In Acts 16:6–40 Luke describes Paul’s approach to what he encountered in that particular locality. As we examine Luke’s report we need to realize that we are not New Testament apostles. However, their example can instruct us. The book of Acts, as history, presents description as opposed to prescription—in other words, the book does not … Read More
Mission Intelligence
Missionary Outreach in Closed Countries
There is much missionary interest into countries considered to be unreached. In fact, if you trace Missions History as related to such countries you will realize there was tremendous overseas missionary involvement in the past 4 Centuries. Subsequent to nationalistic awakenings several countries closed their doors on foreign missionaries. Beginning with China, other nations too began … Read More
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Missions Program
Over several posts, we’ve been looking at how to develop an effective missions program. In today’s post, we move from developing and documenting your new missions strategy, to how your current missions program should be evaluated to determine how closely it matches up with the new strategy. This will enable your leadership to determine if … Read More
Preaching as an Act of Worship
When considering how to preach, we often think about certain words: faithfully, exegetically, expositionally, passionately, clearly… I’d like to take this post to encourage you to preach doxologically. Preach in such a way that drives you — and your listeners — to unbridled worship. Consider the example of Scripture. Paul, after discussing the faithfulness of God as seen … Read More
Communicating an Effective Missions Strategy
It should be noted at this point that implementing a new or redefined missions strategy requires great wisdom in leadership. Though a team of qualified leaders may develop a biblically principled missions strategy, the entire congregation must embrace it. A shepherd who walks too far ahead of his sheep will soon find himself without a … Read More
Fame Vs. Faithfulness
Today concludes our series highlighting five compelling motivations to preach the Word. Motivation 5: Preach the Word Because of the Deceptiveness of the Sensual (2 Timothy 4:3–4) Having reminded Timothy of the ultimate accountability, Paul continued by warning him that faithful preaching will not necessarily be popular preaching. As the apostle explained, “For the time will come when they will … Read More
Where Duty and Privilege Meet
Over the past few posts, in looking at Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy, we have considered two compelling motivations to preach the Word. Today, we will consider two more: Motivation 3: Preach the Word Because of the Dynamic of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15–17) The faithful expositor is motivated, thirdly, by the nature of the Bible … Read More
The Preacher’s Legacy
Last time, in discussing Paul’s final instructions in 2 Timothy, we examined the first of five reasons to preach the Word. Today’s post highlights a second compelling motivation. Motivation 2: Preach the Word Because of the Devotion of the Saints (2 Timothy 3:10–14) The faithful preacher is also motivated by his love and appreciation for those believers … Read More
Preaching in the Face of Danger
In the verses surrounding 2 Timothy 4:2, Paul provided his protégé with much-needed motivation to stand firm and persevere to the end. For Timothy, the command was clear: preach the Word; and the calling was deadly serious: souls were at stake. In order to equip him for the task, Paul gave Timothy five compelling reasons to persevere … Read More
Developing a Strategy for an Effective Missions Program
In previous posts, we’ve traced the biblical motivation for missions and some of the broad principles that should govern a church’s missions activities. This post is intended to help you devise your church’s strategy within that biblical framework. To do this, we recommend constructing a Missions Strategy and Policy document (MSP). This is a simple … Read More
The Price Christ Paid for Your Church
It should be the essential goal of every Christian, to keep the two greatest commandments of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. When you boil down the tasks of the minister, everything fits into these commands as well. The shepherd must live reverently, loving … Read More
How to Write a Story of God’s Grace Instead of a List of Details
Have you ever started to read a newsletter and found yourself slogging your way through a list of facts and figures? Have you ever written about an event in the following manner? Last month I traveled 176 miles to Tagobo. I taught a 3-day workshop. There were over 67 pastors and church leaders in attendance. … Read More
Developing Leaders for Your Missions Program
The elders and pastors of a local church bear responsibility for the accomplishment of the Great Commission. That does not mean that those leaders have to do everything that is required. They should, however, make sure that the task is planned and resourced in such a way to maximize effectiveness. They should be among the … Read More
Shepherding the Flock
The New Testament often depicts spiritual leaders as shepherds of God’s flock. It is an appropriate image, because a shepherd leads, feeds, comforts, corrects, and protects the sheep under his care. Those same responsibilities belong to every church leader. In fact, the word pastor means shepherd. In biblical times, shepherds were without status. They occupied the lower rungs … Read More
Biblical Principles for an Effective Missions Program
Having seen that Scripture informs us why we should be involved in missions, the next questions are what should be done and how we should go about it. Thankfully, God’s word has very clear principles to guide us in these questions. The primary prescriptive passages are the Great Commission texts, which serve to define the … Read More
10 Simple Ways to Raise More Prayer Support for Your Ministry, Part 2
As I mentioned in part one of this brief series, I recently examined 100 missionary newsletters to determine how prayer requests were handled. What I found prompted me to outline ten simple ways to raise prayer support for your ministry. The first five are in 10 Simple Ways to Raise More Prayer Support for Your Ministry, … Read More
10 Simple Ways to Raise More Prayer Support for Your Ministry, Part 1
Do you ask for prayer for your ministry? Do you raise prayer support in the most effective way? I recently examined 100 missionary newsletters to determine how prayer requests were handled. What I found prompted me to lay out ten simple ways to raise more prayer support. I hope the following ten proposals will help you improve on how … Read More
Understanding the Motivation for Missions
When discussing the specifics of church missions programs, it is critical to begin by understanding the motivation behind missions. A proper understanding of “God’s Mission” will result in a more deeply rooted missions program, and ultimately in a more effective gospel witness. From the beginning of time God purposed to bring glory to his name … Read More
