If you feel called to take your ministry abroad, here are a few things to bear in mind.

If wanderlust has been tugging on your heartstrings and leaving your mind unsettled, it may be time to dig up the passport and head to a foreign country. Taking yourself out of your element and going to a place where no one knows you creates new perspectives and allows you to become more aware of different cultures. For church leaders who are looking to deepen their walk with God through going overseas to preach, we prepared some insight that may help in guiding your decision.

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."

-- Mark 16:15
 

If you feel the Holy Spirit moving you towards this adventure, take time and pray long and fiercely about it.

When you sense a strong conviction to pursue this path, think about everything that coincides with it. You will be away from friends, family, and comforts of home for an extended period of time, and this is not something you want to jump into without serious prayer and meditation. 

Meet with other church leaders for their advice.

Chances are, there are other leaders you know who spent time as a missionary or who led a church in a foreign country. Take them out to coffee or lunch and gather knowledge of their experience. Ask them to pray for you as you consider this choice.   

Look for a need.

If there is a part of the world in need of a service that you know full well you can provide, by all means, look to that location as the place to go. There are also existing programs who are looking to recruit church leaders to serve alongside them overseas, so keep an eye out for opportunities of that nature. Establishing a strong rapport prior to making the move will help you adjust to this new chapter of your life.

Prepare for different cultural norms and traditions.

What may be perfectly normal on your soil is completely taboo on someone else's. Study the area you're going to preach in extensively, and learn the appropriate manners of dress, speech, social interaction, and customs. The last thing you want to do is offend those in the audience you are trying to bring to Christ.

If you've preached the gospel in a foreign country and have other advice to give, let us know in the comments! 

Think you'd rather serve the Lord somewhere else? Have you considered becoming a hospital chaplain?