Go as a Single Missionary or Wait to Get Married?

Going overseas as a single missionary and waiting to get married are both valid options. Ultimately, the decision depends on where God is calling you for this season of your life.

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Go as a Single Missionary

Going as a single Christian missionary can be an incredible experience. It can offer opportunities for growth, learning, and serving in ways that may not be possible otherwise. As a single person, you may have more flexibility and freedom to follow God’s call wherever it leads you. You won’t have the responsibilities and obligations that married people deal with.

However, going as a single Christian missionary also comes with its own set of challenges. You may face cultural differences, language barriers, and safety concerns that can be difficult to navigate on your own. You may also experience loneliness and isolation as you are away from family and friends for an extended period:

When I was a summer worker in Zambia, and I was struggling with what I was going to do, I realized that being in Zambia with a family… I was still lonely. I didn’t have somebody that I could confide in… do I go back? Do I finish my degree? Do I get on the field? What does God want me to do?

God assured me that if I would walk in obedience, He would be with me. It wasn’t that he was going to give me a husband to go with me. It was that He was going to be with me.

Before making the decision to go as a single Christian missionary, it is important to seek God’s guidance and discern whether this is truly where He is leading you. You may also want to seek advice from trusted counsel and carefully consider the potential risks and challenges.

Wait to Get Married

On the other hand, it can be wise to wait to get married before embarking on a mission trip. Marriage can offer stability, companionship, and support that can be beneficial when living and serving in a foreign country. It can also offer opportunities to grow in love and service together as a couple, which can be a beautiful witness to others.

However, it is important to remember that marriage is not a prerequisite for serving God. There may be other ways to fulfill your calling even if you are not married. Waiting for marriage should not be an excuse for inaction or delaying obedience to God’s call.

When considering whether to wait for marriage, it is important to seek God’s guidance and discern whether this is truly where He is leading you. You may also want to seek advice from trusted spiritual mentors or advisors and carefully consider your personal goals and priorities.

Single Doesn’t Mean Second Class

As a Christian, it can be challenging to navigate the cultural expectations and pressures surrounding marriage and singleness. In some circles, being single may be a lesser status. Single Christians may feel excluded or undervalued in the church community. However, this should not be the case. It’s important to value all believers equally and treat them with love, respect, and dignity.

If you feel called to go on a mission trip as a single Christian, don’t let the lack of a spouse hold you back. In America, single Christians are welcome in our community small groups, and they don’t need to feel like second-class citizens. The church should be a place where all believers feel loved, valued, and supported, regardless of their marital status.

One way to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for single Christians is to provide opportunities for them to connect with others and build relationships. Small groups, Bible studies, and volunteer activities can all be excellent ways for single Christians to feel part of a community and engage with others who share their faith.

Acknowledge the unique challenges single Christians may face. Provide them with support and encouragement. Singles often struggle with loneliness and feelings of isolation. It’s essential to recognize these challenges and provide resources and support to help single Christians navigate them.

Being single does not mean being a second-class citizen in the Kingdom of God. Christ values and loves all believers. It’s important for the church to reflect this truth by treating all members with respect and dignity. If you’re a single Christian ready to go on a mission trip, don’t let societal expectations or cultural pressures hold you back.

Make a Difference in Someone’s Life

In the end, it’s a personal decision to go on a mission trip as a single or married Christian missionary. Seeking guidance from God and advice from trusted counsel is crucial in making this decision.

According to Ruth, the outcome can be an unexpected one:

I think God uses some women to call their children. It may be their children who step up and do what they dreamed they could do, but they didn’t get to do it. Their children take up the mantle and move forward with it.

Remember that both options are valid. Where God is calling you for this season of your life is the most important factor to consider. Either way, you’ll be making a difference in someone’s life.