For many, the first step is to identify where they are in the process. Read the following descriptions - one of them should best describe where YOU are. The "next step" could range from simply reading a book to changing your mindset about retirement or getting on an aeroplane to go somewhere to experience missions first hand.

Click on the link below which best describes where you are, for suggestions for exploring that stage further.

I'm just beginning
I've been so busy with life, work, family and church that I'm just now "looking up from my desk", as it were, and beginning to think about the second half of life. I'm considering how to balance my priorities and where missions might fit. I'm asking if my current career is where God wants me to stay. How would I begin to investigate mission possibilities? Now...don't get me wrong... I am not considering moving to some far-off country! I just want the freedom to think broader than I have been able to in the recent past.

I'm investigating
I have decided that my unique spiritual gifts as well as my secular skills, which I have refined over the years, need to be deployed more fully for the kingdom of God. I am in the process of finding the spot God has for me. I could use some help assessing my ministry preferences, establishing a financial plan with live mission costs in hand, and connecting with agencies relative to specific opportunities. I'd also like to interact with others who are going through this same process.

I'm investigating, but uncertain I can be used
A while back I decided that I wanted to pursue something that would outlast me. I wanted to do something significant with my life in my remaining adult years. Frankly, I haven't found a place to plug in. I'd love some help assessing my spiritual gifts and passions, learning about the opportunities available, and determining what I would have to do to prepare.

I'm deciding
I have identified my spiritual gifts and passions, and I have found a few places where I can contribute. However, I am not sure that I have found the right spot yet. I am willing to go just about anywhere God calls me, but I want to know that it's Him calling me to be involved in a work that He is doing.

I'm just not sure...
...about missions or me and missions. I have a few questions for the Lord; I am not sure this is the Lord's will for me. What does the Lord expect of me, anyway?

Here are a number of things you can do to explore each stage:
Make sure you keep your pastor/minister informed as you go - pray and discuss with him/her your journey and keep them up to date.

I'm just beginning, so...

• Read
  A Bob Buford book like
      Halftime: Changing your game plan from success to significance, OR
      Game Plan: Winning strategies for the second half of your life,
  Or a missions "big picture" style of book such as 
      Let the Nations Be Glad!The Supremacy of God in Missions, by John Piper
• Surf this site for lots of interesting information, resources, opportunities, FAQs...
• Enter your personal profile and indicate "beginning" in the process stage.
• When you've done this you'll be able to download an article called "Finding Your Calling".
• Take a course like Kairos or Serving as Senders (also available as a book, by Neal Pirolo)

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I'm investigating, starting to put the pieces in place.

• Attend a Second Wind Forum or its equivalent in your state. (Contact us if there is not a current one listed on the Events page.)
• Make sure you keep your profile up-to-date and check it regularly for matches as the mission agencies update their information
• Check out the "5 Top Needs" section - each partner agency lists their 5 top needs and regularly updates them - a great way to keep abreast of developments on the field.
• Take a two-to-three week missions trip instead of your next holiday. Many of our partner Mission Agencies run Short Term Trips designed to help you investigate possibilities. Often churches run their own teams. Find one and GO!
• Take a course like Perspectives or Kairos for missions info and awareness.
• Read more widely - Check out the resources page.
• Talk with some people from your church, friends, mission agency people, etc who have been missionaries or on short term visits.

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I'm investigating, but uncertain I can be used.

A key question for many is, "Am I called?" or "How do I know God's will for my life?"

• You can download an article called "Finding Your Calling" by first registering your personal profile. When you have submitted the form, follow the prompts to download the article.
• Read a good book on gifting or calling. Maybe your church or another local church has a course on these things - decide to enrol in it.
• Talk with some people from your church, friends, mission agency people, etc who have been missionaries or on short term visits. Often they can fill in details and answer your questions because they have already had to find the answers themselves!
• Read the "stories" section and if you find one here that you particularly identify with, we can put you in touch with the people concerned.

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I'm deciding what to do where.

• Attend a missions Expo in your state. There is a major expo in every state annually where you'll be able to find out about lots of opportunities at one time, meet many agency reps and ask all your questions.
• Make sure you keep your profile up-to-date and check it regularly for matches as the mission agencies update their information.
• Check out the "5 Top Needs" section - each partner agency lists their 5 top needs and regularly updates them - a great way to keep abreast of developments on the field.
• Identify local and formal training you will need and the best way to get that training.
• Find the mission agency which is best for you.

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I'm just not sure about missions or me and missions.

There are lots of resources to help you. To find out more about God's heart for mission and about ways you can help from home while you do your thinking and research

• Attend a Second Wind Forum or its equivalent in your state. (Contact us if there is not a current one listed on the Events page.)
• Enrol in a course such as Kairos or Perspectives.
• Check out our Resources page for books on a variety of topics
• Contact us if you would like to talk with someone about a specific issue or country and we will endeavour to put you in touch with someone in your area who can help.

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