Summer Spotlight: What is a Missionary Calling and Do I Have One?

Many times believers will say, "All Christians are missionaries," probably in an effort to encourage believers to preach the gospel to the lost. While all believers are evangelists and disciple-makers, all believers are not missionaries. The Bible teaches that some believers are set apart by God to be sent out to take the gospel to the unreached (aka missionaries).

In this episode, we look at 3 passages in the New Testament that refer to the missionary calling: Acts 13:1-3, Romans 1:1-15, and Galatians 1:15-17.

Read Acts 13:1-3:

1. Who called Saul and Barnabas? What were they called to do?
2. What was the church’s role in Saul and Barnabas’ sending?
3. What had Saul and Barnabas been doing prior to their calling (Acts 11:19-30)?

Read Rom. 1:1-15:

1. How does Paul describe his calling? (v. 1, 5)
2. Why did Paul want to go to Rome? (v. 15)
3. How does Paul describe his desire to do the ministry? (under obligation-v. 15, and eager to do it- 15).

Read Gal. 1:15-17:

1. How does Paul describe his calling?
2. What was he called to do?

From this study, four foundational truths about the missionary calling emerge:

1. The missionary calling comes from an encounter with God and His heart for the nations.

2. The missionary calling comes through faithful engagement in God’s work where we are.

3. The missionary calling produces a godly ambition to be a part of God’s mission among the nations.

4. The missionary calling includes affirmation by God’s people.

Download the full biblical study, along with helpful resources, from the website.