The journey to go

In Luke 9:57–62, Jesus asked people to follow him as his disciples. Yet in each case, different priorities stopped them and revealed what was more important than following Jesus.

Being a disciple of Jesus is costly. It requires a broad vision that encompasses all the nations. So ask yourself: on what basis are you making your life decisions? Is it in light of God’s global purposes?

CMS is committed to seeing a world that knows Jesus. If you are thinking about mission now or in the future, or even if you just want to know how you can be part of God’s mission to the world, here are some steps you can take, whatever stage of the journey you are at.

1. Grow in Christian character

The most important first step is to come to know Jesus yourself and grow as a Christian. Growing in godliness is a lifetime process. Find someone in your Christian fellowship that is willing to disciple you. Ask them for feedback as you grow in Christian character. The Bible is the number one place for learning how to grow in godly character, but other books and resources can also be helpful.

2. Be involved in cross-cultural mission

As we grow as Christians, we are spurred on to be involved in God’s mission in longing for all peoples from every nation to know Jesus. This may mean talking with and sharing our faith with people from other cultures, and/or partnering with Christians who are doing cross-cultural ministry across the world, such as those with CMS.

Through CMS, you could begin supporting missionaries by praying or caring for them, or signing up to their newsletters. Or you could give to world mission. Attending CMS events, like our Summer Conferences, will give you ample opportunity to hear about mission. You can also connect with us through social media, receive our quarterly magazine, Checkpoint, or read Checkpoint online for more stories and thoughts on cross-cultural world mission.

3. Be involved in ministry

God may be stirring your heart to use your gifts to serve him in future ministry. The best preparation for future ministry is to be involved in ministry now. Serve and develop your gifts wherever God has placed you, such as learning how to lead a Bible study, teaching at Sunday school or seeking to share about Jesus in your community.

There are also groups that can help equip you for ministry, such as the AFES or MTS apprenticeship programs. CMS also offers apprenticeships in cross-cultural ministry through Mentac. You might also consider doing theological study to help ground yourself in God’s word.

4. Consider cross-cultural ministry with CMS

Once you have started with the steps above, take the time to talk with staff at your local CMS branch about how you might be able to serve God. We’d love to hear from you! We are always looking for people interested in long-term cross-cultural mission and talking to us does not lock you in. We hope to give you objective and practical advice to help you in your decision making. And even if you don’t go yourself, we would love for you to partner with us in Australia by helping us send workers into all nations for cross-cultural mission.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:24–25