Tag: Calling

The Discernment Journey: Trusting God When Missions Feels Both Right and Impossible

Posted on by Emily Belvery

Do I go or do I stay? Do I use my gifts here or there? Is this decision selfish or not selfish? Is this what God is really calling me to do or does He have something else for me? On and on the questions go.

As someone who has lived the process of discerning to serve overseas twice now, I get it. The space between the gentle pull of God’s call to go and the loud push of doubt. For me, these competing opposites looked like: A secure paycheck vs. fundraising. Achieving my own success metrics vs. total dependence on God, the only one who can create faith. A clear boundary between work life and personal life vs. it’s all missions.

Push and pull. Push and pull. You probably know that space of tension well and can insert your own pushes and pulls that toss you back and forth.

How do we overcome the inertia that pushes us away from saying yes to God’s invitation to GO? We need not look any further than God’s powerful Word and prayer. God meets us in His Word. We find in Scripture the Good Shepherd’s voice, a voice His sheep know, leading us. 

As I wrestled against the loud voice of doubt in my own discernment process, God’s gentle voice found me. It wasn’t a neon sign pointing the way or a laid out map (which I so desired); it was in His Word. His Word that as it goes out, does not return empty. His Word that not only speaks into the details of our lives, but in the lives of those we share it with as well. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Psalm 3:5-6

This was the verse that quieted my anxious heart, drowned out the doubts and led me to where God now has me. It was the verse that prompted me to ask, ‘What is my own understanding about this decision and is that true in light of who God is?’ I pray these words will be a trusty companion to you on your journey as they were for me.

Following God often doesn’t lead us where we thought we’d be . . . He leads us somewhere better. 

May God grant you peace and clarity as He gently leads you to what He has prepared for you and may these Discernment Resources – full of Scripture, prayers, and questions to ponder – be a blessing to you as you spend time with your Heavenly Father.

Explore God’s Calling as a Mission Explorer

Posted on by Emily Belvery

It is an encouragement to be surrounded by people invested in the same vocation; each in a unique way that utilizes their gifts and talents. I would definitely recommend CMI to anyone even a little interested in exploring where God is calling them at any point in their life! 

  • Grace, 2024 Mission Explorer

This is a gracious, inviting, enjoyable introduction to a kaleidoscope of opportunities for living out the Gospel on the paths God is calling us. 

  • David, 2025 Mission Explorer

Are you considering mission work? Join us as a Mission Explorer! Every year in July, MCN co-hosts the Concordia Mission Institute (CMI) as training for our Mission Partners. By becoming a Mission Explorer, you are able to participate in the conference, receive mission training,  and meet missionaries and MCN Staff together with a group of like-minded Explorers. Mission Explorers is a great place to explore what it might look like for you to serve, while hearing the stories of those who are on the field right now. 

Read what a former Mission Explorer, has to say about his experience:

What led you to decide to be a Mission Explorer? 

When I signed up for CMI, I had a strong sense that God was leading me into international mission work, but I didn’t know where I should serve or what I should do. I liked that at CMI, I would meet missionaries and learn about living missionally. I hoped the conference would be a part of discerning how and where God wanted me to serve.

How would you describe your experience as a Mission Explorer?

It was a formative week of meaningful conversations, interesting sessions, and fun activities! It was amazing to meet people serving in different locations and roles but all united in faith and purpose.

What did you take with you when you left the Concordia Mission Institute (CMI)?

I left CMI spiritually equipped and encouraged, with a new understanding of God’s Mission, and as part of the MCN family!

What role did your experience as a Mission Explorer play in discerning your place in God’s mission? 

I left the conference better equipped to live missionally immediately and hoping I could serve with MCN in the future. In time, God pulled together the details of how this would happen and where I would go.

Who should be a Mission Explorer and why?  

Anyone who loves Jesus and wants to share about Him can be a Mission Explorer, but the Mission Explorer experience is especially great for those who feel God is leading them toward cross-cultural ministry. The conference is wonderful preparation for living missionally in any context.

What recommendations do you have for Mission Explorers to make the most of their time at CMI? 

As a Mission Explorer, you are a full participant in the conference, not just an observer. Meals are wonderful connecting times, and don’t ever be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know. The conference can also be overwhelming (in a good way), so feel free to take some extra time to rest or reflect. I skipped a session to nap under a tree. Make sure to get ice cream at Cree-Mee Freeze sometime! 🙂  

How might being a Mission Explorer help you discern God’s leading in your life? Reach out to Mission Mobilizers Emily Belvery or Kayla Gundermann for more information about joining us at CMI as a Mission Explorer.