You have great zeal for the Lord. You want the gospel to reach all nations. You have felt a tug toward missions, but you might be concerned.
Is this a real calling or just a passing interest? What if I am wrong? What should I even do right now? Am I supposed to move overseas? Do I need some dramatic sign from God before I can move forward?
If you have these questions, you are not alone.
How to Know if You’re Called to Missions
Many believers feel a pull toward missions at some point in their lives. Yet uncertainty often keeps them from taking any action. They assume they need complete clarity before they can take a step.
But the reality is that God rarely gives us all the answers right away. God often reveals his plans one step at a time. The key is to continue pursuing him with trust instead of waiting for perfect certainty. Scripture frames it the same way. The psalmist prays, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ESV). That is enough light for the next step, even when the rest of the road is unclear. We are also told, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).
The key is to continue pursuing [God] with trust instead of waiting for perfect certainty.
You do not need a definitive sign or total confidence before taking a step of faith. God leads people who are willing to say yes to him, not just people who already have everything figured out.
Two Common Mistakes About a Call to Missions
Unfortunately, many people respond to uncertainty in one of two unhealthy ways:
- Some bury the desire altogether. They ignore the tug toward missions because it feels inconvenient, intimidating, or unclear. They delay or turn down what might be a genuine invitation from God.
- Others do the opposite; they become so excited about serving in missions that they try to rush straight into the field without proper preparation. While eagerness is important, so is wisdom.
Take an Honest Step to Discern Your Call to Missions
There is a better way to address uncertainty. Instead of ignoring the possibility or rushing ahead, take one or two small, honest steps to test your desires, qualifications, and sense of calling.
Start by talking with your pastor or other trusted members of your church. Share what is on your mind and heart and ask for feedback to help you see more clearly. In addition, spend dedicated time in prayer. Ask God to reveal where genuine needs in the world overlap with your gifts and passions. Then, put yourself in an environment that helps you think it all through.
This is exactly why events like ABWE’s 24-Hour Demo exist. The Demo is a short, low-commitment missions experience designed for Christ-followers who are discerning whether serving in missions is part of God’s plan for their lives.
During the event, you’ll sit under teaching that explains what missions is, hear firsthand testimonies from missionaries who are serving around the world, and have one-on-one conversations with missions leaders who can help you think through your questions and concerns. You’ll walk away with a realistic picture of missionary life and an understanding of the process to get there. Most of all, you’ll be connected with those who can walk alongside you in ministry so that you are never alone.
The goal of the Demo event is not to pressure you into making a life-changing decision overnight. Rather, it’s for you to leave with a stronger sense of what your next step should be. For some, that may mean deeper training. For others, it may be waiting, serving locally, pursuing further discipleship, and simply continuing to pray. And for some, it may mean identifying a mission field to survey in hopes of being sent long-term to advance the gospel, make disciples, and plant churches among an unreached or least-reached people group. The purpose is discernment, not recruitment.
We would love to support you as you consider the call God has placed on your life. The next Demo runs August 28-29, 2026, at ABWE’s international headquarters outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The cost is $35 per person. Our team of veteran missionaries and coaches hopes to see you there!
