Until All Have Heard...

As I approached retirement from federal service, my wife and I had the privilege of attending a weekend retreat that posed a question we’d never deeply considered before: how could we use our retirement to make a meaningful impact for God’s Kingdom? During one small group discussion, a real estate attorney shared his doubt that his skills could have any relevance in world missions. It was a perspective I couldn’t help but challenge, drawing on my experience rebuilding land tenure systems in Afghanistan. After all, the lack of expertise in areas like his has left 1.5 billion people worldwide grappling with issues like poverty, loss of cultural identity, and environmental degradation. With over 11,000 Americans celebrating their 65th birthday each day in 2024, including me, we’re witnessing an era nicknamed the “silver tsunami.” This unprecedented wave of retirees is breaking records, with over 4 million people turning 65 every year through 2027. Despite the growing potential for retired professionals to step into fulfilling second careers, retreats like the one I attended—focused on exploring missions as a post-career path—are no longer regularly offered due to “insufficient demand.” But the truth is, plenty of resources exist to help retirees leverage their unique skills for a greater purpose. Whether you’re interested in overseas missions, local ministry, or simply making a lasting impact in your community, there’s a path available.

Business as Missions . In a world where the need for compassion and outreach is greater than ever, many people find themselves asking, "How can my current job skills be used in missions?" This question reflects a desire to serve and make a difference, using the talents and experiences gained in everyday work. If you've been pondering how to integrate your professional skills into mission work, this guide is for you. We'll explore practical ways to transfer the abilities you've honed in your career to meaningful missions efforts. Identifying Transferable Skills Before you can apply your skills to missions, you need to identify what they are. Start by making a list of your core competencies. Look beyond technical abilities to include soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Many professionals are surprised to discover just how transferable their skills are. Consider a project manager, whose skills in organization and multitasking can prove invaluable in coordinating mission trips. Or think about a healthcare worker, whose compassion and medical knowledge can bring much-needed relief to underserved populations. The key is recognizing that skills often overlap across professions and missions. The Intersection of Faith and Profession Finding the link between your profession and mission work can seem daunting at first. However, the intersection of faith and work is not just possible but necessary. Your job has equipped you with unique skills that can be of immeasurable value in mission work. Whether you're an accountant, teacher, nurse, or engineer, the expertise you've cultivated can serve communities in need. For instance, if you're an IT specialist, consider how technology can be used to improve communication in remote mission fields. Similarly, if you have experience in education, you could help develop curriculum for schools in underprivileged areas. Recognizing these intersections not only enriches mission efforts but also deepens your own spiritual and professional fulfillment. Communication Skills in Missions Effective communication is crucial in missionary work. If you've developed strong communication skills in your current job, you could be well-equipped for a mission setting. These skills are essential for building relationships, teaching, and collaborating with others. In missions, you might find yourself in a situation where language barriers exist. Your ability to communicate clearly and patiently becomes an asset. Additionally, effective communication aids in conveying complex information succinctly, whether you're explaining a new process to a team or sharing important updates with supporters back home. Leadership and Management Leadership isn't confined to boardrooms; it's a vital component of missions work as well. Your ability to lead and manage can be a significant asset in organizing and directing missions activities. Whether leading a small team on a short-term missions trip or managing a long-term project, these skills are indispensable. Missions work often involves diverse groups of people with different backgrounds and skill sets. Your leadership skills can help unify and motivate these groups, enabling successful collaboration and achievement of missions goals. Technical Skills in Missions Work In today's digital world, technical skills are in high demand, even in the mission field. Whether it's setting up a reliable communication system, maintaining IT infrastructure, or utilizing digital tools for data management, your technical know-how can significantly enhance missions efficiency.

There's no one-size-fits-all missionary look or approach. At the end of the day, it's not how we work that matters, it's whom we work for and whom we serve. God's given us all an amazing mix of gifts to use, so let's use them! Whether you're great at HR, a whizz at theology, or a born conversationalist, there's a place for you in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Maybe you have an idea of what makes a “good missionary.” Rugged, pioneering spirits are still needed, but in our modern world that is far from the only skillset valuable in missions. Yet God uses every member of the body of Christ.

Through the Agriculture Program at Missionary Training School, participants learn best practices for sustainable agriculture while also learning how to teach those principles to others. In the "most diverse square mile in America", with over 13,000 refugees from 60+ nations, time dedicated to cross-cultural evangelism to diaspora populations within the GFM Community Garden is rich.

How can someone with technology and IT skills use those for the kingdom and missions?

How could people with gifts of administration get involved in missions?

How could someone with gifts of finance or bookkeeping use those skills in missions to advance the kingdom?

How does tentmaking fit into missions if people want to pursue a career overseas while serving Jesus?