As Highland prayerfully moves toward the launch of a new work in China, we’ve been re-exploring what it means to be a church that truly partners with our missionaries.
In a recent reflection upon Scripture, we noted these seven critical things that churches do as they partner with missionaries. We’re using these as a guide and a standard.
How are you doing in these areas?
Churches partnering with missionaries…
1…provide the joy/ refreshment of fellowship to the missionary.
The Roman church and Paul the missionary
24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while…32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. (Rom. 15:24, 32 ESV)
2…engage in personal surveys of the missionary’s ministry/ life.
The Antioch church, represented by Paul and Barnabas, and the mission sites planted by Paul and Barnabas
36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are. (Acts 15:36 ESV)
3…co-labor through prayer on behalf of the missionary.
The Roman church and Paul the missionary
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints.(Rom. 15:30-31 ESV)
4…gather the church to hear the testimony of God’s work on the mission site.
The Antioch church and their mission sites
26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:26-27 ESV)
5…send gifts/ resources to the missionary.
The Philippian church and Paul the missionary
I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. (Phil. 4:18 ESV)
6…send ministers to see to the needs of the missionary.
The Philippian church and Paul the missionary
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need. (Phil. 2:25 ESV)
7…partner in the missionary’s ministry.
The Corinthian church and Paul the missionary
7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. (2 Cor. 8:7 ESV)
