Should I Be a Missionary?

by Andy Johnson

Essential, Scripture-Based Guidance for Christians Who Are Considering Missions Work

What does it take to be a missionary? Is it enough to love God, communicate well, and enjoy overseas travel? Is every Christian who proclaims the gospel technically a missionary? Understanding the biblical definition and qualifications of this role can mean the difference between spiritual fruit and irresponsible—even if well-meaning—ministry endeavors.

In this addition to the Church Questions series, Andy Johnson presents a clear-cut, gospel-centered standard for aspiring missionaries. First, he outlines the marks of a those commissioned and sent out for gospel work by a church. Next, he covers the specific responsibilities of missionaries demonstrated in Scripture. This brief guide also explains the importance of patient service in ministry, church membership and participation, and family considerations to help readers determine whether they are truly called and ready to serve God on the mission field.  

Brief, Accessible  Easy-to-share guide uses Scripture and engaging stories to answer commonly asked questions about missions work  Gospel-Centered  Examines biblical examples, including the Great Commission, and contemporary models, such as rapid-multiplication ministry methods, to demonstrate correct and incorrect approaches to missions A Great Resource for Church  Helps Christians understand the qualifications and responsibilities of faithful missionaries

Genres: Christian

64 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Cameron Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently took a dozen or so high school juniors and seniors to a mission conference. It was an amazing experience. After the event we had a number of students express an interest in full-time missions work. I picked up this little book in an effort to help students discern their aspirations to become missionaries. And man, was it full of helpful principles and questions to ask.

Andy Johnson is wildly helpful here. He loves the local church and is clear to keep that at the heart of the Church’s missionary efforts. He is serious, sober minded, and encouraging for those seeking to answer the question, “should I be a missionary?” I would recommend this to any pastor or Christian who desires to faithfully shepherd young Christian’s on the path to being missionaries or just faithful church members — hopefully in a strategic place in the world.

[Brody Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Cory Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book was titled, who should be a missionary? As a pastor it was incredibly helpful in terms of evaluating those who are already sent or supported.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to the author, the answer is, "It depends." It depends on whether you understand what a missionary is and does, whether you meet the qualifications for a lead missionary, your ability to help a lead missionary, your willingness to be patient and stick to God's plan, your desire to be sent, your church's desire to send you, and your love for what Jesus loves. The distinction between "lead missionary" who is elder qualified, and those in support roles, who are men and women who come alongside in the task of church planting was super helpful for me personally. I appreciate the place for these support roles, and it's a tension and question I've had as reading other books and articles on the subject.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Andy Johnson’s writing on missions, and this is no different. I’d easily give this to someone in my church who was asking this question and talk through it with them. Andy helpfully says the answer to the question is “It depends,” and then walks through some specific areas that a missionary (or church) should think through. And even for those who may not be missionaries, there is a good challenge to consider moving to a place with less gospel access and living as a faithful Christian and church member for the sake of Christ’s kingdom. Highly recommended booklet.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If you’re tempted to be impatient in ministry, if you’re tempted to look for shortcuts and engineer results, if you have a hard time not despising the day of small beginnings (Zech. 4:10), then please, for the sake of the nations, stay where you are, keep maturing in your local church, and help your church support missionaries ready for the trials of slow, patient ministry. Real faithfulness is hard.”

[Luke W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, thought-provoking read, although a more appropriate title would be "What does it take to be a missionary?" or "Who should become a missionary?" Much of the work of 9Marks centers on systematically clarifying the roles of missions and the local church, and "correcting" some allegedly wayward philosophies that have taken hold in the missions world, such as rapid results strategies or the insistence that "You don't need a reason to go, you need a reason to stay." This book contributes to that end, providing a brief overview of the commission and task of the missionary.

[S. Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good booklet.

[Liv Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and simple. Thought provoking! Read it, pray through the points, and discuss with other believers.

[Casey Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best little mini books I have read in this series, this one helped define missions and missionary. Then gives a challenge for all Christians who are considering missions or not.