Come Mission in your will creates a lasting legacy which will continue to proclaim the gospel until Christ return. The Mission property in Indianapolis, for example, was purchased when a church in New Jersey sold their property. The faithful donations of those members for decades continue to fulfill God’s purpose on earth. Call the TCM office for more information.
Please look at our Donations page which explains the details of supporting the Mission. Because TCM is a religious non-profit organization incorporated under IRS code 501(c)3, we will issue a receipt for declaring your charitable giving on your taxes. At the end of the year you will receive an annual statement.
GO
Jesus told his disciples, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” The word mission is from Latin, and literally means “to send.” In Romans 10:13-14 [callout box with verse] the missionary must be sent so that they can preach the good news of Jesus Christ. People cannot believe in Jesus Christ if no one has told them about Jesus Christ.
If you sense God calling you to become a missionary, then begin by evaluating your relationship with God and understanding what he is saying. Making this life-changing decision requires a clear call from God. Apostle Paul explains, “For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” Paul was felt that God was compelling him to preach. He felt that if he did not go out as a missionary, he would literally be outside of God’s will for his life. Invest time in prayer and the Word as you seek God’s will. Talk to missionaries and spiritual mentors. Consider a short mission trip to get a taste of the mission field.
A missionary must separate from his own people and adopt another people as his own. We recommend several preparation steps as you prepare yourself for full time missionary service. Please read our Passport to Service, which gives the specific qualifications and steps to the mission field.
Thank you for your interest in mission, and in Things to Come Mission in particular. May God guide you into greater participation in his great purpose for “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”