A Missionary’s Guide to Navigating Transition

Before I moved overseas, I had the joy of spending two years under the mentorship of a man named Dan, who had served as a missionary in East Africa for 33 years. He used to tell me, “David, living overseas, you will face leadership transitions, reorganizations, policy changes, and many other types of transitions. When that happens, just put your head down and focus on preaching the gospel, making disciples, and planting churches.”

Dan’s advice has been helpful to me many times in our time overseas. In this blog post, I aim to build on Dan’s advice by exploring how to approach changes while living on the field. 

Change is rarely easy, especially in ministry. Whether it’s a shift in leadership, a reorganization of teams, or a new strategic direction, transitions can stir up uncertainty, loss, and even fear. For missionaries, the emotional weight can feel even heavier, especially when we’re deeply invested in our work, teams, and the people we serve.

But there is good news: God is not surprised by change. He is not worried about transitions. He is still on His throne, and He is still at work. Our God has a plan, and He is revealing it to us.

As you walk through change or transition, here are nine biblical and practical encouragements to anchor your heart and guide your posture:

1. Remember that God is on His Throne

“After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!'”Revelation 7:9-10 (CBS)

In Revelation 4, we see a vision of our God seated on His throne. Our God has a vision to see His kingdom expand to every tongue, tribe, people, and nation. Remember that our God’s plans cannot be thwarted or changed. Whether or not we are faithful, God will fulfill all His desires. And he desires to expand His kingdom to every people around the world. Whether your team or organization is faithful or not, God will accomplish His work. Therefore, do not worry about changes in your organization or leadership. Instead, focus on our God, who is seated high and lifted up.

2. Remember Your Calling

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29

Even when God’s people, Israel, were unfaithful, God declared that His gifts and calling towards them were irrevocable. During transitions, my heart is often strengthened by remembering my story about how God called me to Himself and into His work. Remembering my calling has guided me in what opportunities to embrace and which ones to turn down. In particular, my calling is to bring the gospel of Jesus to the more than 600 million Muslims of South Asia. No leadership transition or organizational change can change my calling from the Lord. In this way, our calling can continue to give us direction as we move forward.

3. Focus on the Core Missionary Task

“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” 1 Corinthians 9:16

The Core Missionary Task is to enter new fields, share the gospel, make disciples, plant churches, and develop leaders in such a way that missionaries can entrust the work to new churches and leaders, enabling missionaries to move into new fields. Woe to us if we become distracted by change and take our focus off these primary tasks! During transition, if you are worried about change, then go and share the gospel with someone who has never heard. I guarantee you that these primary tasks are what our leadership desires for us to do. 

4. Maintain a Spirit of Unity and Peace

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

Transitions can cause relational stress or stir up division. This is a time to be especially vigilant against gossip, assumption, or internal grumbling. Choose the way of peace. Be quick to forgive, slow to speak, and eager to build up. Unity is a powerful witness.

5. Celebrate the Past – Look to the Future

“I will remember the LORD’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders.” Psalm 77:11

Scripture is full of celebration of what God has done in the past. God is at work in South Asia. We can (and should!) remember story after story of how God has changed lives. He has opened up new doors among people groups who had never heard the gospel. Churches have been planted where they had never existed. Leaders have been developed. We must rejoice and celebrate what God has done, just as God’s people in Scripture repeatedly celebrated His mighty works. At the same time, we must keep our eyes on the future, asking God to break through in even more profound ways. We should be thankful for leaders who are moving on, and we should pray for God to bless them in their next roles. We should be prayerful and optimistic for new leaders that God is raising up! 

6. Be Open-Handed and Flexible

“In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3–4

Cling to your calling but not your preferences. Structures may shift. Roles may be reassigned. Ministry structures might look different tomorrow than they do today. Ask God for a heart that says, “Here I am. Send me.” Be optimistic that new leadership will provide fresh passion and vigor for the work. Be open-handed and flexible for how they may challenge us to grow and expand the work. Make it your ambition to be easy and joyful to be led in the next season of ministry.

7. Pray for your Leaders

There are many decisions to be made during seasons of transition. Pray that the Spirit of God will guide them in the days to come. Pray that God will grant them the wisdom to lead His people. Pray that the Spirit will provide specific direction to overcome all the ministry challenges ahead of us. Pray that our leaders will be filled daily with wisdom, the Spirit, and the Word of God. 

8. Communicate Honestly, Respectfully, and Prayerfully

“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” James 1:19

During this time, we must be wise in our speech. If you have concerns, pray about them and discuss them discreetly with your leadership. Be honest about your feelings, but also be respectful. Try not to engage in gossip. If you are confused, ask questions. If you’re feeling discouraged and anxious, bring your concerns to God in prayer, and also ask others for encouragement. Bless and build up with your words rather than create division. Your tone matters as much as your content.

9. Embrace Change as an Opportunity for Growth

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19

God often uses transitions to grow our faith. During seasons of change, ask the Lord how He desires to transform your life and character. Perhaps the most crucial change that will occur is within you. 

Final Word: Be Faithful

During transition, it can be tempting to pull back or lose heart. Don’t. Stay present. Stay faithful. Preach the gospel. Make disciples. Plant churches. Develop leaders. Change occurs in ministry, but God remains unchanged. His work in South Asia will be fulfilled.