Do you know the best, most effective strategy for missions?
If asked, would you be able to list the necessary resources, recommend the best books, and explain the most effective program?
When reaching for an answer, one may feel overwhelmed. After all, there are more resources and options to consider than ever before in history. However, just because something is current, does it make it best?
The Confusion of Convenience
Our world today is obsessed with what is new, clever, and convenient.
What were once foundational practices are being discarded for speed, novelty, and utility. New methods and contrary advice—all touted as “more effective”—have crowded nearly every topic, particularly in the realm of global missions.
In 2024—with more knowledge and resources available to us than any time in human history—many Christians find themselves at a loss when considering what is truly vital for missions work, which components are necessary, which programs most effective.
The Bible is the essential authority for all missions work.
Desiring to obey Christ’s call to create disciples (Matthew 28:18-20), they are confronted by different voices and methodologies, and many do not know whom to listen to or where to start.
Churches have begun turning to algorithms, statistics, and “growth” strategies in an effort to develop successful missions programs often at the expense of reverence and truth.
But where should we turn? Where should Christians who desire for all the nations to hear and proclaim the name Jesus Christ go to find the most effective tool, program, or method for international missions?
The answer to this question is clear: the Bible is the essential authority for all missions work.
The Inseparability of Scripture and Missions
God has given the perfect, inerrant, and sufficient tool for missions in the Bible.
Scripture is the only tool a missionary truly needs. Its relevance, sufficiency, and authority will never be surpassed. It is the word of God breathed out by the Spirit through His servants, satisfying every need and answering any question we could debate.
This is why TMAI’s 2024 International Symposium is themed “The Bible and Missions.” We invite you to join us on March 5. We’ll enjoy keynote messages from Mark Tatlock, Steven Lawson, and more.
Scripture is the only tool a missionary truly needs.
The truth of Scripture’s sufficiency is timeless and immutable, yet it is being set aside for what is more convenient for the sake of innovation. However, there will always be an inseparability between the Bible and missions. You cannot have God-honoring and truly effective missions work that isn’t directly derived from the Bible.
Though it is imperative to remind ourselves of this, it is not a new concept.
Missionaries of the past have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Scripture, and the effectiveness of this commitment is seen in their legacies today.
Long, Lasting Legacies
William Carey (1761–1834), Adoniram Judson (1788–1850), and Elisabeth Elliot (1926–2015) dedicated their lives to the translation of the Bible into the native languages of the people they served and evangelized to. They recognized that the Bible is central to all missions work. Other resources are only so helpful to the degree that they help someone better understand and love Scripture.
The effectiveness of their commitment is seen in the salvation of whole people groups and millions proclaiming Christ to this day.
The effectiveness of their commitment is seen in the salvation of whole people groups and millions proclaiming Christ to this day.
Yet, it is easy to slip into the thinking that one needs more to be an effective missionary, or that outside resources will answer questions and provide help that the Bible somehow cannot. This suggests that psychology, programs, or podcasts have something to offer that Scripture lacks.
We know that the sufficiency of Scripture needs to be held as the truth that it is in one’s heart and mind, informing all decisions in family, ministry, work, and life.
As Martin Luther aptly wrote, “The authority of Scripture is greater than the comprehension of the whole of man’s reason.”
Our desire is to help churches and individuals recognize the unlimited, sufficient resource the Bible is for missionaries, supporting missions, and all of life.
To help your church become more Bible-focused and missions-minded, join us Tuesday, March 5.
