S06E03 | The 5 Stages of the Missionary Life Cycle with Jonathan & Elizabeth Trotter

Modern Day Missionaries

How long have you been on the mission field? Did you know that the challenges you’re facing and the perspective you’ve developed are likely more similar to others at your stage than you might think?
In this episode, authors and missionaries Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter share the five stages of the missionary life cycle they’ve observed. They also share the potential pitfalls and opportunities in each stage. What stage are you in? We talk about the ups, downs, and everything in between. It’s so good to know that we are not alone in our feelings and experiences!

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. The five stages of the missionary life, as observed by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter.
2. Common challenges and opportunities that arise in each stage of missionary work.
3. How to identify where you are in your own journey and what that means for your growth.
4. Great suggestions for handling the ups and downs of missionary life while staying hopeful and grounded.

✍️ Questions to Think About as You Listen:

1. How long have you been on the mission field, and how has your perspective shifted over time?
2. What challenges are you currently facing, and how do they compare to earlier stages of your journey?
3. Can you identify with any of the five stages of the missionary life the Trotters discuss? If so, which one?
4. Have you noticed patterns in your own experience that resonate with the stages mentioned in this episode?
5. What opportunities do you see in your current season to grow, connect with others, or find renewed strength?
   

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1. S06E03 | The 5 Stages of the Missionary Life Cycle with Jonathan & Elizabeth Trotter (00:00:00)

2. Meet Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter (00:00:40)

3. Discussing the Five Stages of Missionary (00:02:50)

4. Pre-Field Stage: Idealist vs. Ignorant (00:06:56)

5. Transition Challenges and Coping Strategies (00:13:37)

6. The Cycle of Rest and Retreat (00:23:55)

7. Balancing Rest and Service (00:25:08)

8. Learner vs. Survivor Mode (00:26:10)

9. The Established Workaholic (00:28:05)

10. Ministry: Bums and Workaholics (00:30:26)

11. The Importance of Rest and Avoiding Burnout (00:32:18)

12. Missionary Attrition and Member Care (00:34:42)

13. Experienced vs. Pessimistic Missionaries (00:37:37)

14. The Value of Lifelong Learning (00:42:44)

15. Connecting with the Trotters (00:44:28)