Sustaining Your World Race Impact: How to Continue Living on Mission After You Return

The World Race is more than just a three-, nine-, or eleven-month journey; it’s a life-altering experience that shapes your heart, soul, and perspective on the world. As you travel from country to country, you’re stretched, challenged, and transformed in ways that often exceed your expectations. But what happens when the Race ends, and you find yourself back home? How do you sustain the impact and continue living on mission after your World Race journey?

In this article, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to maintain the sense of purpose and mission-mindedness that you cultivated during your time on the field. With intentionality and a heart open to God’s leading, you can continue to live on mission in your everyday life.

1. Stay Connected to Your World Race Community

One of the most significant aspects of the World Race is the deep relationships you build with your squadmates. These are people who have walked alongside you, prayed with you, and witnessed your spiritual growth firsthand. As you return home, it’s important to maintain these connections.

Regular Check-Ins: Set up regular times to connect with your squadmates, whether through Zoom calls, group chats, or even in-person meetups if possible. Sharing your post-Race experiences and challenges can provide mutual support and encouragement.

Prayer Partners: Establish prayer partnerships with one or more of your squadmates. Praying together not only keeps you accountable but also reinforces the bond you’ve formed during your journey.

Join a Local Community: If you’re feeling disconnected after the Race, seek out a local church or ministry where you can plug in and serve. Finding a community that shares your passion for missions and discipleship will help you continue to grow spiritually.

2. Engage in Local Ministry and Service

Living on mission doesn’t have to end when you step off the plane. There are countless opportunities to serve and make an impact in your own community.

Volunteer at Local Ministries: Seek out local organizations that align with the causes you were passionate about on the Race. Whether it’s helping the homeless, mentoring at-risk youth, or volunteering at a food pantry, you can continue to serve others and share the love of Christ.

Start a Small Group or Bible Study: Use the leadership and discipleship skills you developed on the Race to start a small group or Bible study in your church or community. This is a great way to pour into others and create a space for spiritual growth and accountability.

Advocate for Global Missions: Share your World Race experiences with others and inspire them to get involved in missions. You could organize events, speak at your church, or even start a blog to raise awareness about the needs you encountered on the field.

3. Pursue Continued Spiritual Growth

The spiritual growth you experienced on the World Race doesn’t have to plateau when you return home. In fact, it’s crucial to continue nurturing your relationship with God.

Daily Devotions: Make time each day for prayer, Bible study, and reflection. Keep a journal to document what God is teaching you and how He’s guiding you in this new season.

Attend Spiritual Retreats: Consider attending or even organizing spiritual retreats or conferences. These events can provide a focused time for you to reconnect with God, receive fresh vision, and deepen your walk with Him.

Mentorship: Mentorship is one of the most valuable aspects of the Race – maintain that as a life practice! Find a mentor who can guide you in your spiritual journey. Having someone to speak into your life and offer wisdom can be invaluable as you navigate the transition from the mission field to everyday life.

4. Set New Goals and Pursue Your Calling

After the World Race, it’s important to keep moving forward with purpose and intention. Set new goals that align with the calling God has placed on your life.

Career and Calling: Reflect on how your World Race experience has shaped your understanding of your calling. Whether you feel led to pursue full-time ministry, a specific career path, or further education, set goals that reflect your passions and skills.

Ongoing Mission Opportunities: Consider participating in short-term mission trips or internships that allow you to continue serving in the areas that captured your heart during the Race. These experiences can help you stay connected to global missions and explore long-term opportunities.

Continuous Learning: Invest in your personal and professional development by taking courses, reading books, or attending workshops related to missions, theology, or leadership. The more you grow, the more effective you’ll be in living out your mission.

5. Embrace the Post-Race Transition

The transition from the World Race to life at home can be challenging, but it’s also a season of growth and discovery. Embrace this time as an opportunity to integrate what you’ve learned into your everyday life.

Practice Patience: Adjusting to life back home can take time, and that’s okay. Be patient with yourself as you navigate reverse culture shock, relationships, and finding your place in your community.

Seek Counseling or Debriefing: If you’re struggling with the transition, consider seeking counseling and attending the World Race’s debriefing program. Processing your experiences with a trained professional can help you make sense of what you’ve been through and set a healthy course for the future.

Celebrate the Journey: Take time to celebrate the milestones and victories from your World Race journey. Reflecting on what God has done in and through you will give you a sense of closure and gratitude as you move forward.

The World Race is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of living on mission. By staying connected to your community, engaging in local ministry, pursuing spiritual growth, setting new goals, and embracing the post-Race transition, you can sustain the impact of your World Race experience and continue to make a difference for the Kingdom. Remember, the same God who guided you on the Race is with you every step of the way as you continue to live out His calling in your life.