Even before their short-term mission trip to Russia was over, it was clear that Steve and Joan were seriously considering making a long-term commitment to the region. The couple, in their 50s, had raised their children, retired from the U.S. Navy, and was well into a second career when they began to think about a third career—that of missions. When they got home, they began exploring opportunities that would allow them to continue the ministry they had started during their short term trip. Today, several years after that initial Russia excursion, they are serving full-time in missions.
Many career missionaries began their journeys on short-term teams, but how does one transition from a 10 day trip to a lifetime calling?
A similar question was posed recently on our LinkedIn group. A group member wanted advice on how he could take his skills and work experiences and transition them into missions. Like Steve and Joan, he recognized the need in the world and felt that he had something to offer but just didn’t know how to get going. Maybe you or someone you know feels the same way. If so, here are five good places to start as you consider the jump from short-term to career missions.
Short-term agencies with whom you have worked
While we may overlook this, the people who led and organized your mission trip are probably themselves in a missions career. If you like the focus and approach that your short-term organization takes towards its ministry, talk to them about career opportunities. Even if they aren’t a good fit for you, they might be able to guide you to another ministry that is.
Your denomination
If your church is part of a denomination, then contact the denomination’s international missions department. Many denominations have recruiters, often retired field missionaries, who can help match your unique gifts to their global needs.
Missionaries/agencies that your church supports
Talk to your pastor or church’s mission team about the different agencies or missionaries with which your church is already working. There may be a natural fit with these groups that will create good synergy between you, your church and the agency.
Finishers Project
The Finisher’s Project (www.finishers.org) is like a matching service between ministries and those seeking a second career in missions. Through the Finishers website you can explore dozens of top mission agency needs at home and around the world. Finishers also provides training, insights and encouragement as you begin the search process. In addition, they conduct forums and regional events where you can meet face-to-face with multiple agencies and, according to their website, reflect on “how, where and when the Lord may be leading you to invest time in Kingdom service.”
Right Now
The Right Now Campaign (www.rightnow.org) is similar to Finisher’s but much more “hands on” with a focus on 20 and 30-somethings. Their mission “is to help people trade in the pursuit of the American Dream for a world that desperately needs Christ.” They utilize a team of mission coaches to walk people through the process of connecting to mission opportunities in 75 partner organizations.
In our next blog we’ll examine how to transition from mission trip to career. We’ll give you some ideas of things that you can begin doing now even if that transition may not be for several years.