Getting Along with Other Missionaries: Lessons from the Field

Working in the ministry with other missionaries can be a rich and rewarding experience. It can also be a source of unexpected challenges. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside missionaries who share the same heart for souls, and I’ve also encountered situations where differences in philosophy or personality have created friction. Through it all, I’ve learned valuable lessons about navigating relationships with other missionaries while keeping our focus on the ultimate goal: seeing people saved.

Collaboration Brings Blessings

I’ve been blessed to work with missionaries who have had a tremendous impact on our ministry and the people of Mexico. Missionaries like Kevin Wynne, Luis Ramos, and others have been a joy to serve alongside. At Mount Hebron, our language school has welcomed many missionaries passing through Santiago, Nuevo León. Working together with these individuals has been a source of encouragement, mutual growth, and fruitful ministry.

Collaborating with like-minded missionaries who share a passion for soul-winning creates a sense of unity and shared purpose. These relationships remind me of the beauty of the body of Christ: different people, with different gifts, working together for the same goal.

Challenges with Fellow Missionaries

Unfortunately, not all relationships with missionaries are so harmonious. I’ve encountered situations where other missionaries have been openly critical or hostile toward us. For example, there is a group of national pastors who have been instructed not to attend our conferences or send their young people to our Bible Institute. We don’t fully understand the reasons for this animosity, but we’ve chosen to remain professional and keep our distance.

In another instance, some national pastors have shared that they distanced themselves from the missionaries who helped them get started because those missionaries do not prioritize soul-winning. These missionaries have criticized us for our emphasis on evangelism and outreach. While these criticisms can be disheartening, I’ve learned to focus on the work God has called us to do. If others are genuinely getting people saved, I praise the Lord for that, even if they despise us.

As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (KJV). Our true battle isn’t with other missionaries, but with the spiritual forces that seek to hinder God’s work.

The Bible Translation Debate

Another area of contention has been the use of the Reina Valera 1960 translation in Spanish. This translation has faced criticism, often from English-speaking pastors or missionaries who don’t fully understand Spanish. Some insist that the Reina Valera 1960 doesn’t align closely enough with the King James Bible, which they hold as the only inspired and preserved Word of God.

To be clear, I only use the King James Bible in English. I have studied and read both the King James and the Reina Valera 1960, and I firmly believe that both are the preserved Word of God for their respective languages. While this is a deeply personal conviction, and a topic for another blog post, I’ve found that these disagreements can create unnecessary strife among missionaries. It’s important to approach these discussions with humility and grace, keeping the focus on our shared mission rather than divisive debates.

Walking with Like-Minded People

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to walk with like-minded individuals and love difficult people from a distance. It’s natural to feel homesick on the field and to seek out fellowship with other missionaries who remind us of home, but too much fellowship can sometimes lead to distraction or even conflict. While it’s a blessing when God sends a true friend, I’ve found that keeping a Christ-centered focus is essential for maintaining unity and avoiding unnecessary drama.

Being a Good Example for Nationals

As missionaries, we must remember that we are not just serving in a foreign country; we are representing Christ. It’s critical that we avoid bringing strife or unresolved conflicts from our home countries to the mission field. Nationals are watching us, and our behavior sets an example of how Christians should interact with one another. When we allow petty disagreements or pride to create division, we risk harming the cause of Christ.

Let’s not muddy the waters by stirring up unnecessary conflicts. Instead, let’s strive to be good examples of unity, love, and humility. Our focus should always be on reaching the lost and glorifying God through our actions.

Final Thoughts

Working with other missionaries can be both a blessing and a challenge. I’ve learned to cherish the relationships with those who share a servant’s heart and to approach difficult situations with wisdom and grace. Above all, I’ve learned to keep my eyes on Christ and the work He has called me to do.

If you’re a missionary, I encourage you to walk with like-minded people, avoid unnecessary strife, and focus on the shared goal of seeing souls saved. Let’s be good examples of Christian unity and love, keeping our eyes on the eternal prize and remembering that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.