More Young Men Are Needed on the Mission Field In a distracted and comfort-driven age, Christ still calls young men to lay down their lives for something greater. April 30th, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

 

More Young Men Are Needed on the Mission Field

In a distracted and comfort-driven age, Christ still calls young men to lay down their lives for something greater.

April 30th, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Two centuries ago, the global mission field saw the rise of a powerful force young, single men filled with conviction and courage. Men like David Brainerd, Henry Martyn, Robert Morrison, and William Chalmers Burns left the comforts of home to carry the gospel to places that had never heard the name of Jesus. Their lives were often short, but their impact was eternal.

Today, that legacy is harder to find.

After over a decade on the mission field, one thing stands out clearly: single men are the rarest sight in long-term missions. They show up in abundance for short-term trips and support roles, but fewer and fewer take up the call as frontline church planters in unreached regions.

What happened? Why are fewer young men crossing oceans with the gospel? And what can be done about it?

What’s Holding Young Men Back?

1. Distraction Diminishes the Soul

Our modern age is saturated with noise. Social media, streaming services, and endless entertainment have dulled the spiritual sharpness of many young men. They may be disciplined in the gym or committed to their careers, but spiritually, they are often adrift. In downtime, phones come out before prayer does. In the absence of spiritual vision, time slips through glowing screens and the urgency of eternity fades into the background.

2. Family is King

For many Christian families today, safety and closeness are more prized than sacrifice and calling. Missions sounds inspiring until your own son is the one wanting to go. Well-meaning parents can become the biggest obstacles to obedience, subtly steering their sons away from danger and discomfort. The desire to pass down family businesses or enjoy holidays together can outweigh the eternal value of sending a son to the nations. But Christ still asks, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).

3. No Rites of Passage, No Warriors Formed

Our culture offers few meaningful milestones for boys becoming men. Getting a driver’s license or turning 18 doesn’t form strength of character. In contrast, many traditional societies mark manhood with trials that forge courage and responsibility. Without clear direction or compelling purpose, many young men drift unaware of the spiritual war raging for souls around the world. They’ve never been told that true masculinity means laying down your life for others.

What Will Awaken the Warriors?

1. Go All In

We don’t need half-hearted Christians. The world needs men who press into life, faith, and calling with full throttle. Hebrews 10:39 reminds us: “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” Young Christian man, you were not made for comfort you were made for courage. Find a mentor who challenges you. Step into discomfort. Stop waiting for a clear sign and start pursuing what you know to be good and true. Be the kind of man whose faith sets others ablaze.

2. Read Great Stories, Then Live One

Biographies change lives. The stories of missionaries like John G. Paton, Amy Carmichael, Nate Saint, and Adoniram Judson are fuel for the heart. These were not superheroes they were flawed, normal people whose greatness came from God. Parents, pastors, and leaders should put these stories in young hands and hearts. As William Carey famously said, “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” Young men need heroes. Better still, they need to believe they can be one by grace, through faith.

3. Find What’s Worth Dying For

Our world offers plenty to live for pleasure, success, security but little worth dying for. The gospel offers both. We follow a Savior who died for His enemies, and He calls us to take up our cross too. This isn’t romanticized suffering it’s real warfare. Whole language groups still live and die without hearing the name of Jesus. Who will go? The same God who calls missionaries still whispers, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8).

There is a battlefield. And you, young man, were made for more than hobbies and hustle. You were made to storm the gates of hell not with swords, but with the Word. When you teach Scripture in a heart language for the first time, strongholds crumble. When you disciple new believers in remote places, the kingdom expands. When you go where others won’t, the light shines brighter.

Will You Stand in the Gap?

J.C. Ryle issued the challenge over a century ago: “Young men of the present day, you are wanted for God. The harvest is great, but the laborers are few. Be zealous of good works. Come to the cause of the Lord against the mighty.”

The cause still stands. The need is urgent. The King is still calling.

So to every young Christian man reading this: lay down the smaller dreams. Pick up your cross. Live fully now, not someday. The world has enough boys chasing comfort. What it needs what the Church needs are warriors ready to live and die for something eternal.

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