The Vineyard

Through the process of mission internship and discipleship training, I have come to see more clearly: character is not just part of our preparation—it is the very core of our calling. Without an inner life shaped by Christ, even the greatest gifts and strategies cannot become a true blessing for the Gospel. Character is like a vessel—if it is cracked or defiled, no matter how pure the content, it will be distorted in the delivery.

The call to missions is not first about what we do, but who we become. Matthew 5’s Sermon on the Mount lays out this path: poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, hunger for righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking—these are not personality traits, but marks of a disciple’s life. Such qualities are not formed overnight but are cultivated through a journey with the Lord, shaped by brokenness, repentance, and renewal.

In ministry, I have experienced cultural clashes, misunderstandings, and team tensions. Without gentleness and humility, it’s easy to react self-righteously or emotionally. I recall one incident when a seemingly minor issue led to serious division within the team, and communication broke down. In that silence, I was convicted of my own pride and lack of trust, and I was reminded again: character is not something to demand from others, but something that must first be formed within ourselves.

When mentoring interns, I often emphasize the importance of repentance. Repentance is not a one-time decision, but a daily choice—to face ourselves honestly in God’s light, to confess our limits and failures. Someone once said, “We sin retail, but confess wholesale.” It’s a bitterly true reflection of our spiritual laziness. Spiritual honesty is the foundation for character formation.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Purity of heart doesn’t mean flawless perfection, but a simple desire to please God—not people, not reputation. Such purity allows us to maintain integrity across different cultures and under team pressure. Wherever we are, a life shaped by Christ will carry the aroma of His presence.

“Blessed are the peacemakers”—this is another essential trait for mission workers. In cross-cultural ministry, misunderstanding and conflict are inevitable. Only when we possess the peace of Christ can we become bridges in relationships rather than widening the divide. Ministry is not only about reconciling people to God, but also living out reconciliation among people.

We must also remember: being a disciple is an eternal identity; being a missionary is a temporary role. Even during seasons of rest, transition, or hardship, when we hold fast to our identity as disciples, we will not lose direction. But if we mistake the missionary role as our core identity, we may fall into emptiness or helplessness when the work ceases. Character helps us return to the essence of our calling: to be followers of Christ, not merely performers of religious activity.

A spiritual mentor, along with Eugene Peterson, once reminded us: “Ministry without inner character and genuine walk with God eventually becomes a form of spiritual business.” These words are sobering. Mission is not a stage; it is an altar—a place where our lives are offered to God, for the sake of others. Effective ministry flows not from eloquence or method, but from a refined heart and a life transformed by Him.

May every person preparing to enter the harvest field first allow their inner life to become a dwelling place where Jesus can live and work. Let your life speak. Let love uphold the truth. Let every action carry the warmth of Christ’s touch. In this way, wherever we are, we can be witnesses of the Gospel and messengers of His peace.