care more than some think is wise; risk more than some think is safe;
dream more than some think is practical; expect more than some think is possible

8.11.2010

How should Christian missions be carried out?

I have been processing my take on the question, "What is your concept of missions?" Honestly, I don't know that there is exactly one way to "do" missions, but I think there are key points to all mission work that make an effort correct and effective or not.

Does that make sense?

This is my take ... All mission work, no matter what form it may take, needs to do the following:

  1. The efforts to spread the gospel must have a right motivation. The sole right motivation for missions must ultimately be the increasing glory of God the Father! I am not seeking to be a missionary because men need to be saved, at least that is not my first and foremost motivation! I am going because not all men praise and worship my heavenly Father, who is worthy of praise from the lips and hearts of all men! (above: William Carey, father of modern missions)
  2. All efforts need to result in planting local, indigenous churches, or if a local, indigenous body of believers exist, then to build up that body. Indigenous believers will, 100% of the time, be more effective and more fruitful missionaries in their own land, with their own people, in their own culture and customs than Western missionaries. That means, as a western missionary, I need to be seeking to work myself out a "job" in each area I may go to!
  3. Holism! Do you know that word? You need to! All missions need to be holistically focused and executed! James 2:14-17 and Matthew 25:40 confirm holistic ministry. How can a starving man hear the "good news"? To him it will be a clanging gong, nothing more! But, holistic ministry is nothing if holism becomes the driving force rather than the Gospel!
"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Jesus

"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." - Jesus

"Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seal; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation." - Revelation 5:9, spoken of Jesus



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