The Navigators

The calling of The Navigators is “To advance the gospel of Jesus Christ and his kingdom into the nations through spiritual generations of laborers living and discipling among the lost.”

Being in Japan, those words “among the lost” hold special significance for us because our hearts burn with a desire to see Jesus Christ made known in the mainstream of Japanese culture and society. Our hope is that through our ministries, God would raise up Japanese laborers who have a solid foundation in God’s Word. We desire to see these laborers take the gospel into their existing families, neighborhoods, and workplaces in uniquely Japanese ways.

From the start we strive to be:

• relevant by entering into their culture and context,
• personal by giving time and energy through one-on-one interaction and discipleship, and
• missional by creating safe environments where believers and those who don’t yet believe can build genuine, on-going relationships.

Our team is made up of Japanese, Koreans, Americans, and Germans all working together under the leadership of The Japan Navigators. We’re predominantly located in eight major cities, but with a network that spreads throughout Japan. We seek to relate to and learn from our Japanese friends, on campuses, in businesses, and in community settings. We believe that as we journey together, God’s kingdom will be experienced both in our relationships and through exploring his Word together. The majority of those we relate to, at first, have no interest in the Bible. We often witness God move in amazing ways to draw them to himself, even at times impacting entire families and classes of students.

Our discipleship approach emphasizes that God, by design, has placed each person in unique relationships and circumstances to shine his light through him or her. As much as possible, we encourage people to remain in their specific context, culture, and relationships while trusting in the promises of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As their faith in Christ grows, they often become our teachers in understanding the scriptures from a Japanese perspective. Many of them have become leaders in local area churches and/or in their communities. Many continue to have fellowship with each other and their pre-believing friends through regular contact. Most have a growing desire to be used by God to carry Christ into their families. We feel honored to be on this journey with them. Please pray for us. 

Some verses that God often uses to guide The Navigators are:

1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

Isaiah 60:22

“The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly.”

1 Thessalonians 2:8

“…Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

2 Timothy 2:2

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Acts 17:26-27

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”