To affirm the call of the missionary to the foreign field.

The sending church helps the candidate process his divine call to the mission field overseas and to discern whether God is saying “no,” “wait,” or “go.” The following questions may test the call:

  • Has the candidate discussed with his/her pastor and church leaders in detail his/her conviction that God is
    calling him/her to the mission field? Is that call to a definite field?

  • In accordance with Acts 13:1-4, has the Holy Spirit confirmed to the sending pastor and church leaders that God
    has called the candidate to the mission field?

  • Has the candidate made an effort to learn all he can about the field he is called to either through the Internet or
    from missionaries already serving on that field, or both?

  • Does the candidate have a general idea about the cost of living on the field such as rental, food, utilities, language
    study, air fare to the field, the availability of visas?

To assess the candidate’s educational, spiritual, emotional, physical and psychological qualifications.

The sending church should determine whether the candidate is qualified, ready and suitable for long-term deployment on the mission field. The following questions will help in determining this:

  • Has the candidate graduated from a Bible school or seminary and served as a member of a Southern Baptist church in good standing?

  • Does the candidate’s character show consistent Christian qualities in his daily activities?

  • Does the candidate demonstrate a daily walk with Jesus Christ?

  • As far as you can tell, is the candidate a person of integrity and honesty who keeps his word?

  • Is there anything in the candidate’s life and testimony that would disqualify him from missionary service?

  • Is the candidate in good physical health?

  • Are there any emotional problems evident in the candidate’s life

  • Does the candidate have a good relationship with the members of the sending church, with other believers
    in other churches and with the pastors and church leaders in your area?

  • Does the candidate have a good testimony before unbelievers?

To assure the missionary of the sending church’s strong prayer and financial support.

The sending church offers consistent and regular intercessory prayer on behalf of the missionary. Prayer not only includes communication with God for the missionary but also communication with the missionary to determine his needs and requests. The following ideas may be helpful in praying intelligently for your missionary family and encouraging others to pray.

  • Maintain regular contact with your missionary while on deputation and on the field.

  • Share the missionary’s prayer letters and requests with the church.

  • Require regular communication by the missionary in order to inform them of his/her blessings, needs and requests.

  • If the church is able, occasionally make a conference call to your missionary during a regular service so the church can hear the conversation. Be sure to plan this in advance.

God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.

Hudson Taylor • Missionary to China