(Act 13:3) And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.Alright, I have a question.
Why don't churches send missionaries any more? I mean, why doesn't First Bible send missionaries?
{dramatic pause here, while everyone gasps, and says, "What do you mean?!"}
I know that First Bible has many missionaries that have gone out from the church. I actually know a couple of them very well. But, I am not talking about the common day connotation of "Sending." My question is why does it not happen like it happened in Acts 13 any more? The Holy Spirit told the church to separate Paul and Barnabas to go out. It does not say that Paul and Barnabas felt the call on their lives, and then came to the church leadership and told them that they were going to go somewhere.
Why don't our churches, and why doesn't my church, instead just send misionaries out. It's easy, we walk up to someone that has shown himself faithful in the ministry, possessing the necessary gifts and abilities, and has a willingness to serve God wherever He desires, and (after we are certin that we are being directed by the Holy Spirit) we tell him that God wants him to go some place where there is a specific need.
Oh, and another missions thought... I wonder if God wants His people to tithe on the church members. That is, 1 out of every 10 families is supposed to be given up to God.
Just a thought...
5 comments:
So, don't be surprised if Pastor Grace walks up to you on Sunday and tells you to get going!
:)
You know, if he told me that he believed God wanted me to work in a Sunday School class, I am quite sure I would do it. Why should it be different if it was to work in a Sunday School on the other side of the world?
It's easy for me to say these things, because I know it doesn't work that way anymore!
In some way I agree with what you said, but even if the person is a strong Christian I believe the call to the foreign mission field must be between that person and God. And why would the Holy Ghost speak with the leader of a church instead of speaking to the person called? I'm not trying to cause trouble...I really would like to know your answer.
My post, and what I believe would be ideal, is based on Acts 13, where the church was walking in the Spirit, praying and fasting, and serving the Lord. The call from the Holy Spirit was to separate Paul and Barnabas.
Today... I suppose the unified walking in the Spirit, in one accord, does not happen like it did then. I believe if it did happen, then when the Pastor approached his man to separate him to some mission the field, the response would be, I've been waiting for you.
I really am NOT saying that it shouldn't be the way that it is traditionally today. That's fine. But if two people (Pastor and Potential Missionary) are both walking in the Spirit and praying towards the same end, then we should expect that they would have the same answers.
One more thing, anonymous said, "I believe the call to the foreign mission field must be between that person and God." I don't remember where I heard what I'm about to write, but someone once suggested that we really should look at it this way: "If God is not calling me to stay here, then I'm going to go." That is, unless God gives you clear direction to stay where you are, you ought to be looking to go!
Thank you for clarifying. I definitely agree that we all should be prepared for the mission field whether we feel called or not.
Post a Comment