Pastors

Pastors

Pastors are central to what God is able to do with His Church.  As shepherds over your flocks, you can encourage or prevent God’s people from their highest calling.  Your vision for the lost will inspire them, and your support will send some of them out into the harvest fields.

Below are resources to encourage you, answers to questions you may have about mobilising for missions, links to two organizations that can assist you in your church’s journey, as well as videos and resources of note,

Featured Resource

As a pastor, one way to fuel the passion for global missions is to take your people to the Bible and show them a big God. Watch a 3 ½ minute exhortation video by John Piper. Watch Here.

Resources

Resources you shouldn’t miss

How a pastor fuels global missionsMaterials to teach your members about missionsSending those who know Christ to those who don’t

Empowered for Mission: The Vital Role of the Holy Spirit

Femi Adeleye’s stirring message at the Fourth Lausanne Congress reminds us of the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in global missions. Drawing from the book of Acts, he highlights how no mission-whether local, regional, or global-can succeed without the Spirit’s presence and power.

The Distant Boat

The Distant Boat tells the story of Max, a young urban Kenyan who has it all. Max’s whole life and perspective is challenged when he meets Yusef, whose people have no church and no Christian witness.  Although he wants to help, opposition from family and friends almost causes him to give up.  This movie addresses uniquely African challenges in doing missions, and will change the hearts of all who see it.

FAQ

What is a missionary? Collapse

A missionary is a person who is sent out to work cross-culturally, usually in a spiritually dark place where people have not heard the Gospel.  They leave their homes, extended families, church, and comforts to minister to others, often at great cost.

Hasn’t everyone around the world heard the Good News by now? Expand

Surprisingly, no.  Not even close!  It is estimated that over 7,000 of the world’s 17,000 people groups do not have a community of believers living among them.  And these are not small groups:  over 42% of the world’s populations are included in those ethnic groups.

Don’t missionaries only come from the West? Expand

For many years Africa received missionaries who spread the Gospel far and wide across our continent.  However, now 60% of Christians live in Africa, and it is our turn to spread the Gospel to places where it has not been heard, or where the Church has grown cold.

Our church has to focus on local problems until they are solved, don’t we? Expand

There will always be local problems and those who need evangelizing in our own communities.  However, God’s plan is for the whole world to know Him, and this will only happen if local churches reach out to the world.

How can a poor church like ours have any impact on the world? Expand

Churches in various parts of Africa are joining hands to contribute what they can, whether it be financially or with prayer, or releasing their members who are called to go.   Read our issue on The Pastor’s Role in Missions for encouragement and ideas.

As a pastor, how do I motivate people for missions? Expand

First, your heart has to be passionate about God’s mission.  Then you can share with church members and teach them what the Bible says about missions.  Take time in the service to talk about what is happening around the world.  Pray for the unreached and lead others in doing the same.

What is an “Unreached People Group?” Expand

The Unreached are those who do not have a reproducing church in their midst, and Unreached People Groups are whole ethnic communities where there is no growing Christian presence.  In many of these groups, there is extreme oppression or danger for anyone who converts to Christianity.

What resources can my church use to learn about missions? Expand

There are a great many materials out there.  Some are free, such as courses taught by a trained facilitator. These may have some cost, but often provide a better foundation for your church to build from. Have a look at the training pages in AfriGO’s mobilization issue for a list of many resources available, including free resources.

I keep hearing the word “mobilization” related to missions. What is that? Expand

To “mobilize” someone means to get them active and moving toward a goal.  So, mobilizing people for missions describes the process of teaching them WHY we do missions, HOW we do missions, and WHAT they can do to be involved.  It may involve helping someone hear their missionary call, or getting your church to be involved in missions through prayer, financial support or encouragement of missionaries.

How do missionaries support themselves when they are sent out? Expand

It is the responsibility of the sending church to make sure that a missionary has what they need to live, whether that be housing, food, or education for their children.  Some missionaries can run a business to support themselves, though they may need some help getting that business started.  Some missionaries receive all they need from their sending church, or from a group of churches or individuals.  As pastor, your role is to be sure your missionary is provided for.

What is “Business as Missions” (BAM)? Expand

Some missionaries start a business in a foreign country because they are not allowed to go in to that country as a missionary.  So, the business is a good way to live there and provide a service while sharing the Gospel.  Or, the purpose of the business may be to make enough money to support the missionary.  Or, the purpose of the business may be to help transform the community by providing jobs, and sharing a good model of Christian business practices while sharing the Gospel.  Read more about BAM in AfriGO’s issue.