Wanted: Missionaries

In professional life, many young and older people find themselves unemployed "on the street." In the spiritual realm, every Christian has a task, a job. Actually, unfortunately, some positions remain unfilled. At least understaffed. This also includes the "task" of the missionary. It is therefore worth considering some aspects of this special task. This article takes into account the thoughts of experienced missionary workers.

"And He said to them, ‘Go into all the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More and preach the gospel to every creature.’" (Mk 16:15)

When we think about missionary work, we do not want to forget the necessary evangelistic work in our home countries. If this article could lead us to intensify these efforts as well, so much the better! Every one of us should be a witness of Jesus ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More.

The Lord's commission to preach the gospel to all creation still applies today. Of course, "all creation" does not mean trees and cows, but people. This is not just in the States, England, or Germany but also in Honduras, Indonesia, Liechtenstein, Mallorca, Chad, and Korea. We must not forget these people, some of whom have never heard the gospel. Sometimes, we are surprised that some African countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, are more Christian than Germany. In these countries, the "classic" missionary is perhaps no longer in demand. But there are still some pagan countries in this worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More, even countries where people are calling for missionaries.

Have you ever thought about whether the Lord would like to entrust you with a missionary task? Of course, there are a few "job requirements".

 

Have you ever thought about it ...?

First of all, it is about the Lord's call that He wants to use you in this work. As a rule, this does not happen in such a way that the Lord Jesus sends a believer from his place of residence to an area 5,000 kilometers away – even if that may be the case at some point.

The Lord usually shows his disciples tasks on a small scale. There, they can prove themselves – and then the tasks grow. However, the sovereign Lord leads – it is He who calls you and places you in His service! In doing so, every servant will attach importance to acting in community with their local brothers and sisters.

We are not talking about missionary training. The Bible certainly does not. Interestingly, the examples of "schools of the prophets" that we find in the Old Testament do not contain a single reference to the fact that a prophet of God came "out of them." We must make ourselves available to the Lord: When, where, how, and where He calls us, we may leave that up to Him.

 

Goal and types of missionary work

The aim of missionary work is not to stay in one place for as long as possible. The ApostleApostle (Greek) means "sent one." Today, we are "messengers" for Christ when we pass on the gospel (2 Cor. 5:20). But the highest-ranking messenger is Jesus Christ himself (Heb 3:1;... More Paul's longest stay in one city, for example, lasted three years! A missionary will always strive to guide the believers in the mission field to an independent life with the Lord Jesus. To have made oneself superfluous is a distinction! There are different "types" of missionary work. Some missionaries give up their "normal" profession altogether. Peter and John are examples of this; Paul did this at times. Given the time required – be it in terms of long-term work in the country or the necessarily more frequent visits from outside – this is probably the normal way. On the other hand, there is the possibility of working as a "tentmaker" so much that you can more or less make a living from it. The rest of the time is invested in missionary work, as was sometimes the case with Paul (cf. Acts 18; 2 Thes 3:8). Someone may do this because they want to relieve other brothers and sisters financially or to keep in touch with everyday life through a "normal" job. Thirdly, some pursue their profession as normal and use their free time for the work of the Lord.

None of the three concepts is better or worse than the others. Everyone must recognize for themselves before the Lord which path the Lord has planned for them. The "tentmaker principle" is not always the best option. A sober decision is needed here. It is of great value, not to say a matter of course, to talk to active missionaries or brothers who regularly travel to mission areas before a missionary assignment. Such an intensive discussion can counteract misconceptions. You should talk to brothers who know the intended mission country or live there.

 

Personal requirements

A missionary must fulfill certain personal requirements:

• Conversion: "And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.’ ... Immediately he preached the ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More in the synagogues, that He is the Son of GodThe term "Son of God" in the singular always refers to the Lord Jesus. On the one hand, He is the only begotten (unique) and eternal Son of God, who... More" (Acts 9:5, 20). This is the basic prerequisite for any service to the Lord. Paul could only preach the gospel after he had been converted.
• Faithfulness: "Let a man so consider us, as servants of ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful" (1 Cor 4:1, 2). This is probably the essential characteristic of a servant – and, therefore, also an important prerequisite. Those who are not faithful in their personal, practical lives cannot take on tasks for the Lord. However, those who have shown in small ways that they want to live faithfully will be entrusted with further tasks by the Lord Jesus.
• A good testimony: "Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain discipleDisciples are students and followers. Examples are disciples of the Lord (Mt 8:23), of John (Mt 11:2), and of the Pharisees (Mt 22:16). A disciple learns from his teacher, abides... More was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to have him go on with him." (Acts 16:1, 2). It is hard to imagine someone who does not have the trust of the brethren in the local assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More being used by the Lord for tasks in other places. Through a life with the Lord, through faithful service in small things and trusting cooperation with others, one earns the trust of the local brothers and sisters – not sycophantically, but through personal conviction of faith. Timothy was a role model for others!
• Patience and perseverance: "John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem" (Acts 13:13). Missionary service is strenuous and often not crowned with quick "success." It is, therefore, essential that missionaries practice patience and perseverance in their lives.
• Physical robustness: "Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing" (Acts 27:33). Not everyone has to go through the hardships of a ship voyage in captivity like Paul. But it is difficult to imagine someone who is often ill or ailing in sometimes harsh and debilitating travel conditions. In this respect, it is precisely younger people who are suited to such hardships! Of course, it is a different matter if, for example, you do missionary work from home – let's say by translating a missionary book or through correspondence. Such "requirements" do not apply here.
• "Making a living": Elisha, the disciples, etc., were all busy people when the Lord called them. They worked for their livelihood, their bread and butter. This shows that it is not the search for "bread and butter" that motivates missionary work (see also Paul). In practical terms, anyone who wants to go on a mission should have worked conscientiously beforehand – be it in car mechanics, nursing, or bookkeeping. It is precisely in these areas that missionaries are often challenged.

After studying some "normal" job advertisements, one might conclude that they are looking for a jack-of-all-trades device – someone who can do everything (in German, we call it an "egg-laying wool-milk sow”). Preferably under 30, with 15 years of professional experience, a doctorate, etc. This is not the case in the spiritual realm. If younger believers in particular are required, but there should already be a good testimony among the brothers and sisters, this is not mutually exclusive. The point is not that only believers who have been serving with the Word for years are eligible for missionary service. In the early days of Christianity, people were converted and then began missionary work almost immediately. From the moment of our conversion, we can and should adopt the right inner attitude to evangelize – even in our youth! That is what matters!

 

Professional requirements

In addition to the personal requirements mentioned above, there are also professional requirements, if you like. Because missionary work does not mean simply setting off to a country and seeing what is happening there ...

• Bible knowledge: "Because you have known the ScripturesIn the NT, the various parts of the OT are referred to as “the Scriptures”; these are the “sacred letters/writings” (2 Tim. 3:15). “Every Scripture is divinely inspired and profitable... More from childhood" (2 Timothy 3:15). The decisive prerequisite is that you know the Bible. It is not a question of being able to recite the Bible by heart – nobody is capable of that. But you must know the teachings of Scripture about conversion, the new birthThe new birth is a unique experience at conversion. God gives new (eternal) life to people who were dead in their sins. This makes them children of God (John 1:12,... More, the personal life of faith, the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More, the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God, a divine person in the Trinity of God; in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit works, for example, in creation or on individuals. The Holy... More, the return of Jesus, and so on. You will be asked about all these points – and should be able to give understandable answers.
• Teaching ability: "These things command and teach" (1 Tim 4:11). In a mission, it is necessary to instruct others and teach them the Word of God. In this sense, you should not "die of fear" if you want to explain something to more than three people. None of us started by saying something in front of an audience of 1,000 people. But you should not be afraid of people if the missionary work includes such a teaching ministry, which is not necessarily the case or should be the case (namely with sisters, cf. 1 Tim 2:12).
• "Evangelist, shepherd (pastor), teacher": "As I have kept back nothing that is profitable, that I should not preach it to you publicly and in the homes, testifying both to Jews and Greeks of repentanceWhile remorse (Greek metamellomai) means to regret a previous act or behavior and to have a different way of thinking about it, Repentance (Greek metanoia) goes further than that: It... More toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More" (Acts 20:20, 21). In missionary service – perhaps more than in any other area of service for the Lord – consideration of all three areas is necessary. Because you will share the gospel with people. You will present the truth of God, and you will also have to deal with a variety of questions and problems in the individual homes. It is therefore good if you have already worked in all three areas. This does not mean anything out of the ordinary, but rather having explained a Bible passage to others, having shared the gospel with unbelievers, and having helped others in personal need.
• Practical skills: "But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks ..." (Acts 28:3). As a rule, especially in so-called developing countries, you will have to lend a hand. Someone whose outstanding characteristic is two left hands will have problems. This is not about being the perfect craftsman. But you should know that hammer and nail belong together if you want to work in a developing country for a longer period...
• Commercial skills: "And they laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet, and they distributed to each as anyone had need" (Acts 4:35). In missionary work, administrative activities are indispensable. Especially in developing countries, handling money is no easy matter. Some institutions, e.g., of a social nature, also need to be managed. It is essential to be able to pass on donations entrusted to you properly and to present a carefully written account with receipts, etc.
• Language skills: "And how is it that we hear, each in our language in which we were born?" (Acts 2:8). In many countries around the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More, neither German nor English, French or Spanish are spoken. And almost none of us speak the many other languages – you are not expected to. But there is often a language – the latter three in particular – that makes communication in the country possible, at least for starters. In this respect, language skills are indispensable (the quote from Acts 2 does not refer to acquired language skills but to the gift of speaking languages). It is, therefore, a good idea to acquire foreign language skills at an early stage, not just four weeks before your planned stay! Today, it is no longer about the gift of tongues, but God can give you a gift for learning foreign languages.
• Knowledge of the country: "… having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain" (Romans 15:23, 24). It would be unusual if the idea of missionary work in a country came upon you like a sudden shower of rain. Usually, God awakens an interest in your heart for a certain area. Then you will familiarize yourself with the living conditions there, inform yourself. In this sense, you should know what you want to get involved with.

 

 

"We offer"

Naturally, when you see a normal job advertisement, you ask yourself what is on offer for the job at that particular company. And if the requirements are particularly high – such as those mentioned in this article – the salary must also be particularly attractive. But as the saying goes these days, it's not just the money that counts, but the mix ... In any case, you should not get involved in the spiritual realm if you are looking for money and prestige.

• No salary: "Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel" (1 Cor 9:14). The Lord will provide for his servants, including and especially missionaries. But one should not give in to the illusion that one will become materially rich in service to the Lord. The Lord often gives just as much as is needed through gifts – there is no regular, lavish salary!
• No recognition: "by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known" (2 Cor. 6:8, 9). Honor and recognition will often not be given. Of course, just as Paul knew both honor and dishonor, a missionary will also know both. Sometimes, even flattering submission. But often, you will reap criticism rather than praise.
• But yet a salary: "If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward" (1 Cor 3:14). No one should think that there is no reward for our work for the Lord. There is! Moses also looked to the reward. And you can do it. In fact, the "salary" will also be paid on this earth – but not so much today, but for the most part, when we will reign over this earth with the Lord Jesus.
• But yet recognition: "His Lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord’" (Mt 25:23). Even if you will find little recognition in this worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More, you will find it with the Lord! He appreciates every deed that is done for Him. And He will clearly express His appreciation for your faithfulness – even in front of others. Can we desire anything other than His appreciation?

 

Are you willing to make this an exercise of your heart?