So you are called to missions, but don’t know where to start? This digital guide will help you take next steps

When deciding on one’s future course of study, one can browse a university’s prospectus to guide one’s decision. Now, Christians who want to be missionaries have a similar prospectus to turn to in order to help them discern and take their next steps. Wherever the potential mission-goer is at – be it the discovery, discerning, […] The post So you are called to missions, but don’t know where to start? This digital guide will help you take next steps appeared first on Salt&Light.

Religion Oct 8, 2025 0 5 Add to Reading List

So you are called to missions, but don’t know where to start? This digital guide will help you take next steps

When deciding on one’s future course of study, one can browse a university’s prospectus to guide one’s decision.

Now, Christians who want to be missionaries have a similar prospectus to turn to in order to help them discern and take their next steps.

Wherever the potential mission-goer is at – be it the discovery, discerning, deployment or debrief phase – this digital guide will point the person to the relevant organisations that offer trips, courses or resources catered for him.

The Missions Training and Education Prospectus was launched at the Antioch Summit 2025 held at Bartley Christian Church last week (October 2).

The digital roadmap covers 83 programmes – missions training and education opportunities – offered by 41 Bible schools, missions agencies and parachurches.

The Missions Training and Education Prospectus was launched at the Antioch Summit 2025 held at Bartley Christian Church last week (October 2).

“In this ‘prospectus’, you will find a range of missions training and education opportunities that cover discipleship with a global missions focus, exposure to the missions field, formal theological education, and equipping for cross-cultural overseas work,” said Rev Ng Zhiwen, Strategic Coordinator of Antioch21.

From the initial, internal stirrings of the call to the final moments of departing for the mission field, this preparation is a sacred pilgrimage that involves deep spiritual formation, the acquisition of knowledge and skills, practical and logistical planning, and the crucial development of cultural and emotional intelligence, noted Rev Ng.

“The goal is not to create perfect messengers, but to forge faithful witnesses – individuals who are grounded in their faith, sensitive to other cultures, resilient in adversity, and ultimately, ready to serve with humility and love,” he added.

The digital guide that collates information for those interested in missions.

The following stages outline this critical path of preparation, providing a roadmap for anyone discerning or embarking on this life-changing calling.

STAGE 1: DISCOVERY

This stage focuses on initial exposure and foundational training to help individuals explore God’s heart for the nations and cross-cultural missions.

Stage 1A: Exposure Trips

These are short-term mission trips (1 to 3 weeks) designed to give participants firsthand experience of the region, culture, and ministry needs. These trips help individuals discern their calling and grow in global awareness.

Some opportunities available include going to Cambodia to serve in an evangelistic rally with Fire and Rain International Ministries, experiencing cross-cultural immersion in a rural village among Thailand’s minority communities with Wycliffe Singapore and customising your mission trip with OM Singapore which serves in 147 fields around the world.

Stage 1B: Training courses

These are foundational courses on missions, cross-cultural ministry, and biblical foundations for global engagement. They may be in-person workshops or online.

For instance, the Antioch Campus offers short courses for university students and early-career professionals, while the Asian Pastoral Institute has certificate and diploma programmes for missionaries, church staff and lay leaders. The Diaspora Cross-Culture Academy conducts training online and in-person for believers looking for a short cross-cultural training and experience serving the refugee community.

STAGE 2: DISCERNING

This stage involves deeper engagement to help individuals clarify their role in missions through hands-on experience in ministry, internships and mid-term missions placement.

During this stage, areas to be explored are:

Which country or region?
What vocation?
Which missions agency do I go with?
When do I go?

STAGE 2A: Internships

These are medium-term (1 to 12 months) immersive experiences where participants serve alongside long-term missionaries, gaining practical ministry skills and cultural understanding.

Some examples include Pioneers inAsia offering a Candidates Orientation Programme to equip aspiring Asian missionaries for cross-cultural ministry, with a focus on Unreached People Groups (UPGs), and Cru Singapore’s “FUEL” internship that offers a chance to engage with staff across Cru’s diverse range of ministries, including a one week visit to an overseas Cru ministry.

Stage 2B: Mid-term Placements

These are structured 1- to 2-year programmes combining ministry service with discipleship and mentorship, preparing individuals for potential long-term missions.

Join a pioneering team at World Outreach’s Alpha Missions Team to launch a new ministry among an Unreached People Group, or go for a 7-month part-time programme offered by Hi-Story.Page that prepares Christians for ministry among Middle Eastern, North African, (MENA) and Central Asian (CA) peoples.

Some of the organisations listed in the Prospectus put up exhibition booths at the recent Antioch Summit 2025.

STAGE 3: DEPLOYMENTS

This stage equips and sends individuals into long-term cross-cultural ministry.

Stage 3A: Theological Training

This involves formal or field-based theological education to prepare missionaries for effective ministry, including Bible college, seminary, or specialised training.

For instance, Discipleship Training Centre has a 1-year full-time residential programme that leads to a Graduate Diploma in Intercultural Studies, while Biblical Graduate School of Theology’s Graduate Diploma in Missions Studies is open for those preparing for missions, and coordinators, supporters, or senders of missionaries.

Stage 3B: Deployment Training

This stage comprises of practical preparation for long-term missions, including partnership development, stress resilience, security training, and field-specific skills.

Some opportunities available include TCK Connection which offers 1-to-1 consultations with experienced parents/caregivers of third culture kids (TCKs), and the Asian Cross-Cultural Training Institute which offers a 3-week immersive residential programme that prepares candidates for effective cross-cultural ministry.

STAGE 4: DEBRIEF

This is a process for returning missionaries to reflect, process experiences, and transition well – whether re-entering their home culture or preparing for next steps.

ACTI and TCK Connection runs a 2-day, 1-night re-entry retreat for returning missionaries – both singles and families – that features guided sessions led by experienced facilitators.

Discipleship Training Centre has a 3- to 12-month “Sabbatical Studies” programme that offers a time away from ministry and a space to rediscover His call, whether it means returning to the same ministry or stepping into a new one.

Those who wish to download the Prospectus can do so here.