How do you know if you have what it takes to be an effective disciple-maker among the least-reached? Maybe you have a Bible degree. Maybe you have a missionary calling. Maybe you even have a short-term mission trip or missions internship under your belt. Is that enough?

I read a lot of missionary biographies and I mentor a lot of people going to the nations. There seems to be a set of traits shared by those who thrive in effective cross-cultural ministry. These missionary characteristics have stood the test of time, separating those who have long-lasting impact from those who burn out or come home early.

Though a lot of things about missions have changed, the heart of effective disciple-making remains unchanged. If you’re thinking about becoming a missionary overseas, consider the importance of these six traits of successful missionaries.

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1. Faith in God’s sovereignty is crucial for disciple-makers.

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” (Philippians 4:11-12).

I remember the first time I read about missionary Adoniram Judson and the personal losses he endured as he obediently followed Christ to the nations. Speaking of burying several wives and many of his children, he said, “If I had not felt certain that every additional trial was ordered by infinite love and mercy, I could not have survived my accumulated sufferings.”

To be an effective disciple-maker, you must trust that everything in your life comes from a loving Father’s hand and that he will sustain you through it.

2. Eternal assurance prepares you for sacrifice.

“As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:25-26).

As missionaries John and Betty Stam were forced by soldiers to the place where they would be beheaded, they marched with their heads held high. Even as swords were drawn, there appeared a slight smile on John’s face and a look of peace on Betty’s. How? They had counted the cost ahead of time, and they believed their Redeemer lives.

Confidence in eternal salvation prepares disciple-makers for the life-threatening, life-sacrificing cost of serving among the least-reached.

3. Love for Scripture sustains missionaries.

“Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at His word” (Isaiah 66:5).

What is it that sustains those who live and work abroad for the sake of the gospel? A common thread is that each one spends much time in the Bible. Effective disciple-makers are men and women of the Word. They have not stopped trembling (being awed) at the Word of God, and they faithfully obey God’s commands, especially the call to “go and make disciples.”

4. Living a life of self-denial for Christ is worth the sacrifice.

“Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life” (Luke 18:29-30).

At the simplest level, sacrifice and self-denial might mean losing comforts like air conditioning or your favorite foods. But more often, it will look like dying to your ambition, your dreams, and even the approval of those you love. True disciple-makers throughout the ages choose to follow Christ above all else, believing he is worth the sacrifice.

5. Living among the people you seek to reach matters.

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

Jesus modeled an incarnational life, dwelling among those he sought to reach. Many missionaries reside with their host people, but the most effective belong. They don’t isolate themselves from unbelievers who need Jesus, nor do they neglect those who have already come to faith and need to grow in Christ. Disciple-making always happens in the context of relationships. To make disciples, you must dwell with people, just as Jesus did.

6. Let the cross of Christ be your only motivation.

“For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Missionary Amy Carmichael once said, “God hold us to that which drew us first, when the cross was the attraction, and we wanted nothing else.” If you have any other reason for becoming a missionary besides the work of the cross in your life and the desire to see Jesus do the same in others, please do not go. It’s not enough to have the right degree or to be a gifted evangelist. The what only matters when you have the right why.


One of the most important characteristics of a disciple-maker is living alongside people in genuine relationships.

How to develop these traits to be a better disciple-maker

Do you see some areas you need to work on in the traits above? That’s the kind of humble heart God wants to shape. If you want to grow in these traits to be a more effective disciple-maker or to prepare for cross-cultural ministry, here are some practical habits to begin incorporating in your life.

1. Spend time daily in Scripture. Commit to reading your Bible every day, and ask God to cultivate your faith and love for his truth as you read.
2. Read missionary biographies to learn from those who have gone before. Here’s a starter list of some of our favorites.
3. Pray regularly for God’s help in living a life of self-denial and sacrifice. It’s a counter-cultural mindset, but opportunities to practice are everywhere.
4. Invest in relationships. Pray about who God would have you invest in, and start pursuing them as you sense God’s leading.
5. Begin praying for people and countries around the world. God changes our heart through prayer. But that’s only one of many reasons to pray for the nations.
6. Seek accountability and encouragement from mentors. Need a mentor? Our missions coaches would be happy to meet with you and encourage you.

Free 7-day discipleship course

Sign up for our free email course to learn the seven disciple-making principles and practical steps you can implement today.

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Do you have questions about becoming a disciple-maker overseas? Let’s talk. We can answer your questions, help you understand your gifting, and determine whether Crossworld is a good fit for you. Reach out to our team today.

Mark Silvers served with Crossworld in the Philippines for 10 years and joined the Recruitment team in 2009. Mark’s driving passion is to reach the 3.4 billion people in the world today with no access to the gospel.