Serving As Senders –

A Challenge to the Local Church

Over the past one hundred years, large parachurch mission organizations have been an increasingly significant driving force in recruiting and sending missionaries. The word para means “to come alongside of,” in this case meaning alongside the local church. Often the larger mission societies are more specialized and have more resources in both personnel and finances. Many of these groups have indeed spread the gospel far and wide. In recent years too, a host of smaller parachurch missions have taken up the gauntlet to go to unreached people groups.

But today, a new trend is emerging. More and more churches are sending out missionaries through their own local church-based mission and planting churches among the unreached. After all, the mandate for the Great Commission was given to the church. Many are recapturing this vision. Truly, we live in exciting days. Some local bodies are just “getting their feet wet”; others have already gained some experience. We can learn from one another.

This article is geared more to the local church body that sends out its own missionaries. We will look at various aspects of sending others to the field and supporting them fully in their work. As we shall see, there is a place for everyone in missions.

We are told that for every soldier sent to the frontlines to fight, there are nine military personnel committed to the war effort behind him. They make up the support line. They are the point men, the strategists, the trainers. They cover the logistics, the communications, the finances, the vehicles, the food supplies, the weaponry, the medical needs, and much more. In fact, in a major war effort, the whole country goes on a war footing. Civilians are expected to make sacrifices for the good of the country. The war affects everyone.

In the early 1900s the Student Volunteer Movement mobilized a force of 20,000 young people to go out as missionaries. The leaders of the SVM knew this principle. They challenged those who stayed home to sacrifice and stand behind their colleagues on the front lines. A group of 80,000 pledged to commit themselves to support those who went out. These were no mere pew warmers, but workers wholly dedicated to the mission effort.

Those with missions experience highlight the following areas of support. Each area is best served by specific gifts within the Body of Christ. The call to support is as important as the call of those we send. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you and draw you in as you read.

MORAL SUPPORT – ENCOURAGING OUR MISSIONARIES

“…Be strong and of good courage… for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

Missionaries face many obstacles and trials, among them: sickness, loneliness, weariness, heat, inconveniences, broken down vehicles, etc. Maybe some have labored long and hard with little response. A kind word in times like these is as uplifting as a glass of cold water on a sweltering day. “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country” (Proverbs 25:25).

First-time missionaries often hit the “pits” around the six-month mark. That is when the novelty and excitement of being in a new country wear off. Reality sets in. “I am here and cannot run away regardless of what my emotions tell me.” An encouraging word in a time like that works wonders. Many a Spirit-led friend on the home front has dropped a note at “just the right time with just the right message.” How the spirit soars to know that he is not forgotten! He is special and he is loved.

And everyone in the church can do this! Just a simple letter saying, “We’re praying for you,” is a ministry of encouragement. This is all part of communication. We will talk more about communication later.

It helps to know our missionaries so we know how to encourage them. Learn about their ministries and what they face. Families have different needs than singles. Some have older children and need wisdom to know God’s will for them on the field. The more we know, the better we will be able to encourage them.

As senders, we have both a responsibility and a ministry to encourage those we send out. It is more than prayer and money. An encouraging word costs nothing (or perhaps the cost of an airmail letter)—just a little time and effort.

LOGISTICS SUPPORT – ALL THE BITS AND PIECES

“Let all things be done decently and in order” (I Corinthians 14:40).

There are countless practical things to get missionaries to their assignments and make their work flow smoothly. This is largely the work of a mission board or a small group of individuals in the congregation who are gifted with administration, organizing and details.

The preparation phase may involve setting up a training program and/or sending your missionary on some short courses. This might involve a summer institute in how to learn a language or cross cultures. Some may want to learn basic medical skills. Then there is packing: knowing what to take and how to pack. For example, in Charity Christian Missions, two people oversee this job with all its details.

The logistics will be different for a mission just starting out than one that is well established. One might need to register the mission in a foreign country. The cost of living in the host country and the missionary’s monthly stipend must be determined. Among other details, there are airline tickets to buy and visas to obtain. The “power of attorney” may be needed to handle the missionary’s personal finances stateside, as well as someone who understands the tax laws both at home and in the host country.

A budget is necessary for any work. How much will it cost to put a missionary on the field and maintain him? Accounting experience is useful in working with the church finances and transfers of money to a foreign country. The mission must have a bank account on the field and a structure to distribute the money to its missionaries.

Then, there is the technical side to consider: computers, printer ink, email programs, satellite telephones, solar electrical systems, spare parts for vehicles, and on and on.

Policies and guidelines are also an important part of any enterprise. In the article that follows on “The Role of the Mission Board,” we will expand on this.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT – THE MONEY SIDE

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that… your care of me hath flourished…” (Philippians 4:10).

Paul rejoiced greatly in the Lord because, through their giving, the Philippian church showed that they cared for him. Committing to give to missionaries and their work is a faith venture. Who knows what will happen tomorrow, or in our economy? One might lose a job or become sick. When a church commits to support a missionary or group of missionaries, they are stepping out in faith. They rely on God to provide the means. Unexpected repairs or medical bills may come up, but these do not catch God by surprise. This should cause us to seek His solutions through prayer. Our responsibility is to be wise and careful stewards of His resources.

Certainly missionaries supported wholly by their own local church have a great advantage over those who have to “raise support” and travel far and wide to do so. Today it takes the average missionary from North America up to two years to get financial pledges before he can be sent out! But whatever the method, faith is the critical factor. When God calls, He will provide. We believe the local church should take responsibility to financially support its own missionaries and send them out.

Each local church must work out its mission budget along with the its other financial commitments. Smaller and younger churches that do not have sufficient means to support a full-time missionary may consider linking with a likeminded sister church that has a missions program. Many a smaller church acquired a vision by getting their start this way.

At home, levels of living vary from family to family and will influence giving. Our values are influenced by our backgrounds and our culture, but mostly by our biblical convictions. Those who have learned to follow a simple and sacrificial lifestyle often take more seriously giving as unto the Lord. The previous issue of our newsletter has thought-provoking articles on living sacrificially. Remember, “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).

PRAYER SUPPORT – SPIRITUAL WARFARE

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18a).

The whole missionary endeavor advances or retreats on this one. The battle is waged; the warriors are on the field. Biblical examples abound. In Exodus 17, Joshua was on the plain fighting the enemy. Moses promised to stand on top of the hill with the rod of God in his hand. Moses held up his hands, but they grew weary. His assistants rallied around and supported him until the battle was won. We all become weary at times. But prayer lifts up the hands that hang down.

Do you include missionaries regularly in your family prayer times? There is more to it than just a short prayer for missions. Don’t miss this strategic opportunity to stamp the priority of reaching the lost on your children’s hearts. They are watching you. They will get excited about what you get excited about.

Samuel Chadwick said: “The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray!”

How wonderful to come to a prayer meeting and hear fervent prayers for the work of God! Certainly the front lines depend on it. What a blessed partnership, to enter into heaven’s throne room with the burdens of God’s heart on my heart. Paul says, “Strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” (Romans 15:30). The committed sender will be a committed prayer warrior. (See “Helpers Together by Prayer”)

COMMUNICATION SUPPORT – LETTERS, EMAILS, ETC.

As you probably see by now, these various categories are tied together. Communication, encouragement, and prayer are closely related. Communication is the link that brings these together. To pray, we must know what the needs are. To encourage, we need to understand the struggles. Communication can be broken down into two parts: a flow of information from the field, and a sending of care and encouragement from home.

Missionaries know that if they want others to pray for their current needs they must write home. (Hopefully, committed “pray-ers” pray whether letters come or not!) Find out how your missionary keeps in contact with his senders and get on his mailing list. Some send out printed newsletters periodically. These days email is much used, and for those who have it, it is the quickest and easiest way to maintain contact. If you don’t, chances are a friend who does would be willing to receive them, print them out, and pass them on to you. Newsletters like this one also play a valuable part.

Some use an email group list. You subscribe by sending your own email address to the list. Whenever a missionary places an email letter on that list, the next time you check your email, you will receive the letter.

At times it is nice to bless missionaries with little things. But a note about care packages. Please ask the mission board (or the missionary) before you send any. In some places the mail is unreliable or parcels get stolen. At times, the cost and trouble to get items through customs is time-consuming and expensive for the missionary.

Remember that missionaries have family life as well as a ministry. And because it takes longer to “live,” their time is valuable. Most will try to reply to your letters. But be understanding as to your expectations. Let them know you understand.

There is still no substitute for the letter written by your own hand. It brings a personal touch in an impersonal world. Write about your family, children, the sermon on Sunday; share what God is teaching you. Rejoice with them when prayer is answered. Send a picture of your family or some other activities. Have your children write to their children. The list is endless. They will bless you for it.

RE-ENTRY SUPPORT – MORE THAN JUST “WELCOME BACK!”

After being immersed in another culture and way of life for some years, returning to North America can be a shocking experience. The missionary has taken on many of the values and manners of his people. Unconsciously, he thinks he is returning to things as he left them. But society at home also changes, al-be-it slowly. Morals in the public arena erode without us even noticing. Be a good listener. Their observations may open your eyes!

An understanding church family is the best place to minister to returning missionaries. Give them space and time to rest and adjust. The mission board should do whatever it can to anticipate their needs: a house, a car, some groceries, etc. The report-back time will be especially meaningful for those committed faithfuls who stood behind them. They are now thanking you for your part. And hopefully, the cycle will continue.

The August 2004 issue of our newsletter featured “Ministering to Returning Missionaries.” For a broader understanding of the re-entry process, we recommend those articles.

THE BIG PICTURE – KNOW YOUR PART

“The body is one, and hath many members” (I Corinthians 12:12).

A God-given vision for missions to a local church is a precious thing. It will invigorate you, it will stretch you, it will bring you great joy to trust God and see Him work. This kind of vision, when embraced by the whole church, will raise the level of commitment. It will increase the giving, it will build faith, and it will draw in others as each one “owns” a part of it.

In I Corinthians 12, Paul gives us that wonderful picture of the body. As the body has different parts, and each part carries out its function, the work will be done in a unified way. In the same way, each member of a local sending body has been gifted by God to play a part in His work. We have just looked at several parts of the whole picture of senders. Now it’s your turn to ask: “What gift has God given me?” One test may be: what do you like to do? Are you drawn to one or more of the above areas? What is your role as a sender?

The local church is the best-suited group to serve as senders. A full diversity of gifts is to be found in the local church. As the local body prayerfully looks for and confirms the gifts, the Holy Spirit will set apart individuals for each part. No one person can do all these areas and do them well. “From whom the whole body fitly joined together…which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:12).

Conclusion – Go For It!

“Where there is no vision, the people perish...” (Proverbs 29:18)

No longer is the mission’s task just for large organizations. True, they may have more specialized resources, but the electronic age has opened up many of these resources to the local church. Moreover, a study of the New Testament pattern is one of the local church sending missionaries to plant churches.

The local church has primarily pastoral structures. Large mission organizations tend to lose some of the pastoral/shepherding aspect and take on the goal-oriented business model. To launch its own mission’s effort a church also needs strong leadership. It is time for local churches to quit feeling they can’t do it, get a hold of God, pursue biblical goals, and step out on the mandate to evangelize the unreached fields.

A local church can reach a tribe! It can be done prayer-by-prayer, dollar-by-dollar, meeting-by-meeting, and person-by-person! Imagine: these souls will be around you in the throne room in heaven!! These visionaries are the ones who serve as senders.

Bibliography:

Serving as Senders by Neal Pirolo
© 1991 Emmaus Road International

A young missionary couple crossed the sea.
They had heard the call, “Who will go for Me?”
So they labored long on foreign soil,
Nor cared for hardship, dirt, or toil.
But often the loneliness was great,
When surrounded with indifference and hate.
They longed for news from far away;
They needed folks to kneel and pray.

One day after a silence especially long,
The letter they got filled their hearts with a song.
To a thirsty soul in far-off land,
Great is the joy of a note by hand!
Then an e-mail came with news from home,
Which they went over with a fine-toothed comb,
Looking for tidbits here and there
Like, “Who has moved?” and also “Where?”
“Who got married?” “Who had a child?”
Then the letter was carefully filed
To read again in coming days,
And thankfulness filled their hearts with praise.

One day sickness laid the wife low—
To her loving husband, it was such a blow.
She tossed and turned on her sickbed,
And the fever and ache made her hold her head.
Then it seemed God’s hand caressed her brow,
And her heart was soothed, though she knew not how.
The husband, too, felt new strength flow
To labor and spend so all could know.
For someone far off had knelt to pray
And remembered them both in a special way:
“God, strengthen their hearts! Make their hands strong!
Ease any sickness. Give them a song….”

Then came the days when the funds were low—
I wonder if most folks ever know
How it pains their hearts and makes them grieve,
Wondering if lack will make them leave!
But a few back home took the need to heart;
Though they had but little, they made a start.
They did their best to scrimp and save,
Then pooled their resources and freely gave.
Perhaps sometimes they wondered if
Their little even made a diff.
Those faithful supporters! In heaven they’ll know
How much it means to the ones who go!
And in God’s Word we also see,
“What you’ve done for the least, you’ve done for Me.”