The Challenge of Job Fit
Just Starting Out:
If you are just beginning a career, enter a profile at MissionNext to find a range of organizations that have missionary options that suit your interests and preferences. This will start the conversation. But have a conversation. Pick up the phone or email to see what might work for you to be involved in advancing the kingdom. Many organizations will have a myriad of options to discuss.
But know if you are a teacher or the spouse of a teacher there is a special place for you to serve together. Even schools have need for services of all sorts or there is something you can do locally.
At Mid-Life:
If you have spent the majority of your life working in positions not usually referred to as “ministry” roles, it could be that the best years of your life are still ahead! That’s because the methods the love and testimony of Jesus are growing more broadly every day. The missions enterprise is so large that It is certain that whatever your background, skills and training you can be used. WhateverFinally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil 4:8? Yes.
| At one conference a couple was doubtful they would fit in missions. She was a homemaker and he was a plumber. Mission agencies responded we can use maintenance people and people in hospitality—you can be used! |
Our education, training and work experience are nothing like what we think of for a full-time ministry role. The nations of the world are asking, “Can you send people that can anything?” The training and work experience you have developed may be what will open the door for you to move to another area, and while there, you can naturally talk about the impact Jesus has had in your life. So, when we think of “missions,” “missionary,” and “ministry”, we are now thinking of a new paradigm. We are thinking of people who will find a “fit” because of their skills and training, and that new fit will enable them to make a difference for Jesus! Could that be you?
God has opened doors for his gospel to penetrate this world with nation-builders. The future of the North American contribution to expand God’s kingdom worldwide will look somewhat similar to the first century church. Through the centuries, Christ-followers left their country and moved to other locations where they had job possibilities or family. Once there, they naturally talked about the impact Jesus had made in their lives. The result was kingdom expansion. This is happening today, and it may be that God has been preparing you for just such a time as this.
All Ages:
You are thinking, “I know what I am not good at. Can I set the criteria for serving in missions?” The short answer is Yes. You can select among missional opportunities and mission jobs among frontier mission involvement or behind the scenes. These could be long-term, seasonal or short-term mission volunteer positions. You set the criteria.
If you have not already done so, complete a Service Profile here on this website. Our unique “matching” software will connect you with ministry opportunities that are in line with the interests you indicate in your profile. The myriad of mission agencies who partner with us have thousands of positions both here in the U.S. and abroad. As you fill out your Profile, pray that God will use this tool to open doors for you. If you have already submitted a profile, take a fresh look at it and make any modifications based on your changing circumstances. Perhaps a new “fit” is waiting for you.