Prevailing Attitude in Church “A”:
- Our blessings outweigh our responsibilities.
- Missions is that annual weekend event for taking Faith Promise pledges.
- Only those who are super spiritual or those who are “called” get involved in missions.
- Other than during the Faith Promise weekend, missions is rarely mentioned.
- Adults decide on their own if God is “calling” them into missions.
- It’s O.K. if you insist on going on a short-term missions trip for a week or two.
- The average attendee in this church can only name 2-3 Scripture verses that deal with missions.
- In a financial pinch, the first thing that reduces is missions giving.
- Most members don’t know who their adopted missionaries are or where they are serving.
- Meetings focusing on missions aren’t held very often and are poorly attended.
- World Missions gets the minimum funding suggested. (10% or less of the church’s income)
- Missions is a “necessary evil” that occasionally intrudes on the real ministry of the church.
Prevailing Attitude of Church “B”:
- Our blessings bring equal responsibilities.
- World evangelization permeates church life throughout the year.
- Every member expects to have some role in the global harvest.
- God’s heart for the nations is heard in almost every service.
- Church leadership continually challenges couples and singles to consider going overseas.
- Going on short-term or missions trips is the expected norm.
- The average lay member of this congregation can name several verses, knowing God’s heart for all nations is the theme of the Bible.
- Missions needs are met even before the electric bill is paid.
- Most know who the church’s adopted missionaries are, where they serve, and what their needs are.
- Mission information and prayer times are mainstream.
- The church has a goal of giving no less than 25% of its income to world missions.
- World evangelization is seen as half the reason the church exists.
“The mission of the Church is missions.”– Unknown
WOW! what an amazing article. I wish i had read that while I was pastoring. I started and pastored Coastline Baptist Church in Jacksonville, NC for 13 years, then God called me to Puerto Rico to start Churches. we are planning to start a Bible college under the leadership of Pastor Luis Martinez to train nationals to start NT churches all over this very needy country. I appreciate your Mission and desire to reach the world. I plan to pass this email on to my pastor friends. Thank you again!