(To read part one of this article, click on THIS LINK.)

The local church is the sending agency – it all begins and ends with the church. The church plays a major part in training and preparation – internship, discipleship, spiritual development and then sending. It observes and confirms the call. It sends them out and backs them up with prayer. It stands behind them to encourage and build, refresh and reenergize them. Basically – it is churches that will financially support the missionaries and assist with any needs that may arise.

There is a significant fact here to note – it could actually be seen as a warning.

God chose a church other than the Jerusalem church to launch this mission. 

The Jerusalem church was too narrow in focus concerning the rest of the world. In fact, they refused to wholeheartedly commit to world missions. So, God bypassed that church and used another to become the center for His mission on earth. This is a warning all churches today must consider.

Someone said,

“A local church that is not mission-minded is, by definition, not a church. It’s a religious club that makes little or no impact on the world.”

When we read the book of Acts, we see a church of action – a healthy church.

We see one that was concerned with spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. Acts 13:1-3 shows us God’s design where:

• We see the church – this is the base where it all begins.
• We see the leader – must lead with vision.
• We see worship – placing God where He belongs in our lives – drawing us closer to Him and His will.
• We see the Holy Spirit – He is calling, giving direction and instruction.
• We see the setting apart – people responding to the challenge as opportunities are presented.
• We see the work – evangelism, baptizing and teaching – the work of church planting.
• We see the importance of prayer – every area must be permeated with prayer.
• We see the laying on of hands – everyone takes up their responsibility and takes ownership of the task – both those who go and those who send.

A healthy church will recognize the importance of all of these, or at least most of them. Do you see this to be true in your church? This requires a leader who sees the mission, hears the mission, and lives the mission. A leader must know where they are going, what they will be doing, and be able to clearly articulate that preferred future. 

These are challenging days in which we live. They may become more challenging as Christians begin living in a potentially unfriendly environment. Will your church proceed forward with a fear-based approach or a faith-based message? This is the time to stay in step with the heart of God. Perhaps you really desire to make disciples but feel overwhelmed with the need and task. Take a quick glance at Mathew 28:20:

…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Those final words from Jesus prove why in fact we can accomplish this task. Jesus, the one with all authority in heaven and on earth will be with us every step of the way! And He is. After Jesus ascended into Heaven, He left us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit guides, directs, and empowers us to fulfill Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations! The nations need the Truth of Jesus Christ, and our God has designed the church to take that wonderful Truth to them.

• Your church is engaged in the biggest, most important commission ever.
• You are facing the largest task, the deepest need of salvation, and have the strongest enemy.
• But you still have the greatest message and the greatest power to proclaim it.

Healthy churches will have a heart for missions which will enable us to reach our world for Jesus Christ!

by Jon Konnerup, BBFI Mission Director