Missionary Expectations
Before mission trips, this question is often asked of participants:
“What are your expectations?”
Some participants may answer “I don’t have any expectations but want to be ready for anything.”
That is an idealistic perspective, for it is impossible to not have any expectations.
When the unexpected happens, participants will say: “Well, I didn’t expect that to happen!”
Expectations are things we believe will happen in the future, but it is impossible to know all the possible situations we may face on our field of service.
Unmet expectations bring about emotions of various kinds. This happens to all of us! The higher the (unfulfilled) unrealistic expectations, the greater will be the emotional responses. All of these emotions may be the result of unrealistic expectations.
Healthy and appropriate expectations that are grounded in Christ will render a different perspective of circumstances—the same circumstances which provoked emotional responses when seen through unrealistic expectations. As the Psalmist testifies, “those who look to Christ will never be disappointed” (Psalm 34:5).
To resolve the tension between expectations and realism we must have a strong theology of God’s providence, “his most holy, wise and powerful preserving and governing of all his creatures and their actions” (Westminster Shorter Catechism #11).
Likewise, we must remember that we are bondservants, ready to serve wherever the Lord providentially leads us. The posture of a bondservant involves humility. Humbly ask for counsel. Ask those who have already experienced life and ministry on the mission field for guidance so that you can develop realistic expectations for life and ministry on the field.
Remember these words to live by in this process:
What experienced workers say is the reality on the field will most likely be the same reality for you.
Jesus saves. He doesn’t need us but is pleased to work through our prayers and witness.
Set detailed plans but anticipate needing to adjust the time and increase the cost.
Create interdependence to go further and stay the course for the long journey.
Take the long-term view. The needs may be urgent, but God is not in a hurry.
Ultimately, faith in the faithfulness of God will be the ballast for us as we walk through life and ministry with expectations that we realize are actually unrealistic. We must believe that God’s plans are greater and better than all that we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Those who were commended for their faith in Hebrews 11 did not see all their expectations realized. While some did see great success in life (Hebrews 11:33-35), others did not receive what was promised (Hebrews 11:36-38). Whether the saints of old saw great victory in this life or seeming defeat, both were commended for their faith. Regardless of earthly victory or seeming defeat, God provided something even better—an eternal dwelling and great reward.
Knowing expectations before heading to the field of service will help prepare for the challenges ahead. If you are underestimating the coming hardships and trials, you will be caught off guard by them and your faith will be sorely tested.
Field workers will inevitability be surprised by the various trials. This is why the Scriptures tell us to not think of our trials as strange things (1 Peter 4:12-13).
In every trial, we can be certain of God's grace in his manifold promises to strengthen us to persevere through the trials we face (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
By his grace, we can even rejoice in the midst of our trials, because we know that the Lord always has a purpose in them (James 1:2-4).