Do you have a heart for the Japanese people? Is sharing the good news of the gospel something you feel God is asking you to do? Are you feeling called to serve God’s kingdom globally? If all your answers are “yes,” it sounds like you’re ready to venture out as a missionary.
But where do you start? “I want to serve the church in Japan, but how?” Well, I have good news! There are several Christian mission organizations serving communities all over Japan, with a variety of ministries and fields that you can serve in.
Of course, everyone has their own skill sets and vocational callings. Some organizations might offer short-term missions, and others might only offer long-term. Or some might accept missionaries from anywhere, regardless of language, whereas others might have specific qualifications for language and nationality. It’s important to research your options and pray about them beforehand.
So, to make the research side a little easier, I’ve compiled a list of the types of missions you could be involved with in Japan, along with some mission organizations.
1. English Teaching
Japan is a country that cares tremendously about education, especially English. With business and society becoming more and more globalized, English language schools and classes are a huge draw for Japanese people. With such a high demand for English teachers (both in schools and private language schools), many Christian organizations and churches have ei-kaiwa (English conversation) ministries.
The missionary serves the church primarily as an English teacher, but also likely serves the church in other ways as needed. Some of these positions are short-term; others are long-term.
One obvious requirement is you need to be a native English speaker. Depending on the organization, other qualifications may be necessary.
Shukugawa Christian Center
My position here with Shukugawa Christian Center is also an English teacher missionary position. Though we’re not always actively looking for new missionaries, feel free to reach out to us for more information if you’re interested! We’re always open to inquiries.
If you’d like to serve at Shukugawa Christian Center as an English teacher, there are a few important qualifications:
– Must be single (not married)
– Must be American/speak American English (we have accepted Canadians in the past)
– Need a bachelor’s degree (any major is OK)
2. Church Planting
Japan is known as a mission field due to its low percentage of Christians. Only 1% of Japanese people identify as Christian. Plus, the majority of churches are in urban areas. There’s a great need for churches in the rural parts of Japan. Some organizations work to plant new churches in small towns and cities. Many also try to pair foreign missionaries with existing churches for support as they continue to grow.
Japan is a country in dire need of church communities. My church was planted a little over 50 years ago, but many others are much more recent with room to grow. If you’re willing to learn Japanese and collaborate with Japanese Christians, planting churches and helping them grow could prove to be a fruitful ministry.
3. Youth/College Ministry
Japan has a large population of young people, many of who have their own battles they’re fighting. From an intense education system, to problems with socialization common among today’s younger generations, Japanese youth are notoriously disconnected from any religious community.
Many churches offer youth camps, retreats, and other activities and events to try and share the good news of the gospel with the younger generations of Japan.
On a related note, there are also several campus ministries bringing the gospel to university students. InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Crusaders for Christ (Cru) are both active in the college scene. I have a friend who was working with Cru in Kobe for several years, and is now stationed in Kyoto. I was also part of InterVarsity during my college days, and I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with them.
If you’re interested in working with InterVarsity or Cru in Japan, I recommend checking out their websites for more information.
4. Community Development
Have practical skills that you want to use to serve the Japanese people? There’s definitely a need in rural Japan for community development and support. These people are steeped in their Shinto and Buddhist traditions, and are often distrustful of newcomers. With this in mind, it’s important to establish yourself as useful and helpful in their local communities. Otherwise, they won’t be willing to hear your message of good news.
From construction/carpentry positions to coffee shop ministries, to graphic design or childcare, there’s a wide variety of skills that can be used to minister to local Japanese communities.
5. Medical Missions
Japan also has a need for medical professionals, especially in rural areas. Though perhaps not as widespread of a ministry need as in other countries, there are some opportunities out there. Some parachurch organizations may offer short-term or long-term medical mission positions, working in clinics, hospitals, or health education programs.
6. Disaster Relief
Many people remember the devasting tsunami and earthquake that swept through the Tōhoku region in 2011. Or even the great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. During these disasters, local and global Christian organizations alike came together to help with disaster relief efforts.
We pray that there won’t be another great disaster in Japan any time soon. We pray that we won’t lose more Japanese people to earthquakes and tsunamis before they have the chance to be saved. However, should such a disaster strike again, you can volunteer and serve God’s kingdom in Japan by helping with relief efforts—providing food, shelter, and comfort to those who have been affected.
Missionary Organizations
As far as Christian mission organizations go, I’ve already mentioned InterVarsity and Cru, as well as my church, Shukugawa Christian Center. But I went ahead and compiled a list of other Christian mission organizations that you can research on your own.
- Japan Evangelical Missionary Society (JEMS) (Evangelical)
- World Team Japan
- Mission to the World (MTW) (Presbyterian)
- Japan Christian Mission (JCM) (based out of Nara)
- Japan Missionary Fellowship (JMF)
- Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) (Evangelical Protestant)
- International Mission Board (IMB) (associated with the Southern Baptist Convention)
- Intervarsity Link (College missions)
- Cru (College missions)
- Shukugawa Christian Center (Check out our teachers’ Instagram account here)
Next Steps
Preparing for mission work can be daunting, and requires a lot of prayer and communion with God. If you believe God is calling you to serve in Japan, check out my post, “What Do I Need to Be a Missionary in Japan?” Even if you plan to serve in a different country, the underlying points in this post will apply to most mission fields. It’ll give you an idea of how to mentally and spiritually prepare for your mission.
Whether you become a missionary or not, as part of the body of Christ, we all can serve God’s kingdom wherever God has placed us. I pray for God’s clarity and guidance as you try to discern the next step in your walk with Jesus.
