Book Summaries

I Thessalonians 5:25 — Brethren, pray for us. 
II Corinthians 1:11 — Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

Get in the battle through prayer Romans 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

Pray for Protection

Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; II Thessalonians 3:1-2

Pray for an Acceptable Ministry

Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

Pray for Success

Romans 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

Pray that God will Open Doors for the Gospel

Colossians 4:3-4 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; That I May make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Pray that the Word of God might have Free Course and be Glorified

II Thessalonians 3:1-2 Finally brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

Missions is the extension of the ministry of the Local Church outside of its walls and sphere of direct influence to places and to people it cannot reach itself by sending and partnering with others who are like-minded and who can and will go on their behalf.

M — Mandate (to) — Preach, Baptize, Train
Matthew 28:18, 19; Acts 1:8

I — Intercession (for) — The Lost, The Givers, The Goers
Matthew 9:37–38; 2 Thessalonians 3:1,2

S — Suffering — Persecution from without and within
2 Timothy 4:5; 2 Timothy 3:10–12; 1 Peter 4:12–13

S — Sacrifice — Financial, Physical, Emotional
2 Timothy 2:4; Romans 12:1,2

I — Involvement — “All in”, “You”
1 Corinthians 16:1,2; 1 Corinthians 12:12-20

O — Obedience (to) — The Will and Word of God
John 2:5; 1 Samuel 15:22

N — Nearness (to) — God: His Presence and His Power
James 4:8; Philippians 2:1–16

S — Standing Power — No Quitting – Pressing On
Ephesians 6:12-18; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Philippians 3:14

It will build the FAITH of your church, through the expounding of the Scriptures, the experiences that are shared, nad the expressions of satisfaction by the missionaries and by others who are involved in faith promis; the faith of your church will be increased.

It will build a FIRE in your church. In a mission’s conference, perhaps as in no other meeting, your people will become conscious of the souls that are lost, the Savior that loves them, and the Spirit that leads us in winning them.  This then will translate into action in your own church that will bring people to God.

It will build the FELLOWSHIP in your church. A burden for a world that is going to hell without the Gospel will change the whole attitude of your church.  It will destroy a selfish spirity, develop a sharing spirit, and also develop a steadfast spirit among your people.

It will build the FINANCES of your church. As you move to give by faith to missions, you will discover two thing happen.  You free up the tithes and offerings given to the church to be used for local church expenses, but above that, you will discover that God’s shovel is bigger than your spoon, and He will shovel in more than you spoon out.  God will honor the faith, freeness, and feelings of the church as they give by faith to missions.  Space will not permit me to tell about many churches that experienced increases in tithes and offerings to the church as the church moved to give to missions by faith.

It will build the FIELD of your church. Humanly spaking, the outreach of your church is very limited.  But as you get involved in faith promise giving and taking on the missionaries, you move from street to street, from state to state, and from shore to shore through your missions program.  Everywhere you support a missionary becomes a part of your church field, until one day you realize God’s field is the world (Mt. 13:38).

It will build the FUTURE of your church. I would not attempt to make you believe that the churches with faith promise mission programs do not have any problems, but since missions is the very heartbeat of God, as you move to give by faith, you can be assured of God’s presence, peace, and protection on your church.

It will be the FINAL reward for your church. Many churches major on super structures or comfortable conveniences for their people.  These will not gain much attention at the judgment seat of Christ, but faith promise missions will bring much fruit that will be accredited to the church’s account (Phil 4:17).  I believe the Lord will bring together each church, their missionaries, and the fruit of the missionaries’ labors at the judgment seat of Christ, and the church members will get to see the fruit of their mission giving.  You talk about a shouting time, we’ll have one!

By Dr. Roger Baker

A famous artist was once asked to paint a picture of a dying church. It was expected that he would paint a small and humble congregation in an old, rundown, dilapidated building. Instead, he painted a stately edifice with a rich pulpit and magnificent windows — and near the door, an offering box, marked “Missions” with the contribution slot blocked by cobwebs.

When a church loses its burden for missions, it can pretend to be alive, but it’s really dead! It has ceased to be a New Testament church. Remember, the mission of the church is missions!

Although it is a delight for a church to hear a missionary presentation, sometimes the pastor may want to interview the missionary in front of the church. Interviewing a missionary will allow the church to hear the specific questions that can most benefit them. This list is in no way perfect, just a few that will spark other ideas.

• Tell us how you got saved.
• Tell us why you believe God wanted you to be a missionary.
• Why did you choose that specific country?
• How could we as a church have a part in your ministry?
• What was the strangest experience you have had so far?
• What was the hardest challenge you have faced?
• What is the funniest thing that has happened?
• What is your favorite memory from your time in the country so far?
• How can we be praying for you?