The greatest sending force in all of history has always been the local church and that will never change.
Silk Road Mission exists to identify, connect, and support Gospel Workers to the peoples of the Silk Road. It’s my ambition to see a new generation of missionaries raised up to take the name of Jesus Christ to places He has not been named. His name will one day be praised by every tribe and tongue. I want to be a part of what the Lord is doing and I hope you do too.
This post is the fifth of ten that will lay out the life cycle of missionary service. Whether you are simply exploring the idea or have already chosen an agency, these posts are meant to encourage and inform you. Let me know below if they helped in anyway!
We have previously outlined Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, and Step 4. You can check those out by clicking on the links. Once your family has given their support it’s time to start reaching out to other believers in your church community.
There are two main reasons that you should talk with fellow believers in close community with you: 1) To include them in the mission, not as goers but as senders.
2) To allow them to better equip you for your future ministry role.
Sending
Every missionary since Paul set out from Antioch was SENT out. Meaning that they were sent and supported by others. They didn’t just wake up one morning, pack a suitcase, and then start serving in China. There were months (sometimes years) of prep work that had to be done. Who sent them? Their own community of believers in the local church. The greatest sending force in all of history has always been the local church and that will never change.
It normally starts with an individual that discerns a desire to serve the Lord. Then they discern a desire for ministry. Then a desire for overseas missions. Finally, they’ll settle on a theatre of service. Every step of this process should be closely watched over by both your pastor and church community.
Yes, you’re the one going into the Gobi Desert, the cramped streets of Varanasi, or the quaint Akita countryside. However, your friends and family are lifting you up in prayer and finances to go. They need to have an appropriate level of input in the process.
The art of being a sender is worth an article in and of itself. I’ll file that away for the future. Suffice it to say that you have to include your community in your prep. They may be able to point out any insufficiencies that you’re not aware of. Ask for their help in examining your life and qualifications. This could save you a ton of heartache later and also provide a tangible way for them to be involved in your preparations.
Equipping
Scripture and experience tells us that iron sharpens iron. That requires some sparks to fly. Be prepared for that. If you can’t handle a little heat from people who love you then you’re probably not ready for the heat of those who hate you. This may seem harsh but it’s just reality. You need to make sure that your friends love you enough to clearly and directly point out either sin or things that can be improved. Preparation is all about fixing things that need it.
Regarding sin, one of my dear friends said to me during my preparation phase: “We don’t send wounded men to battle. It’s time for you to deal with [that] and heal.” I’ll never forget those words. I pray that you have people in your community that can be as candid.
This is also where the connections you’ve formed thus far can really shine. Maybe that doctor friend can give the missionary discount for your shots. Someone in your church owns a clothing retail shop? See if they’d be willing to help you with much needed update in wardrobe for the new climate you’ll be living in. Know a car salesman? Have him sell your cars for a commission and the rest go to your mission funding. There is a wealth of skills and opportunities for people to actually help you prepare. Not everyone can give money monthly. Giving them a chance to contribute in another way is a great way to garner interest and support in your work.
All this help will make you feel ready to go as your have your community’s support. However, there is one caveat: Don’t expect your community to do the work for you. Show the people that are closest to you that your more than willing to put in the hours. Give them confidence that you’re the one they should send. Laziness is extremely unbecoming of missionaries. Don’t be lazy. (As an aside, this is something that EVERY missionary struggles with. Not being lazy but a stressful need to not appear lazy. Remember we work for the Lord God and not our supporters. Work hard but don’t be afraid to post pictures from your weekend at the beach.)
This post has been long enough. I think it’s pretty obvious that your immediate community needs to be on board with you being a missionary. Listen to what they have to say but, as with family, know when it’s time to stop listening. Serve God rather than men, always.
Next we’ll look at what the Pastor and Missionary relationship should look like. How much involvement should your sending church or sending organization have in your day to day ministry? We’ll really dive into the idea of independent missions vs missions with an established org next time.
With that said, that’s all for now travelers! May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He be gracious to you and make His face to shine upon you. May He give you peace.
See you next time!
Kenneth
SRM Founder