“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
― Abraham Lincoln

Preparation is an important step on the way to success.  For the last few posts we have focused on preparing for the mission field.  As we continue this series of preparation we will focus in on preparing by actively serving.  I do not think it is a wise move for someone to go from Sunday morning church attender to instantly becoming a church planting missionary.  Men who surrender to the  mission field ought to already serve in active ministry in some way.  In my opinion, there is no better place for this than a Bible believing church that is involved in reaching their community and the world for Jesus.  Simply put, get involved in the ministry of your local church.  Volunteer as an assistant teacher of a class or teach a class.  Ask the pastor to go on hospital visits with him, attend any outreach visitations that the church may have.  Get involved in the teen ministry, offer to set up and clean up after special events.  Arrive early in preparation for the services and stay late to turn off lights and lock-up the church building.  Ask your pastor for any opportunity to preach and teach the Bible whether filling in for him, preaching a short five minute devotion before the offerings, or in some other venue.  Offer to keep the church up to date by highlighting supported missionaries during the midweek service.

Serving in your local church is an excellent way to get prepared for the mission field.  When a man publicly announces his call to the church, the church’s response ought to be excitement and agreement.  Common remarks should be made like “we knew God was going to do something with you” or “we knew God was going to lead you somewhere”.  Something is wrong if remarks like these are not made.  Get involved serving in your local church.