The MissionNext Blog

Following Jesus

Why We Must Be Engaged in Sending, Mobilizing, Praying, Welcoming, and Going

In a world where the gospel is still unknown to billions, the call to missions is not optional—it’s essential. As Global Christians, we are invited and commanded to participate in God’s redemptive plan through various missional activities: Sending, Mobilizing, Praying, Welcoming, and Going. Each of these activities reflects a heart aligned with God’s mission and cultivates spiritual maturity, discipline, and deeper faith.

July 15, 2025

Following Jesus

Living Generously: A Sacrificial Life for the Kingdom

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

When we think of giving, we often think of finances. And while that’s a key part of it, Kingdom generosity is much more than what’s in our wallet—it’s about the posture of our hearts and the willingness to surrender our time, our talents, and our treasures for God’s glory.

July 15, 2025

Following Jesus

Patmos Moments: Listening for the Holy Spirit’s Whisper

There are moments in life when the noise quiets, the striving ceases, and something sacred fills the stillness. I call these Patmos Moments—those precious times when the Holy Spirit breathes divine insight into our spirits, often when we are quiet enough to truly listen.

July 14, 2025

Getting Ready

Opening Doors – The Secret of Matt 7:7-8

Many people seem to freeze at the notion of serving in ministry because there is no sense the Lord is calling them—because doors do not seem open.

December 15, 2024

Following Jesus

Overcoming Ourselves – Attention to Accountability

Likewise, God is waiting for us to respond, not with grumbling, but by faith, believing that He can make the most of our lives for His name’s sake.

December 15, 2024

Getting Ready

It Pays to Pay Attention

The hints for effective living are already within us. God’s will for us, his direction for us, generally has more to do with what gives us new life in Him, what energizes us and what gives us delight. It pays to pay attention!

June 26, 2024

Careers & Missions

Appointed

Jesus, in His last words before leaving the earth, applied no qualifier as to who should be involved in discipling the people of the nations. Choose to be a part of this great plan …

June 13, 2024

By Author

An Open Letter to My Previous Self Before Entering the Mission Field

If I could go back in time to give myself some encouragement, this is what I would say. “Helen, the God you’re getting to know is bigger than any challenge you will ever face.

June 12, 2024

Careers & Missions

Anticipate Adventure

Give the sacrifice of time to be in the Word and, by faith, see where the wind of the Spirit will blow.

June 4, 2024

Following Jesus

Sticky Stories

The rich young leader was challenged to abandon that which was dear—his control, his riches. Jesus judged his status as incomplete …

May 15, 2024

Following Jesus

Serve Him with All Our Being

God doesn’t need our help. He can do anything. But since He created us and planned for us to serve, let’s serve Him generously with all our being

May 15, 2024

Getting Ready

Between Eden and Eternity

When you find yourself doubting that you can impact eternity remind yourself that God is competent to fulfill the dream he has planted in you.

April 15, 2024

Gifts and Skills

Assisted to Assist

The account of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law is recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Why is it so important that this single solitary healing early in His ministry receive so much press?

April 15, 2024

Following Jesus

Life’s Events are Not in our Control

We hang on to our career because we cannot imagine the Lord directing our paths to move into full-time service for Him. But even Jesus did not organize the unfolding of some very key events.

February 3, 2024

Gifts and Skills

You are a Special Treasure

“Treasure these words of mine in your heart and in your soul.” (Duet 11:18) What are these words the Lord wants you to treasure in your innermost being?

January 15, 2024

By Author

Why Do You Stand Looking into Heaven?

One day He will return in the same way He ascended. Will He find us standing and gazing into heaven, or will He find us busy at the work He has given us to do?

December 26, 2023

Careers & Missions

Indistractable?

The question for the new year is not, “Where am I in life?” but “Where am I in Christ?”

December 15, 2023

Following Jesus

Public Service Announcement

PSA normally stands for Public Service Announcement.
It is an acronym to remember as we walk the earth each day: Pray, Scan, Ask.

December 15, 2023

The Nativity scene and how it relates to missions.

Getting Ready

Advice for Serving in Missions from the Christmas Story

As Christians, we are called to spread this Good News. Perhaps to you this call means becoming involved with missions. Here’s some advice from that historic night in Bethlehem to help you on your way.

November 19, 2023

By Author

A Thanksgiving Reflection

What is it about holidays that brings Charlie Brown movies out of the woodwork? Everywhere we turn, it’s time for another Peanuts episode!

November 19, 2023

Careers & Missions

Only Our Best

We have been forgiven much. The expectation of the Lord is for us to be overflowing with a grateful spirit. We are bought with a price. Therefore, our time and our skills are His, but He wants us to serve willingly.

October 23, 2023

Following Jesus

A Generous Response

It is recorded in all four gospels that Simon, healed by Jesus of leprosy, hosted a dinner in Jesus’ honor – a one-time act of service. But it is the thankful woman that invests the best she has to offer—she anoints the head and feet of Jesus.

October 23, 2023

Careers & Missions

On Track or Side-Tracked?

We have a direct assignment from the Lord to disciple the nations.

September 15, 2023

Following Jesus

The Cost of No Decision

We know in business and in other areas of life, the greater the risk, the greater the reward. It is a big risk to avoid risk. We are to lay up our time, talent and treasure for our eternity with Him.

September 4, 2023

General

Starship Earth

The consequences of choice have already been determined by the sovereign God, and from this there is no appeal.

July 31, 2023

Following Jesus

God of Comfort and Convenience

We honor God by having the courage to come boldly to the throne of grace.

July 15, 2023

Following Jesus

Want an Ordinary Life? Pay No Attention to Jesus

Faith matures when we are walking and working with the Lord.

July 2, 2023

General

It Isn’t Fair

The vineyard parable dispels the idea of works-based salvation. Yet our reward is Him.

June 18, 2023

MissionNext

Finding Your Next Mission: A Guide to MissionNext.org

Are you looking for your next mission in life? Whether you’re searching for a new career path or a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your values, MissionNext can help you find the perfect fit.

May 25, 2023

Getting Ready

Royal Masterpiece

You are royalty! Not forgotten. You are valuable to God.

May 1, 2023

Careers & Missions

Jesus’ Expectation: Watch and Pray

We must pay attention to what we have heard, or else we may drift.

April 10, 2023

Following Jesus

Life’s Events are Not in our Control

We hang on to our career because we cannot imagine the Lord directing our paths to move into full-time service for Him. But even Jesus did not organize the unfolding of some very key events.

March 3, 2023

Following Jesus

The Lord is There

Effectiveness in ministry or marketplace is related to connectedness to the Lord and 1) Bible, 2) Bible, and 3) Bible.

February 27, 2023

Getting Ready

Come. Walk. Leave. Go Singing.

The suggestion is to leave whatever we are doing and come. (Psalm 95:1)

January 21, 2023

Following Jesus

Are you Blessable?

Prayer for blessing our ministry. But please, Lord, make us blessable.

November 25, 2022

By Author

Fear of the Unknown

What if we run out of money? What if times are hard? Is Covid a problem? What about medical care? What if I can’t stand local food? Will my family be alright? Are these concerns you’ve had as you consider the unknowns of a mission field? As we seek answers, let’s focus on God’s character…

October 24, 2022

Careers & Missions

A Theology of Assignment

Jesus gave an assignment to the His disciples, to the audience, and to us “look around you …”

October 16, 2022

Getting Ready

Wisdom: God’s World, God’s Way

Skillful living: Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.

May 26, 2022

Following Jesus

How Good are You at Following Directions?

But could it be that Mark ended his book without a finish because he wanted your story to complete the gospel?

April 18, 2022

Following Jesus

The Kingdom of God is …

Will you be a part of the growth of the kingdom by serving His global cause? Explore your options!

March 26, 2022

Careers & Missions

Called from Success to the Desert

Philip was a leader among leaders having had an accomplished career when his assignment was interrupted.

March 12, 2022

Careers & Missions

You’re Hired!

All that encounter the Master are hired to be laborers in His vineyard

August 8, 2021

General

Parables Intended to Engage and Explain Big Potential

A small beginning can have a monumental impact.

July 18, 2021

Following Jesus

Who is the Lord that We Should Obey Him?

Today, our lives are a response to Pharaoh’s timeless question, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey Him?”

June 18, 2021

Following Jesus

Lord Give us Purpose, Power, Passion

Adopting the Lord’s agenda for our live is not easy nor is it intuitive, but it is thrilling.

May 23, 2021

Careers & Missions

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

Press toward a God-sized goal for your life by rejoicing in the Lord. It is a safeguard for you.

May 15, 2021

Careers & Missions

Anointing your mind, hands and feet for the Gospel

New Testament lessons from Leviticus

April 18, 2021

Careers & Missions

NOT DETECTED!

The result came back “NOT DETECTED!”

March 25, 2021

Following Jesus

Step Out of Your Shoes!

It is not “God has a wonderful plan for your life.” It is “God has a wonderful plan,” and you are part of it. God can use you when you allow Him to step into your shoes.

March 15, 2021

Getting Ready

The Bible as a Puzzle

The challenge is to take the whole counsel of God and fit it together as a giant puzzle.

February 21, 2021

General

User-Friendly Prayer App

We can use our lives to push the boundaries of the kingdom with quick or focused prayers to make a difference in the corridors of eternity.

February 12, 2021

By Author

The Amazing Power of Always

It is the missionary task to disciple the nations—and to disciple with great joy.

January 17, 2021

Job Match

The Value of Waiting on the Lord

In this season of waiting, it is good to take the time to make eye-contact with the Lord

January 8, 2021

Careers & Missions

But I am With You

Moses objected when challenged by God, “Who am I that I should go …” The Lord’s response? “Certainly I will be with you.” That was to be enough for Moses, and intended to be enough for you and me.

January 1, 2021

Getting Ready

Draw Near to God and He Will Draw Near to You

Moses: Here I am.
Joshua: What do you have for me?
Mary: I’m your servant.

December 20, 2020

Following Jesus

The Thrill of Being Sent

We celebrate that Jesus knew what His assignment was and carried it out.

December 11, 2020

Following Jesus

An Unpopular Topic

Imagine God saying to you, “Here I am!”

November 23, 2020

Getting Ready

Royal Masterpiece

You are royalty! Not forgotten. You are valuable to God.

November 12, 2020

By Author

Finding a Fit – Missions in a Changing World Mix

I am passionately committed to SAT-7, the organization I work with to advance the Great Commission….

October 26, 2020

Careers & Missions

The Coronavirus and Mission

What are mission organizations doing about recruiting at this time?

October 1, 2020

General

Jesus Feeding 5000. Really?

The delivery of the Great Commission is also an impressive operation. Will you volunteer to participate?

September 13, 2020

Careers & Missions

A Wing and a Prayer

To disciple a nation, it may require a flight to another nation and much prayer.

August 29, 2020

Following Jesus

The Jesus Cup

In all circumstances we must be satisfied with Jesus. Allow your cup to run over.

August 16, 2020

Following Jesus

Walk with the King Today!

Walk with the King today and be a blessing!

July 26, 2020

Getting Ready

Working Through Barriers

Jesus meets us when we step out in faith and work through the barriers to accomplish what he has put in our hearts. He meets us at the point of need.

July 12, 2020

Following Jesus

You Will Find Me on the Journey

We are called to be stepping along on our journey to be directed to restore this imperfect world.

July 5, 2020

Getting Ready

Magnificence Awaits

Let us be proactive in spreading the word as His witnesses to share His magnificence.

June 28, 2020

Careers & Missions

Who Me?

God has assigned us to be responsible to represent Him well

June 21, 2020

Following Jesus

The God of the Few

It is often the few and the bold entrepreneurs in ministry that make a difference among the nations

June 14, 2020

Getting Ready

Lord of Loose Ends

Prayerfully engage with God to do something big. See if He is good for His promise to multiply your efforts 30, 60, 100X, or even 5000.

June 7, 2020

Getting Ready

Our Hope is in Him

The more we long for Jesus — to know him intimately and love him fully—the more we are deeply satisfied. And the more we want others to find that same joy.

May 24, 2020

Getting Ready

Turn the Page

After the darkness, despair is turned to delight after we turn the page to the resurrection of Matthew 28. There is a dazzling display of power ending never.

May 17, 2020

Getting Ready

Pandemic Perspective—The Mind of Christ

How can we have the mind of Christ in these turbulent times?

May 10, 2020

Missions at Home

Pandemic Places

Throughout history, Christians have cared for the sick around them, providing food and water instead of abandoning them often with their “quaranteam.”

May 3, 2020

Missions at Home

Pandemic Pain & Hurt

Where have you been encouraged to see the church reaching out during our current pandemic?

April 26, 2020

Following Jesus

Desperate for Jesus

Seeking the Lord in great earnest is the best way to get a clear assignment from Him and see Him work in us and through us.

April 19, 2020

General

Be Still. Now is Our Chance

If your situation is like many of ours, your routine has been interrupted. Your busy schedule has been cleared. Now what?

April 5, 2020

Getting Ready

Costly Speech

See what it is like to work with righteous, godly people in the world of missions.

March 29, 2020

Careers & Missions

God’s Thunderclap

Calling all people to repent and realign their lives with the infinite worth of the glory of God.

March 22, 2020

Following Jesus

Who is Your Neighbor?

Jesus identifies the neighbor we are to love as ourselves as someone who is the most ethnically, culturally, linguistically distant from us.

March 15, 2020

Following Jesus

Be Interrupted

Still today Jesus urges us to go. His instructions: Go. Be interrupted. Make disciples of the nations.

March 8, 2020

Gifts and Skills

Apples and Oranges and Fruitfulness

Just as there are a million types of fruit, there are a million and more ways to be fruitful. See how many ways are compelling you!

February 23, 2020

Following Jesus

The End of the Earth Has An Address

Missions is not about “What can I spare?” The question must be “What is it going to take?”

February 16, 2020

Getting Ready

Getting an Assignment

The decision to accept an assignment to disciple the nations is a transaction between you as a Christ-follower and the Holy Spirit.

February 9, 2020

Careers & Missions

Open Gates of Opportunity

Those “gates of hell” that once confined Peter did not prevail against the mission for which Peter was called.

February 2, 2020

Following Jesus

A Living Sacrifice for the Greatest Joy

There will be great joy at the end of your days, when you see what treasures you have laid up in Heaven. May your joy be like the people under Nehemiah.

January 12, 2020

Getting Ready

Near Death as a Dear Life Experience

Only when we are prepared to die, are we really prepared to live.

January 5, 2020

Following Jesus

Let It Be According to Your Word

When the Lord calls us to serve in His global enterprise, are we willing to say as Mary did, “Let it be to me according to your word?”

December 22, 2019

Getting Ready

Obadiah – A Major Message

For Esau it was the lure of short-term gain of the flesh, the here-and-now, and immediate comfort over the long-term joy God has promised as was the perspective of Jacob.

December 15, 2019

Gifts and Skills

Humble Beginnings; Humble Life

It is no coincidence that Jesus calls us to an attitude of humility. Jesus is our Example in Chief. He told us to give of our resources and ourselves cheerfully and generously.

December 8, 2019

Following Jesus

Your Faith & The Impact of Intimacy

Like most of scripture, the David and Goliath story is about God; it’s about His name, His glory, His honor, His power.

December 1, 2019

Following Jesus

A Missional Lesson From Leviticus?

The first three verses of Leviticus are worthy of our riveting attention; they give insight as to how relationship with the Lord works.

November 24, 2019

Following Jesus

Blessed Are Those Who Bring Good News

Those that go to battle and those that serve behind the front lines share in the same reward.

November 17, 2019

Getting Ready

Prescription For Joy

Many have pursued their mission and vision and have seen the Lord multiply their efforts 30, 60 and 100-fold. It leads to great joy!

November 10, 2019

Getting Ready

Lord, Increase My Faith

The more God responds to our requests to be used by Him, the more likely it is that our faith will be increased so our next request will be even bigger.

November 5, 2019

Getting Ready

No Time to Waste

We have been created for a global purpose—called to participate on the front lines of this mission.

October 27, 2019

Careers & Missions

On the Other Side of Yes

We grow the most when we say “Yes” to the Lord for an assignment that stretches us.

October 20, 2019

Careers & Missions

Grace Journey

The final scene in Philippians is like the end of a movie. At the end of chapter 4 the screen goes dark and names roll up. Normally it is time to tune out. But wait! This is important!

October 13, 2019