Going to the nations

3 minute 56 second read time

In this series of articles we’ve explored what it means to explore a call to cross-cultural mission and how to prepare to go. In this final piece we’re heading off to the field!

Every context is different, and every person’s experience of stepping out into a new ministry will be different. In this piece we’ll mainly focus on the experience of entering into a new setting in an unfamiliar culture, but we hope that much of the advice will also translate into beginning diaspora ministry in your passport country.

So, you’re about to head off – what should you be thinking about?

Nail the practicalities

There are plenty of unpredictable and challenging elements to beginning a new phase of life – we don’t have to make it more difficult than it already is by being disorganised! Make a list and try and get things sorted – your packing, visas, vaccinations, accommodation, legal documents, and whatever else is important. It seems obvious, but in all the excitement it’s easy to forget something vital.

What are your first steps once you step off the plane? Can you trust your sleep deprived and stressed brain to remember where to go once you leave the terminal? Can you trust that your phone won’t be out of charge? Maybe it’s worth writing down your hotel address now…

Invest in language learning

Language learning is likely to be a key part of your early experience in a new culture or ministry. It can be tempting to see this as an annoying interlude in ministry before you get on to the “proper” work, especially if it’s not something that comes easily to you.

However, it’s well worth taking language study seriously. It’s not a “necessary evil”, but an opportunity to learn the cultural mindset of the people who you are ministering to and living amongst. Invest in it and it will pay dividends.

Celebrate the little wins and put what you know into practice. In many cultures, local people are thrilled to hear outsiders speak their language, even if it’s only a few faltering words.

Have realistic expectations

Cross-cultural ministry is difficult and many, many people give up after just a few months or years. If you have realistic expectations you are much more likely to persevere. Busyness, culture shock, and the language barrier are likely to make those early months hard work and, though we pray for fruit, you’re unlikely to see a church planting movement spring up after a fortnight!

Your team-mates can help give a sense of what’s realistic. That’s not to say that we don’t expect God to be at work in surprising ways, but very often ministry is about the long-haul, not short-term instant results.

Look for unexpected opportunities

Although those early days can be frustrating for ministry, that’s not to say you can’t do anything! Be proactive in looking for opportunities to build relationships with local people and to be a witness. Can you have discussions about what you believe with your language teacher? Can you gift your neighbour a copy of the Bible in their language? Can you start to get to know the shopkeepers in your community? Ask your team-mates about what might be appropriate and where the places are where you can mix with friendly locals.

At the same time, this is also a chance to intentionally pray for opportunities. Ask the Lord to lead you to people who are spiritually open, even at this early stage.

Expect culture shock

This is particularly important for those making their home in an unfamiliar environment. It is very common to find that a few months in you are feeling frustrated, stressed, and even homesick. This is normal and not a sign of weakness.

There are things we can do to help mitigate the effects of culture shock, but we should remember first and foremost that it is an expected part of transitioning to a new place, and we can adjust if we give ourselves time. In a strange way, culture shock can actually be a sign that we are more culturally aware than we used to be, and that some of our initial naivety has been stripped away.

Remember your training

Mistakes will happen, and that’s ok, but in all the excitement of moving, let’s not forget what we’ve been taught. Now the theoretical becomes the practical.

As with the practicalities, there are many, many things to remember and it can feel overwhelming. Take a look over your notes and remind yourself of the most relevant points. When situations occur down the line, it may be worth revisiting resources to help you respond effectively to the challenges you face and make the most of opportunities.

Fix your eyes on Jesus

Your worth is not in how many new converts you make, how many times you were able to share the gospel, or even how many verb endings you were able to memorise this week! Your identity is not primarily as a missionary, an expat, or an evangelist: your identity is in Christ and your life is for His glory. Whatever else happens, lift your eyes to Him. Do not lose sight of that fact and the reason that you go: God has chosen you as a witness to His name among the nations.