As we have been running tentmaker courses in a dozen countries to hundreds of new candidates, the fact remains that not everyone ends up going to the unreached. Some join traditional mission agencies and see that as a valid model of mission for themselves. Even as the challenge of raising funds gets tougher, the mission agency model is still by far the larger vehicle for mobilizing and sending new missionaries.

A developing trend is for tentmakers to be directly sent by their home church.

We have seen many mission agency leaders and staff at our courses. They have taken what has been learned to change the direction of their agency. This is one of the most encouraging outcomes of our work.

Other students end up on mission’s boards in their churches. Others are spokespersons for the tentmaking model of missions, inspiring believers to investigate the tentmaking alternative.

Yet a smaller group has started supporting tentmaking organizations with their finances and prayers. The tentmaking model of missions by its very nature is not focused on raising money. But these organizations depend heavily on supporters. This message is often lost.

A few have started cross cultural bible study groups at universities among foreign students. When these students return to their home countries, they bring the Gospel with them.

One constant factor stands out

Most everyone I have ever met, even years after they have attended a tentmaking course, share with me how the training influenced and impacted them for life. Their understanding and passion for missions has grown, sometimes exponentially.

The one constant in the lives of students from our courses and seminars is a life changing attitude about God’s world and His mission. There is a deep yearning to see the Gospel preached near and far, a sense of urgency about the task remaining.

So what?

If you are one of the people mentioned above, perhaps a time of re-evaluation of your life is in order?

Maybe your departure has been delayed by your own choices or simply that God has had you in a training program that is much longer than you had hoped for. If going abroad is not an option, look around you and prayerfully seek where God would want you to use your skills, education, resources and passion for the lost. Are refugees and immigrants coming to your community – reach out to them!

Starting a missions focused bible study in your home or at your church may see many more get excited about missions; you would be the catalyst! Perhaps you have never considered giving to a tentmaking organization or mobilizer, but you need to know, all the mobilizers I know are struggling financially and organizations are on the verge of disappearing.

In conclusion, attending courses that inspire you to reach the lost for Jesus is never time wasted, in fact it is time well spent.

By Ari Rocklin