How to Train Others to Live Missionally

Living like a missionary doesn’t require moving overseas—it starts right where you are, in your everyday routines. This resource introduces a simple framework called “iPOC3” to help believers live missionally in their everyday contexts. It equips church leaders to train others to pray, observe, connect, and seek spiritual conversations in organic, practical ways. Use it as a coaching tool, training module, or personal discipleship guide to cultivate a sending culture and help missionaries get established.

As missions leaders, you have the wonderful opportunity to guide your church members in embracing the Great Commission in their everyday lives. While some may feel the calling to express this in a diverse cultural setting, everyone can embrace it in our everyday lives, wherever we find ourselves. It's about encouraging a life of openness and guiding others to follow Christ's path in their unique journeys. As leaders, you can help your church members and your missionaries see themselves as sent ones, infusing their daily lives, work, and plans with purpose and meaning, truly embodying what it means to live missionally.

Living missionally isn't about following a strict formula, but rather finding inspiration in unexpected places. Personally, I've (Larry) found a creative connection through a popular brand of computers, sparking the idea of living missionally with a fresh perspective called “iPOC3,” which stands for:

• I Pray

• I Observe

• I Connect

• I Seek Spiritual Conversations Continually

While acrostics aren’t usually my preference, iPOC3 serves as a helpful tool to remind us of simple, impactful actions that can be integrated into our daily routines to further God's mission, no matter where we are. Just as Apple products are designed to integrate innovation into daily life, you can guide your congregation and missionaries to seamlessly blend spiritual practices into their everyday routines in meaningful ways. This not only cultivates the sending culture of your church, but is foundational for missionaries to thrive cross-culturally.

I Pray

Guiding your church members and missionaries toward a posture of prayer is a matter of first importance. Prayer should underpin all our endeavors. Through prayer, I have witnessed individuals who were previously closed to spiritual matters begin to open up. Similarly, challenging areas have become receptive to spiritual influence through prayer.

As you train your people, it’s important to emphasize that prayer is not just something to be reserved for quiet times. It can integrate into every moment of our day. Encourage your members and missionaries to pray as they go about their daily lives. Urge them to pray for open doors, for God to highlight individuals with whom they can share a conversation, for opportunities, and for God to work in the hearts of those they encounter.

In today’s world, the distractions brought by technological entertainment can often hinder our ability to focus on prayer. Our devices keep us constantly alert to news, sales, and notifications. As Jordan Monson aptly observed, "For two thousand years, the most private and undistracted place was behind the closed door. Now, the noise has relocated indoors. If our computers and devices are near, it’s the worst place to try to pray. Walking through Times Square is less distracting than sitting alone in a room full of technology.”

Consider encouraging your members and missionaries to use the "Do Not Disturb" feature on their phones and try prayer walking. Although it might seem old-fashioned, prayer walking can be profoundly impactful. When alone and walking, distractions are minimized, allowing one to focus on internal thoughts and divine guidance. A change of scenery could be the key to hearing God’s voice more clearly.

I Observe

As you guide your church members and missionaries to pray continually, encourage them to observe where God is at work. Invite them to discern the needs they can meet and explore new ways to connect. Teach them to observe the city and neighborhood where they live. People are profoundly affected by their surroundings, and by studying their environment, they can gain valuable insights. The more they understand their city, the more effectively they can pray for its people. Consider our book, Tradecraft: For the Church on Mission, for strategies on mapping your city and learning to observe how God is working there.

I Connect

Next, guide your church members and missionaries to connect with others they encounter along the way. Remind them that this can involve almost anything in their daily interactions. Encourage them to start conversations, perhaps with a clerk at the post office, or assist someone in need, like helping an elderly person cross the street or carrying groceries for someone burdened by a heavy load.

Urge them to also nurture connections with their closest friends and family members. To deepen these relationships, they should learn about their loved ones' preferences, hobbies, favorite shows, and personal aspirations. Understanding these details is crucial, as it helps us relate better and position the gospel message effectively. Sharing the good news is much more impactful when delivered within the context of a caring relationship. It’s important to show that we care about the whole person, not just their spiritual beliefs. Encourage them to meet others where they are and allow the relationship to develop naturally.

Ultimately, remind them that evangelism transcends simple formulas. It is about maintaining an open and welcoming attitude toward others. Evangelism is inherently relational, and by having an open heart, God will provide opportunities for them to connect with people. At the right time, he will open doors to declare the good news.

I Seek Spiritual Conversations Continually

Finally, encourage your church members and missionaries to seek spiritual conversations continually as they connect and as opportunities arise. They may form lasting friendships during everyday interactions. If this happens, they might discover that the person is interested in spiritual matters and open to regular discussions about life and spirituality. This could present an ideal chance to share the gospel. From my experience, this approach is often more effective, less intimidating, and more sensitive than simply inviting someone to a local church. 

As followers of Jesus, we are all equipped to speak truth into others’ lives and share about Jesus. If this seems daunting, remind them of Acts 1:8: “you will be my witnesses,” Jesus says. Being a witness is not merely a duty—it is their very identity. They are already living testimonies of God’s saving work among the nations!

Living Missionally at Home and Abroad

The call to live missionally is not limited to cross-culturally service—it's a way of life available to every believer, every day. By praying intentionally, observing attentively, connecting relationally, and seeking spiritual conversations continually, your church members and missionaries can embody what it means to be “sent” wherever they are. As a leader, you have the opportunity to model and multiply this mindset, helping your church develop a sending culture that begins at home and extends to the nations.

Next Steps

The journey toward sending well happens one step at a time. Here are three ways you can continue moving upstream:

1. Choose a small group, Sunday school class, or missions team and introduce the iPOC3 framework this month. Encourage each participant to apply one of the four steps each week, and gather stories to share how God is using these everyday practices to open doors for gospel impact.

2. Begin using the iPOC3 framework as part of your sending pipeline and development process for missionary candidates. It might also be helpful to use in short-term mission trips.

3. Read Tradecraft for the Church on Mission to go more in depth on the skills of living like a missionary.