What About Missions Today?

Christian Missions is a concentrated effort to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the unreached and make disciples who follow and worship Him.

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Do you think Jesus’ intention was just for His disciples to make disciples, or should others do that as well?

We already saw that Jesus’ continuing work spread out naturally, by persecution, and also intentionally, by the sending of certain people to spread the Gospel and make disciples.

We saw last week in Titus and Timothy, that the long-term goal of Paul’s missionary journey was that the churches mature, have leaders, and that all the individuals in the church would grow in the fruit of the Spirit as well.

We also saw that Timothy and Titus weren’t necessarily meant to be in those places forever, but they were to set in order things that were lacking in the churches, to ordain elders and deacons, and to give the churches a good foundational teaching.

Jesus’ message transforms the world by multiplication.

As the message spreads, and disciples make disciples, there is a compounding effect on the world.

How can we be involved in missions today?

We can be involved by going ourselves, by praying, and by supporting or partnering.

Philippians 4:16–18 ESV

Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

There is a partnership that takes place when churches give to the needs of other churches. We are called as saints to give generously to those in need, and we should do that locally. But, there is a big way in which we can send our giving out to others as well.

What do Missionaries Need?

Beyond the basic needs of a place to live, food to eat, transportation, and healthcare, what do missionaries who are seeking to start churches and make disciples need?

What kind of missionaries can we support?

1. Church Planting Missionaries

Boots on the ground, seeking to make disciples, train leaders, teach the Bible and provide a solid foundation for a sustainable local church.

“give a man a fish” vs. “teach a man to fish.”

One missionary in an unreached place can do a lot, but disciples making disciples is transformative.

A church on the ground that is following Christ is far more effective than simply trying to come in and save the day. Humanitarian aid is good, and necessary, but as far as Christian Missions is concerned, it is not a long term solution or a means to the end of making disciples.

2. Training Centers

One of the most significant ways that disciples can be made in unreached areas is for local men and women who have come to faith in Christ to be trained to teach and make disciples themselves.

3. Support Missions

A. Bible Translation

For Christians to grow in their faith, they need to study God’s Word in their own language.

B. Transportation

Some foreign missions are in remote places that cannot be accessed easily. Boats, airplanes, cars, need to be maintained, and piloted. These are for the end of making disciples who make disciples.

C. Media and Communication

Things like radio, internet, books and publishing are all necessary for teaching, training, and communicating.

4. Local Ministries

often called para-church organizations. Things like the Christian School, First Step, Adult and Teen Challenge. Ministries that do things that we as believers are called to do, but who partner with many believers to make costly efforts more concentrated and doable. Give the ability to provide resources and services that local churches may not be able to muster by themselves.

How do Missionaries get support?

What are Missions Agencies?

ABWE

We believe in doing the long, hard work of missions. We believe that the Great Commission means not only sharing the gospel but discipling new believers in the local church and helping biblical, healthy churches multiply and reach their own nations.

South America Mission

Live as redeemed children of God

Reproduce authentic disciples of Jesus

Multiply dynamic churches and church networks

Train godly leaders

Enable transformational initiatives.

Wycliff Bible Translators

We believe that Bible translation is most transformational as a locally led, sustainable ministry of the church. Wycliffe USA serves together with churches and Bible translation organizations around the world so that local churches have Scripture and other resources to meet their spiritual needs, along with the capacity to continue to meet those growing needs in the future.

JAARS

Our mission is to make Bible translation and language development possible, especially in the most remote and difficult places on earth. We do that by enabling locally appropriate and sustainable solutions in transportation, technology, media, and training.

Our Missions Giving primarily supports people and organizations support who plant sustainable churches, make disciples, and/or or help with the needs and processes of doing those things.