Modern missions has become the fad of the few.
Not since the first century has missions been given its rightful place of preeminence in the ministry of the church. Of course, efforts have been made to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth by churches, mission groups, societies, and individuals; but if we were to count all those involved in any phase of Christian missions... the number as a percentage would be dismally small.
The results of the fad-of-the-few-mentality have been disastrous. Two misconceptions have been most damaging in the effective and diligent spreading of the gospel message. First, missions is perceived as a super special assignment for extraordinary people.
Nothing could be farther from God’s purpose. The Bible teaches that God’s method is to use the foolish, the weak, and the despised persons of the world to bring glory to Him (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).
God’s purpose is to be accomplished by ordinary people who believe in and serve an extraordinary God. The apostle Paul has been upheld for nearly 2,000 years as the quintessential missionary who evangelized the known world of his time. However, many more were involved in the first century spread of the gospel. While he was a major factor, he was not alone. First century gospelization was accomplished primarily by people named Barnabas, Silas, Mark, Aquila, Epaphroditus, and a host of other Christians. God intends to use everyone--the Marks and the Epaphrodituses, as well as the Pauls--to accomplish his mission.
If we are to carry out God’s mission during our lifetime, we must erase from our minds the idea that only unusually gifted persons are capable of being missionaries. Such thinking discourages one from identifying himself with missions unless he thinks he has an extraordinary gift and some “special” calling. This kind of thinking places a halo over the missionary’s head, making it impossible for him to measure up to the ideal.
A second misconception fostered by the fad-of-the-few mentality is that world missions can be done by proxy.
Some think missionaries are their substitutes in world evangelization. They feel satisfied to pray for missionaries, to support them, and to encourage them. All these things should and must be done, but doing them does not relieve each Christian of his responsibility to be involved directly in God’s mission.
Missions by proxy is the standard operating procedure for many churches today. Some Christians interpret their giving as paying their part in missions... thereby discharging their obligations to personally evangelize the world.
Missionaries, mission agencies, and mission boards are practical expressions of concern by Christians and local churches, but these alone cannot fulfill the obligation God has given to every Christian and to every congregation of the body of Christ. One command and one logistical overview help us to define our personal responsibility in God’s mission.
First the command of Jesus as recorded at Matthew 28:19-20: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Secondly, the logistical overview that defines the mission and provides a place for all to participate... in the words of Jesus recorded in Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Jesus commands us to... “Go... make disciples... baptize... and teach”. He then recognized that not everyone who believes in His mission will be free to go to the ends of the earth. So he provides a clear directive that begins in our own neighborhoods, communities and expands as our circumstances afford greater opportunities to pursue our personal evangelism for Him.
No special skills required. No academic credentials required. No special calling other than the ones just sited. All you need is a love for Him and people... and He will empower you to open your mouth and declare the gospel of salvation.
Not everyone can be a missionary in Africa or Asia or a far off place, but everyone can be on mission for God right where you are planted.
