By: Angelina Jones
As Christians, we are called to share the gospel and serve others. But how we do this matters just as much as why we do it. A few years ago, when I was a student at Southern, I was inspired by a student missions vespers. With the flag parade and emotional music, I, like many other students at Southern, wanted to serve – to be part of something bigger.
But unlike some, I didn’t make a spontaneous decision. I spent months researching the culture, language and context of the people I would serve. That preparation revealed a hard truth: No amount of research can fully prepare you, and missionary work often carries unintended consequences.
When I was 20, I spent 11 months as a taskforce dean in Daugård, Denmark. During that time, I realized that international missionary work often overlooks the agency of local communities. Despite my best intentions, I saw that the people I intended to help were already in capable hands. This led me to question the effectiveness of the traditional missionary model.
I chose to serve in Denmark to avoid the pitfalls of white saviorism—the idea that Westerners must “save” people in other countries—or of assuming that those populations are helpless without outside intervention.
But even in a European country, I realized my presence as a foreign worker could undermine local leadership. Communities know their own needs best, yet mission programs often prioritize outside volunteers overqualified local teachers, leaders and pastors. Many mission schools rely on short-term volunteers rather than trained professionals.
Imagine a student who needs a qualified math teacher but instead is assigned an 18-year-old theology major with no teacher training and struggles with math. It’s tempting to assume that “God qualifies the called,” but what actually happens when an unqualified missionary is the one responsible for a child’s education, medical care or spiritual guidance?
God may call people to serve, but that doesn’t mean every opportunity is ethical or beneficial. Wouldn’t it be better to invest in local teachers rather than sending underqualified volunteers to fill roles they aren’t prepared for?
Of course, not all mission work is harmful. Some missionaries provide medical aid and disaster relief. Jesus commanded His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19 NIV), which some people take seriously.
But doing something in Christ’s name doesn’t automatically mean it’s being done well—or even ethically.
While the internet has made spiritual resources more accessible than ever, some mission efforts still operate as if salvation depends entirely on physical presence. Worse, sending untrained missionaries into these regions can put individuals’ lives at risk and cause unintended harm to the very communities they aim to help.
Before committing to international missionary work, one should consider:
● Could the money I spend on missions be better used to support local talent and leadership?
● Could those funds provide assistance to people in need locally?
● Would I do this work in my own country without the fanfare and travel?
By rethinking our approach to missions, we might ensure that our efforts truly honor God and serve others effectively to empower communities, not overshadow them.