I claim four nationalities. I was born in Norway, I have an Irish father, I grew up in Scotland and I married an American woman, however, it seems somewhat ironic that I am on duty in a small Kentucky village where most residents do not have a passport. .
Most churches in the United States have fewer than 100 participants, and many of us serve in small towns. We have very real challenges when it comes to mobilizing our churches for missions. Many of our members have never traveled abroad. Many others can’t spend thousands on airfare to get there. Moreover, a church that does not grow often questions the wisdom of committing resources beyond its own community. But even a small church can strategically participate in international missions. The missionary movement never divorced the Church; it’s the church.
- The scope of the missionary challenge.
- As well as the strength of Christ’s order.
- For the church to go and make disciples of all nations suggests that each church.
- No matter how small or remote.
- Must answer the question: How are we faithful to I am a pastor of a relatively small church (120 people) in a relatively small community (approximately 20.
- 000 people).
- But I thank God for not allowing these statistics to hinder our vision or reduce our ability to bring the gospel to During the past year.
- We sent about 30 of our own members to support the church’s work in Scotland.
- Partnered with other local churches to train persecuted pastors in the southern Philippines.
- And helped commission two evangelical workers who are now serving on time.
- Foreign.
- It’s possible that a small church has a big impact.
Recently, I was with members of my Kentucky church walking the streets of a Scottish village where there is no church preaching the gospel. We pray together, share the gospel with those we met in parks and bus stops, and meet in a family. home among the only believers in the city? Dreaming of them to see a church proclaiming the gospel implanted in their midst. A small congregation involved in a place like this can have a big effect. By encouraging believers, providing people on the site to assist them in their evangelization efforts, and by committing to raise and finance the work of a church implanter who wants to establish themselves, there are practical ways in which we seek to respond to this call. Make no mistake: a small church willing to sacrifice for the advancement of the gospel can bear great fruit.
Imagine four American pastors traveling together in the southern Philippines, working with persecuted pastors, and spending a week in the jungle teaching biblical theology and equipping local saints for ministry. Two of these men have never traveled abroad and served in churches that have never participated in international missions. How, then, does a small church in a small town develop a commitment to nations?Consider these four ways.
Statistics and images of the missionary field can arouse emotions, but only the gospel will (correctly) push believers to act. Given the fact that many were born in places where the gospel has never been preached, God’s people are challenged to respond. The preaching of a great God, who owns the whole earth, who desires the worship of all peoples and who is glorified by the proclamation of his Son, has excited our members for international missions. Preach a biblical theology that highlights the missionary thread through the Word of God.
Pray for nations during worship. Say an “informed” sentence. Often, use features like Operation World to highlight a specific person. Ask the church to pray specifically for the missionaries you are in contact with. Use Skype or pre-recorded video messages to allow the church to interact directly with missionaries. Adopt a group of people and keep everyone informed with regular updates, needs and prayer requests.
Participate in an international association. Our church has a partnership with a missionary, as well as churches and church executors in Scotland, which is gradually becoming inaccessible. Our goal is to establish churches. Consider partnering with other congregations in your area to adopt a group of people together. This year we partnered with three other churches to promote this work in Scotland. Our church is committed to finding partners in the United States and the United Kingdom to see ten churches in Scotland over the next five years.
Finally, think about going, but partner with the workers who are already there and humbly respond to your instructions. Strive to work with missionaries and trusted agencies. Be sure to do gospel-centered work and try to develop a local church. Encourage your members with financial assistance, if possible. Our church offers scholarships to subsidize up to 50% of travel expenses. The local Baptist Association also provides funding for pastors to travel missions, and has even developed partnerships to assist mission-committed churches. We trust in the adequacy of the gospel and affirm our call to nations, should we recognize that each church has exciting missionary potential?It doesn’t matter how big you are.