by Jeffrey Bush
Missions should not be one of the many ministries in the church or something we mention once a year; missions should be the heartbeat of the church. We want to get the Gospel out to the world. The following are a few ideas of how to keep missions in front of the people.
- Accept the Task
The Great Commission is for the church, for God’s disciples, not for the lost world who does not know Him. It is our responsibility if we are a child of God.
- Pray for the World
Put a map up and start praying. Have a missionary and country of the week and pray for them. Put the missionary, country or stats in the bulletin. Announce it and put it on the screen. Make sure the need stays in front of the people. Pass around a card each week in Sunday school or small group classes and sign the back, saying you have prayed for them. Scan or give this card to that missionary to encourage him.
- Teach Missions
It is our job as spiritual leaders to inform all the people, from the nursery to the children to the youth classes, all the way through the senior citizens. Missions cannot be just one of the programs of the church, it must take forefront of our church. A large majority of missionaries serving on the field surrendered their lives when they were young… so we must teach missions throughout every age group of our church. Missionary stories to the children, missions trips for the youth and missionary biographies available for all. Keep the prayer letters around the church or in the bulletin. Post on social media so people can see and read what God is doing around the world!
- Give to Missions
We’ve all heard the old adage, but it’s true that we must put our money where our mouth is. We should unashamedly give to missions. Statistically, less than 20% of Independent Baptist churches have an annual missions conference. During a mission’s conference the missionary can present his burden and needs and the people can make a commitment to give to missions throughout the year, knowing where their money is going. This will greatly encourage the people to give to missions.
- Regular Communication
Encourage the church people to contact the missionaries via email or social media. When there is good communication, there is both knowledge of what is going on as well as interest in what is going on in the world of missions.