How do you know if God is calling you to global service? 

For many people, the answer does not arrive all at once. Discernment unfolds gradually through prayer, meaningful relationships, thoughtful questions, and the courage to take one step before knowing where the entire path will lead. 

At the 2026 World Mission Conference, 12 people participated in a special Discernment Track designed to provide that kind of space. Ranging in age from 20 to 54, participants arrived with different backgrounds, experiences, and levels of clarity about what God might be inviting them to do.  

Throughout the conference, Discernment Track participants joined the larger gathering for worship, Bible study, teaching, and stories from around the world. They also shared experiences created specifically for those exploring a call to global service. These included lunchtime conversations with global servants, one-on-one conversations, personal reflection, prayer, and opportunities to build relationships with others who were asking similar questions.  

These encounters helped mission feel less like an abstract idea and more like a community into which participants were being welcomed. 

One person described the experience as “a family, community and relationship-building experience.” Another shared that a conversation with a global servant whose story reflected their own gave them hope that God could use what they had experienced. Others described moments of peace, confirmation, spiritual renewal, and a deeper confidence in God’s timing.  

The experience is already leading to tangible next steps. Four participants have committed to pursuing long-term global service with International Ministries. Other participants are continuing their discernment through short-term mission experiences, personal follow-up, and further exploration.  

But perhaps the most important outcome cannot be captured by numbers alone. Participants were reminded that discerning a call does not have to happen in isolation. God often speaks through Scripture, prayer, relationships, the experiences of others, and communities willing to listen alongside us. 

One participant offered this advice to anyone wondering whether to join a future Discernment Track: 

“If there is even a hint of wondering whether or not God may be calling you to serve internationally, participate. Pause, glean, listen, engage, worship, walk alongside, and discover.” 

Another simply said, “Do it.” A third called the experience “a space to listen to His voice and discern His direction for your life.”  

Not everyone who begins exploring mission will be called to move overseas. Some may be invited to serve for a few weeks, a year, or a lifetime. Others may be called to pray, give, advocate, welcome global servants, or help their churches participate more deeply in God’s work around the world. 

Discernment begins with openness. It is the willingness to bring our gifts, questions, hopes, and uncertainties before God and say, “I am listening.” 

If you would like to learn more, please reach out to our team at met@internationalministries.org. We want to hear your story!