Blog | MissionNext Stage

Trade Up

Jun 24, 2019 | Getting Ready

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Col 3:23-24)

Passionate About What You Are Doing?

Jun 17, 2019 | Careers & Missions

Regardless of the brokenness and brilliance of the past, experience the thrill of realizing that it is possible “for even me” to make a significant impact for God.

Elijah and Our Story

Jun 10, 2019 | Getting Ready

According to James, Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. He prayed earnestly and God responded.

Why is There Suffering in the World?

Jun 3, 2019 | Getting Ready

Things that are difficult for you and me have not snuck by God. He wasn’t distracted or sleeping and missed something.

Get Out of Hell Free?

Apr 28, 2019 | Following Jesus

Is it possible that the Lord provides a second chance after death to gain Heaven? Not so. It is our assignment from on high to be engaged in making disciples of the nations. We must each consider, what will be my grade on that assignment?

Your Passion

Apr 20, 2019 | Careers & Missions

Find out assignments short-term, long-term, home and abroad that might use your strengths. So that when you wake up in the morning you look forward to the day. To find that opportunity …

What Does the Lord Require?

Apr 13, 2019 | Following Jesus

Will God be sufficiently pleased with religious activity, such as going to church, serving others when it is convenient, or giving now and again, or even tithing?

Step Out of Your Shoes!

Apr 5, 2019 | Following Jesus

It is not “God has a wonderful plan for your life.” It is “God has a wonderful plan,” and you are part of it. God stepping into your shoes constitutes a majority.

Going Fishing

Mar 29, 2019 | Following Jesus

Each of us is unique as each leaf on a tree is unique. You are made special for this time and this place. The Lord trusted you enough to put you on the earth at this time.

Only Our Best

Mar 19, 2019 | Careers & Missions, Testimonies

We have been forgiven much. The expectation of the Lord is for us to be overflowing with a grateful spirit. We are bought with a price. Therefore, our time and our skills are His, but He is only interested in us if we willingly give back.

The God of Small Beginnings

Mar 11, 2019 | Getting Ready

But you say, “the problems of the world, home and abroad, are too great. What can one person do?” Notice how every effective Bible character started with small steps. We have permission to think big.

The Cost of No Decision

Mar 4, 2019 | Following Jesus

We know in business and other areas of life, the greater the risk, the greater the reward. While on earth we are to lay up our time, talent and treasure for Him for our eternity with Him. It is a big risk to avoid risk.

It Pays to Pay Attention

Feb 25, 2019 | Getting Ready

The hints for effective living are already within us. God’s will for us, his direction for us, is generally more to do with what gives us life, what energizes us and what gives us delight. It pays to pay attention.

Assisted to Assist

Feb 18, 2019 | Gifts and Skills

The account of Jesus healing Peter’s Mother-in-Law is recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Why is it so important that this single solitary healing early in His ministry would receive so much press?

Life events are not in our immediate control

Feb 3, 2019 | Following Jesus, Getting Ready

We hang on to our first or current career, because we cannot imagine that the Lord will direct our paths to make a difference for eternity in full-time service for Him.

The Miracle of New Life and a Surrendered Life

Jan 22, 2019 | Getting Ready

Spiritual life is a miracle of God birthing new life in those that receive Him. It is not too much of a stretch for us to see the miracle of awareness that we are not our own, but fullness of life comes living with a fullness of life in the Lord, that is with His agenda.

On Track or Side Tracked?

Jan 15, 2019 | Careers & Missions

Oh, so you have built a tower have you? What will you think of next? According to some commentators, that is the sense of the voice found in Genesis 11 when God comments sarcastically on the little efforts of men and women to make themselves big and...

Fruitfulness His Highest Value

Jan 7, 2019 | Following Jesus, Getting Ready

The Lord’s highest value for us is righteousness and fruitfulness. We have to ask ourselves where we are on the spectrum of Kingdom fruitfulness? What are others saying about you? More importantly, what will Jesus say about you?

But I am with you

Jan 1, 2019 | Careers & Missions, Following Jesus

Moses was challenged by God to take on a new assignment by a big God. Moses objected, “Who am I that should go …” The Lord’s response was simple, “But I shall be with you.” That was supposed to be enough for Moses and is intended to be enough for you and me.

Sticky Stories

Dec 26, 2018 | Following Jesus, Getting Ready, Gifts and Skills, MissionNext

The rich young leader was given challenged to abandon that which was dear—his control, his riches. Jesus judged his status as incomplete …

Quiet Time and Missionary Life

Dec 20, 2018 | Careers & Missions, Following Jesus, Getting Ready, Missions Abroad, Missions at Home

“When I arrive on the mission field, I’ll be more consistent with my quiet times.” Have you ever thought that? I did before entering the field. We would agree that if Jesus spent time in prayer and communion with His Father, sometimes all night, we are to do the same. Christians, whether they are missionaries or not, frequently confess, however, that finding the minutes for a consistent quite time can be challenging.

Surprised by Jesus

Dec 3, 2018 | Following Jesus

However, the paradox is that you and I do not work for God to be accepted by Him. That is religion. Rather it is, I am accepted by God, therefore …

A Difficult Spot

Dec 2, 2018 | Getting Ready

Jeremiah 47:10 never made it into a memory verse packet. It reads, “Accursed is the man that is slack in doing the Lord’s work.” Another translation is “Cursed is the man that is lax in doing the Lord’s work.” We don’t want to be there …

Opening Doors – The Secret of Matt 7:7-8

Dec 2, 2018 | Getting Ready

Many people seem to freeze at the notion of serving in ministry because there is no sense the Lord is calling them—because doors do not seem open.

Lord of Loose Ends

Nov 26, 2018 | Getting Ready

The Lord asks us to do something that we cannot do without the power of the Holy Spirit by faith. For without faith, without risking something for God, it is impossible to please Him. It is a risky business not to risk something for God.

Evaluating Our Readiness to Minister to Others

Nov 20, 2018 | Careers & Missions, MissionNext

How do we determine readiness to minister to others? As a starting point on this multifaceted question, let’s consider two topics; spiritual readiness and emotional readiness.

Whose Plans?

Nov 19, 2018 | Careers & Missions

Notice Jeremiah 29:11 it is not “For I know the plans you have for you.” It is not our plans, but His plans for us that He promises to prosper in and through us. Jesus helps us out with what those plans are …

Appointed

Nov 13, 2018 | Careers & Missions

Among His last words before leaving the earth, Jesus applied no qualifier as to who should be involved in training the people of the nations. Choose to be a part of this great plan …

Wait! One More Thing

Nov 11, 2018 | Careers & Missions

After Jesus had completed the plan of salvation by ushering in the New Covenant, He made a number of post-resurrection appearances. At the last breakfast, He did not come back to make small talk or chit-chat about old times. It is as fit he appears to say, “One more thing.”

Finding your Service Match

Sep 27, 2018 | Careers & Missions

If you’re considering God’s call to foreign missions, you’re probably wondering how to choose an area of work. To start, consider your experiences and avocations.

Raising Support for Your Mission Trip

Sep 22, 2018 | Funding

Raising support for a mission trip is often met with reluctance and fear. However, as we began to delve into the topic, we realize that we needed to learn God’s perspective and promises.

Finding Your Fit in Ministry

Sep 6, 2018 | Gifts and Skills

I feel God prompting me to go into mission service, yet how can I know if I am even a fit for ministering in a mission agency at home or overseas? How has the Lord created me to do ministry? What Spiritual gifts do I have?

Adjusting to Serving in a New Culture

Aug 27, 2018 | Getting Ready, Missions Abroad

Mission work requires flexibility. Going to serve in a new culture or country means adjusting to new norms and customs. Some you may be prepared for, and others may completely throw you off guard. Here are a few topics to consider, and resources to help.

Your Family and Missions

Aug 16, 2018 | Family, Getting Ready

While starting a new direction in missions may be important to you, I’m sure keeping your family protected, provided for, and intact in a world that tries to tear apart family values is at the top of your list of priorities. When God nudged me to consider missions, we were a very dysfunctional family.

Your Work and the Mission Field

Jul 24, 2018 | Careers & Missions

If you’re considering God’s call to foreign missions, you’re probably wondering how to choose an area of work. To start, consider your experiences and avocations.

3 Fears Everyone Has About Becoming a Missionary

Jul 19, 2018 | Getting Ready

Fears about joining the mission field are universal. While everyone’s missions journey looks different, many of their concerns or misconceptions are the same.

Becoming a Long-term Missionary

Jun 25, 2018 | Missions Abroad

Becoming a long-term missionary is fraught with change. Rise to the challenge and meet each of these head on, with these tips and tricks.

What About My Physical Health on the Mission Field?

Jun 21, 2018 | Missions Abroad

If you’re serving overseas, there are many potential diseases and dangers for your physical health on the mission field. It’s easy for fear to set it.

Send Me! Missions Overseas or At Home?

May 24, 2018 | Missions Abroad, Missions at Home

Searching for a way to travel, experience the world, and witness the beauty of other cultures all while sharing Jesus? Going on a missions trip abroad maybe something to consider. But it’s not the only way to serve.

Find the Mission Agency That’s Right for You

May 10, 2018 | Agencies

How do you find a mission agency that is similar in scope to your abilities, passion, location preference and interests? It is important to research any agency you might be considering. While every agency often has a specific focus, their actual ministry footprint can be very large.

How I Became a Missionary

Apr 27, 2018 | Testimonies

I was afraid that I did not know enough about Jesus, that I did not know His word and that I would turn people away rather than draw them to Him. How could I talk to people about a love that I was just learning about and allowing to change and shape my world?

Why Are You and I Needed in Missions?

Mar 23, 2018 | Gifts and Skills

John Piper famously said, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” I would hazard that you and I are needed in missions, then, as an outpouring of our own worship.

An Honest Reason to Become a Missionary

Mar 13, 2018 | Getting Ready

Looking back at a career in missions asked myself: Why did I really become a missionary? Was it because of business downsizing, or because I wanted to look holy to my friends? Was it because I wanted to work for God?

Should I Go on a Short-Term Mission Trip?

Feb 20, 2018 | Getting Ready

When thinking of missionaries, many people think only of Christians who have taken up residence in some foreign country where the inhabitants most likely are unfamiliar with the Christian faith. However, every year thousands of Christians travel all over the world for periods of one week to six months to share the good news of the Gospel.