1. God’s Call to Ministry Guiding Prospective Missionaries in Affirming God’s Call on Their Lives

2. Biblical Principles God does have a will for our lives For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph. 2:10 God will reveal his will to us Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov. 3:5-6

3. Biblical Principles (cont.) Majority of God’s will is already revealed in scripture. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Ps. 119:105) Majority of God’s will is related to our character, not geography For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son (Rom. 8:29) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom 12:2)

4. Dealing with “Geography” God gives us a compass not a roadmap God gives mid-course adjustments to moving objects God generally guides through our intellect as opposed to “writing on the wall.” God rarely leads us outside of our passions, gifting, and talents. God calls local churches & individuals in the context of local churches.

5. Advising Prospects: What? 1.What is God stirring in your heart? “What could you lay awake at night dreaming about doing in ministry? 2.How can I turn my passion into specific ministry? 3.What are my qualifications for ministry? Can I get qualified? How? 4.What are my limitations? Deal breakers?

6. A Missionary Profile A passion for seeing lost people come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord A strong commitment to and proven skill in building personal relationships A commitment to and proven ability to bridge cultural differences

7. A Missionary Profile A demonstrated general knowledge of scripture and the ability to accurately interpret Scripture Strong “technical” skill in one’s area of ministry Effective communication skills Committed to growth in personal knowledge of and relationship with Jesus Christ.

8. Advising Prospects: Where? 1.Are there geographic limits on what I desire to do? 2.Is God burdening me in a direction? 3.Where is our church active? 4.Where is need greater? 5.Where will there be adequate support for ministry?

9. Advising Prospects: How? Finances –Secular employment / business –Salaried ministry –Support raising Agency –Theological & missiological alignment –Active in the chosen geography –Capable of providing “technical” ministry support.