by Tim Adrian, pastor of Westside Baptist Church | Hutchinson, KS

A van slowly parked in front of our church and soon two adults and two pre-school girls made their way towards the front door.  Everyone was excited to have reached their lunch destination and I quickly found out they had driven 300 miles that morning.  My heart went out to them as I knew this day was a common part of their schedule.

Raising money to move to Europe meant making every day count for that family.  Meeting every Pastor possible, speaking at every church possible, giving testimony, showing video, and travel…  lots and lots of travel was all part of the job description.  Wouldn’t it just be easier to be “hired” by a missionary board and collect your pay?  I want to challenge that notion.

Being a faith missionary (one that raises their own support) brings huge flexibility, opportunity and possibilities.  The direct partnership between church and missionary goes all the way back to the Bible.  I see four distinct advantages:

1. Face-to-face missionary encounters present the need of the world. Far too many churches simply send funds to denominational coffers and call it good. This might explain why the average American church gives less than two percent of their total annual income to missionary causes. It’s simply not a priority in some circles and missionary visits make the difference.

2. Face-to-face missionary encounters transfer a red-hot passion for the people of the world. Videos, magazine articles, letters, and even sermons certainly have their place and might stir us a bit.  However, the trembling voice of one emotionally moved by the need of his or her people is what truly touches the heart.

3. Face-to-face missionary encounters results in further missionary activity. I have noticed most missionaries point to a calling on their life that happened on a missionary trip or missionary conference. In both cases, the influence of a missionary was the tool God used.

4. Face-to-face missionary encounters keep us focused on the work of God. The Gospel has always been designed to be shared globally. Too many churches have hoarded the good news of Jesus which must grieve the heart of God.  Missionary encounters continue to challenge my heart, my budget, my focus and my selfishness.