“Success! I won! I did it! I achieved my goal!” Those are familiar phrases we hear in a world that measures success by visible outcomes—numbers, trophies, accomplishments or recognition. But when it comes to missions, what does success really mean? And where should our emphasis lie—on ourselves and our goals, or on God and what He is doing?
A foundational truth in mission theology is Missio Dei—the “mission of God.” Mission does not begin with us. It begins with Him. God is the One who initiates, directs, empowers and completes His mission in the world. He graciously invites us to join Him in what He is already doing. Mission belongs to God.
So where do we fit in? What is our part, and how do we know if we are being successful? As human beings, we naturally like to evaluate success. That is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, clear goals help us stay focused and intentional. Without direction, we drift. With vision, we move forward purposefully.
At AFM, our goal is clear: to plant church-multiplying movements among unreached people groups—nations and tribes who have never had a meaningful opportunity to know Jesus. We long to see nationals transformed by the gospel, who then share that same good news within their own culture. That is the beautiful, Spirit-led end goal of our work.
But here is the question: Is an AFM missionary successful only if he or she accomplishes that goal in visible, measurable ways? I don’t think so. There is no formula, no silver bullet, that guarantees success in missions. If there were, the Great Commission would already be finished. Instead, I have come to believe that God calls us into His mission not primarily for what we can accomplish, but for the joy of knowing Him more deeply through service. We are invited to experience the blessing of walking by faith, surrendering our plans, and participating in His redemptive work.
That is why I believe true success in missions can be summed up in one word: faithfulness.
Faithfulness is not about results—it is about obedience. It is about trusting God’s timing, following His leading, and persevering even when the fruit is not visible. The results belong to God. The measure of success is not how much we achieve, but how faithfully we follow.
So, let us pause and reflect: Are you being faithful to what God has called you to do? Whether your calling is across the ocean or across the street, God’s standard of success is the same faithfulness.
Let us also lift up our AFM missionaries in prayer. Plead with God for an outpouring of His Spirit on each one of them and the people they serve. Pray that countless souls will come to know Jesus—and that every missionary will remain faithful to their calling. And then, let’s celebrate! For every faithful servant who says “Yes” to God’s mission to reach the unreached—no matter the outcome—is a true success story in the kingdom of God.
