What does it mean to be a missionary? This question is often associated with images of traveling to remote villages, learning new languages, and crossing borders to bring the Gospel to unreached people groups. But being a missionary encompasses so much more. It’s a call to live out our faith daily, wherever we are, and to be ready to share God’s love with those around us. Whether faraway or at home, being a missionary is a response to the Great Commission—a calling for each of us to be active in God’s mission every day. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be a missionary and unpack the meaning of missionary work in our modern world.
A Missionary’s Field: Every Day, Everywhere
From gas stations to grocery stores, from hair salons to hockey bleachers, the call to be a missionary applies everywhere we go. Each of these everyday locations can be a place where God opens opportunities to share His love with others. In each of these “fields,” being a missionary is about seeing the people around us through God’s eyes—understanding that each encounter can carry eternal significance.
To be a missionary does not necessarily require a seminary degree or an outgoing personality. It’s a matter of heart, humility, and obedience to God’s promptings. We may not respond perfectly to every opportunity, but each step we take in obedience is one step closer to fulfilling God’s mission.
The Heart of a Missionary: Compassion, Surrender, and Boldness
When God opens a door to a spiritual conversation, stepping through requires a heart willing to surrender and serve. Take, for example, the experience I had this past weekend talking with my hairdresser.
I sat down for my appointment, and after a few minutes, the conversation took a deep dive. After a quick catch up on life the past several months, suddenly, things got real. We got to some of the hard trials she was facing.
I listened, encouraged her, and let her know that she was not meant to handle this burden on her own. I asked, “I know you go to church from time to time, but have you ever fully surrendered your life to God? I mean have you given Him everything?”
She let down my hair and let down her guard and started weeping. She pulled up a chair and sat next to me and said, “I know I haven’t done that. I guess I am searching and trying to figure this out on my own.”
I told her, “You do not have to search anymore. You simply need to surrender your everything to Christ who paid it all for you.” I led her in a prayer to fully surrender her life to Christ—something I have been praying for. She prayed with me in full surrender.
I asked her about her Bible, encouraged her to start reading the book of John or any of the Gospels, and got her connected with local friends who host a weekly small group for young adults in her area! She committed to read her Bible and go to the small group!
Moments like this make it all worth it! Sure, there have been times I have been laughed at, argued with, and walked away from, but I did what the Lord put upon my heart, and He took care of the rest! The same can be true for you too!
Has God invited me to impact others because I am somebody special? Certainly not! Is it because I have a seminary degree? I don’t have one! Is it because I love approaching strangers to strike up conversation? That is definitely not the case. Is it because I am fearless? Not a chance. Have I always gotten it right? Not even close.
The Great Commission: A Call for Every Believer
The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, reads in the Message translation as Jesus’ directive to “go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life.” This means every believer is commissioned to be a missionary in some way, whether that means reaching neighbors or crossing borders. Often, we think missionary work is reserved for those who feel called overseas, but the meaning of missionary work includes reaching out to those close to us as well.
Living out the Great Commission is less about location and more about an intentional lifestyle. Jesus modeled this beautifully, sharing meals with sinners, engaging in conversations in everyday places, and meeting people in their deepest needs. Following His example means seeing every relationship and setting as a field ready for the harvest.
Everyday Missionaries: The Role of Kingdom Laborers
One of Jesus’ most profound statements on the meaning of missionary work is in Matthew 9:37-38, where He says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” (Find out what keeps people from stepping up as laborers?” → ) Jesus’ words remind us that there is great spiritual need everywhere and that each of us has a role in meeting that need. So, to be a missionary is not just a special call for a few; it’s a calling for everyone who follows Christ.
Missionaries—whether serving abroad or next door—are “Kingdom Laborers,” bringing the love of Christ into every interaction. Imagine the impact if every believer saw their daily routine as an opportunity to be on mission. Workplaces, family gatherings, and neighborhood events would become fields for sharing the Gospel, bringing the presence of God into each moment.
Practical Steps to Be a Missionary in Everyday Life
If you’re wondering how to take practical steps toward being a missionary, check out this free audiobook of Dwight Robertson’s book, Plan A!
Here are a few ideas to help you integrate mission-mindedness into your everyday life:
- Look for Divine Appointments: Pray daily for God to open your eyes to the people He wants you to reach. The meaning of missionary work is often found in these “divine appointments” where God connects us with people who are in need of His love and truth.
- Start Conversations with Compassion: When we take time to listen to people’s stories, we often find that they are more open to hearing about our faith. Compassionate listening opens doors to deeper conversations, creating opportunities to share the Gospel naturally.
- Use Your Routine as a Mission Field: The everyday places we visit—cafés, parks, gyms, and public transportation—are prime mission fields. Begin to see your regular routines as mission opportunities where you can sow seeds of the Gospel.
- Be Willing to Go Beyond Comfort: Sometimes, stepping out in obedience means facing rejection or uncomfortable conversations. Being a missionary involves a willingness to take risks, knowing that God is the one who prepares the hearts of those we encounter.
- Live a Life of Prayer: Prayer is foundational to effective missionary work. Ask God to burden your heart for the people around you and to give you the words to say when opportunities arise.
A Shared Responsibility: Go, Send, or Pray
To be a missionary does not mean we must all cross seas and cultures. It means being open to how God wants to use us in the places we already live, work, and play. In the words of a recent message from a missionary speaker: “You can go, send, or disobey.” (For church leaders wanting to mobilize their congregation, we have a practical guide.) Each of us has a role—whether we go, support those who go, or pray faithfully for God’s work to be done around the world.
Whether you’re in a boardroom, a classroom, or a small village, the meaning of missionary work is the same: a commitment to share the Gospel with those who need it most. Some of us are called to physically go, some are called to support others financially, and all are called to pray. Missionary work is not limited by borders but is defined by obedience to God’s call.
Praying to Be a Missionary Every Day
If you want to make an impact, consider praying this prayer of readiness and surrender, or one like it:
“Lord, help me to see the people around me through Your eyes. Give me the courage to be a missionary wherever You lead me today. Help me to see the harvest fields, to respond to Your promptings, and to share Your love in ways that bring people closer to You.”
God is actively at work, and His harvest fields are everywhere. To be a missionary is to respond to His call to reach others with His love and truth. The meaning of missionary work is simple yet profound: to live with purpose, seeing every moment as an opportunity to make an eternal difference. Whether you’re going, sending, or praying, you are part of God’s great mission.
How can you make Monumental Moments and live to Multiply His Movement Today?