I spend a lot of time with missionaries. In many cases, I'm with missionaries who've returned to the States for various reasons (health issues, aging parents, new position and so on).

I often ask them what most surprised them when they returned to the States. Here are some of their most common responses:

1. The breakdown of the home. They know what they've heard from a distance, but seeing it firsthand is painful.
2. The apparent shallowness of the American church. These missionaries have often been serving in places where sacrifice is the norm for believers—and the American church doesn't always show that commitment.
3. The cost of living. In many cases for the missionaries with whom I work, our denomination has provided them with salary, housing and benefits (sometimes including a vehicle). For these returnees, making the financial commitment to buy things like a car and a home can be daunting.
4. The vast number of choices we have. Consider the missionary whose breakfast has typically been two or three options at best—but who now must choose among dozens of cereals at the local grocery store. It's overwhelming.
5. The church buildings. We take them for granted, but that's not the case for missionaries who've worshipped under trees, in huts, in simple buildings and such. In fact, they sometimes view our buildings as opulent.
6. The geographic ignorance of Americans. We give too little attention to what's happening around the world. In fact, we have little knowledge of other countries in general.
7. The amount of food that people eat. Sometimes, a single serving we get in a restaurant is more than others around the world eat in a day. We pile—and often waste—food on our plates. Missionaries who've served needy people especially grieve our waste.
8. The fast pace of life. Everyone seems to be in a hurry, and nobody seems to have time for relationships—a big change for many missionaries who've served among highly relational peoples.
9. The silliness of many local church and denominational battles. When you've been in places where the gospel is just now taking root and the number of believers is minimal, you find our "Christian squabbles" a bit absurd.

If you're a missionary, what would you add? If you're a pastor, how might you use this information to equip your church?

Chuck Lawless is dean of doctoral studies and vice president of spiritual formation and ministry centers at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he also serves as professor of evangelism and missions. In addition, he is team leader for theological education strategists for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

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