In the previous post, we presented the first 5 of 10 things new and prospective missionaries need to know before heading to the mission field. Many of us have had to say “Oops, wish I’d known that!” So I’m hoping that by sharing what I and others I know have learned, it will help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls. So without further ado, let’s finish up with the final 5 and how Biblical Ministries South Africa can serve you and your church as you contemplate or begin the journey of going into missions.
6. Love soccer
An incarnational approach to missions means that the missionary moves into and embraces the new culture. One of the fastest ways to do that is through their sports. But it will need to be their sports. The most effective approach to evangelism is everyday personal evangelism, and one of the keys to personal evangelism is gaining a hearing. “Loving soccer” is just a symbol that a missionary earnestly desires to build friendships. It is seeking the interests of others instead of our own. Your favourite team can win or lose without you, but friendships elsewhere and overseas are often won through their sports teams.
7. Re-visit Ecclesiology 101 (the study of the church)
One of the most difficult facets of church planting is to strip away all the cultural attachments we place on the local church. Starting a church in a different culture becomes more difficult when we insist on our cultural expression of the church. One of the most important exercises you can do is to define a local church by only using scripture. In church planting it is critical to know exactly what God expects the church to be and then be satisfied with just that much. Additions tend to distract from the main job of starting the church. They will delay the process. They will complicate the project. It appears to be a simple exercise to write a definition of a local church. But it is one of the most profound assignments you will do…. especially if you will comply with the outcome of your definition.
8. First, the air war
In modern warfare, the air war precedes the ground war. After the air force has done its work to soften the target, the ground troops then move in. In the spiritual battle, the air war is prayer. We are fighting the prince and the power of the air. After dressing the soldier in his armour, Paul concludes the passage by stressing the importance of prayer in the battle (Ephesians 6:12-20). As a missionary, don’t go onto the battlefield unless you have adequate air support. That means gathering an air force of hundreds of Christians who will pray for you daily. That means establishing communications systems so that you can call in air strikes when needed. That means a personal commitment to intense and regular prayer.
9. Fish and farm
Evangelism and discipleship are the “bread and butter” activities of a missionary. Jesus called evangelism “fishing for men.” Farming is a fitting picture of the discipleship process as new life is nurtured to spiritual maturity. It is amazing how many people want to travel 8,000 kilometres away to do something they will not cross the street to do. Some aspiring missionaries have never helped a person come to Christ. They have never reproduced themselves by discipling a new believer. Yet this is at the core of the Great Commission. We are to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). That means discipling people TO Christ and discipling people IN Christ. That is the north star of missionary ministry. But there will always be a tendency to veer off in another direction. It is disconcerting to hear, yet a person could indeed be called a missionary but never evangelize. It happens. You will have to guard your schedule and “to-do” list with tenacity or you’ll find yourself at the end of the week not having fished or farmed. The busyness of ministry will keep you from the very ministry you went to perform.
10. Learn to feed yourself
Missionary work demands that you go to where the gospel needs to be preached and where there are no churches. That means you will not have a pastor…or a church… or a youth group… or a Sunday School. You will need to depend on your personal walk with God to maintain your spirituality. Being a missionary means you will be giving more than receiving. The demands and needs of others will drain you. It is critical that you know how to replenish your spiritual vibrancy and maintain holiness without someone spoon-feeding you. Your self-discipline will be tested from every angle. Ultimately it is you and God. Make sure you know how to find nourishment on your own. Ultimately, our walk with God is the primary qualifier for ministry. Give away your integrity and you are out of a job. Of all people, missionaries must adhere to the instruction of Paul to Timothy: “Take heed to thyself.” This last item is the most important on this list. Without a vibrant walk with God, nothing else matters.
Biblical Ministries South Africa Can Help You
Because most of us at Biblical Ministries South Africa are either current missionaries, former missionaries or family of missionaries, we understand the support that is needed to serve missionaries on the field or preparing to go. We exist to serve local churches in Southern Africa as they train, qualify, send out, and support their missionaries. We come alongside pastors, churches and missionaries in four key areas:
- We help local churches understand the biblical basis for missions and the basic qualifications for a cross-cultural missionary
- We help qualify and recommend missionaries and their future ministry to churches for prayer and financial support
- We train and equip missionaries for evangelism, discipleship, leadership training and church planting in a cross-cultural or foreign context. This includes training in the language and culture of other people groups.
- We provide support and accountability including administrative support like financial, legal and emergency-services to name a few. We serve as an important connection between the missionary on the field and their sending church throughout their commission.
I am about to push the publish button on this article, but I hesitate, knowing I’ll probably say “oops, I should have added #11.” This is certainly not the only list of important issues to consider… but at least it is a start. For most of us, it is enough to keep us busy for the rest of our missionary careers.
If you are someone considering mission work, we’d love to talk with you about where you’re at in the process and help you navigate decisions and next steps. If you’re a pastor or church leader seeking to help your church become more missions-minded, it would be our pleasure to walk with you and share our expertise as you cast this vision and create a strategy to achieve your goal. Contact Us to start the conversation or schedule one of our free workshops for your church leadership or congregation.
