by Ben Metzger, missionary to Argentina

“What does it take to be a missionary?” That is a common question several have asked. If we were to list the qualities and skills that a missionary might expect to utilize on the field, we would end up with an extensive list that included the following:

When it comes to communication and fundraising, a missionary almost needs to be an expert in all forms of analog and digital interactions, including social media platforms, email and contact merging, internet diagnostics, VPNs, streaming services, and any government regulations of the host country affecting said communications.

Speaking of government, a missionary needs to know all the ins and outs of the red tape, blue tape, and grey tape surrounding immigration and non-profit organizations. They also need to be willing to deal with the administrative systems and regulations that are often redundant and arbitrary, and know how to interact with personnel who never heard the phrase, “the customer is always right.” Any missionary worth his salt not only has to be an expert vehicle driver and bargain driver, but also a quick learner when taking care of all sorts of home and church maintenance, because the one he would pay to do such things will “get to it soon” (soon has a wide array of definitions depending on the country).

Of course, all things church and ministry cannot be left behind amidst everything else mentioned. Financial planner, general contractor, scholar, musician, teacher, preacher, promoter, audio-video specialist; these are all aspects of ministry at which the missionary needs to be at least somewhat adept.

But all of those things listed above, while they enable and facilitate Missions, are not Missions. Missions is so much more than that. When a struggling husband learns how to love his unsaved wife to the Lord, or when another couple works at honestly addressing hurt and forgiveness, because Christ forgave them–that is Missions. When the addict who has found freedom in Christ is discovering how to say “NO!” to sin and “YES!” to holiness, or when another is restored to his family and discovers he can provide and care for them as he grows to be the man God called him to be–that is Missions. When the missionary steps aside to let his trainee grow through a process that may not look as neat as the missionary himself could do, or when he inspires and motivates those who are unsure and teaches them to use the tools of the ministry to serve the body, and they do. When they catch the vision and pass it on to others, serving for the love of Christ rather than an accolade–that is disciple-making. That is Missions. If you’re willing to be part of that, then God takes care of all that other stuff.