For a helpful look at what or who a missionary is or should be, I recommend A Hitchhiker's Guide to Missions by Ada Lum (InterVarsity Press, 1984). Lum gives some helpful definitions and analysis of just what the missionary enterprise is all about. "A missionary is a prepared disciple whom God sends into the world with His resources to make disciples for His kingdom." She suggests six biblical images:

1.         A Witness—Acts 1:8; Isaiah 43:10-12
2.         An Evangelist—Luke 2:10-11; Acts 11:19-21
3.         A Pioneer—Hebrews 12:2; Acts 20:22-24
4.         A Herald—1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11, 4:2
5.         An Ambassador—2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6: 19-20
6.         A Servant—1 Corinthians 4:1; 2 Timothy 2:24

Lum points out similarities between Jesus and Paul in Preparation and in Ministry.

Similar Preparation: They had a deep sense of commission, they were well trained by life, they were full of the Spirit and they each had the heart of a servant.

Similar Ministry: Their message was reconciliation to God, they had a worldwide vision, they had a strategy, they focused on basic ministries, they trained disciple makers to carry on the work, they were men of perseverance, they were part of a team, they were men of compassion, and they were men of passion.