If I feel called to missions, should I be open to dating a Christian who doesn’t share the same calling? Today’s question comes to us from “a slightly confused sister in the Lord.” “Hello, Pastor John! I was wondering if you could help me think through two questions. First, I have a deep burden and desire for missions as a calling. This is true of me and brings me a lot of joy! However, it also brings confusion — especially in dating. I feel guilty in fostering relationships with wonderful men who don’t share my calling. Would I be in sin if I married a godly man who didn’t share my calling to missions? Second, while I feel inspired to spread the gospel to unreached people, I don’t feel called to minister in remote places. I am much more drawn to international cities. I wonder if this helps alleviate the first question. In APJ 1422 you said, ‘Marriage is not fundamentally the linking of arms in the pursuit of an agreed-upon vocation.’ You seem to have a less restrictive view on calling. What thoughts can you offer to me as a woman, who does not have the gift of singleness, to think through missions and marriage?” Read or listen to this interview at our website: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/i-feel-called-to-missions-should-i-date-someone-who-doesnt Find other recent and popular Ask Pastor John episodes: https://www.desiringgod.org/ask-pastor-john