Clergy/Leaders' Mail-list No. 3-096 (Missions)

TEN MISSION MYTHS

by Paul Grant

MISSION MYTHS They were not field missionaries. But in the first half of the 20th century two men took on the challenge of World Mission and changed the course of Christian history. In doing so they changed the world. They were John Mott (1865-1955) and Oswald J. Smith (1889-1986). Mott was a Methodist layman, (USA). Smith was a Presbyterian pastor (Canada). In J.V. Taylor's words they "turned the face of the church towards the world. (Taylor was another missions statesman of the last century). Local pastors all over the world were transformed. Consequently so were their churches. Churches changed from being ecclesio-centric to others-centric. From centripetal to centrifugal.

Our contemporary world has 4 billion people who are not yet Christians. "Untold millions are still untold." Can local pastors and their churches worldwide experience a break through into mission's enterprise on a scale of greater magnitude than ever before? The costs will be enormous; consequences will be vast. But then - death and resurrection is the gospel paradigm for Christian growth and service. To begin with, among other things, we must deal with some comforting myths (the Holy Spirit is the Divine Discomforter, as well as the Comforter John 16:8-11). So here are some proposals in these areas of a biblical response to common myths about Mission. 1. Missions is a branch or part of the church's activity

Response: Jesus said it was the first priority function of the church. Italso becomes "the mother of theology" (M. Kahler, 1908).

2. Missions is out there in other places to peoples other than ours

Response : It is firstly right here and then also out there. 3. It is primarily for others to do. I can pray and give

Response: God expects/requires each and every believer to be His witness.

4. Missionaries going to non-Christian peoples need only a basic training

Response: Cross-cultural missionaries need a sound, ongoing biblical education and training in missiology and theology.

5. The ideal of long-term, career missionaries is no longer possible

Response: Long-term missionaries are critical for effective ministry and help for the indigenous church.

6. The Western world churches are in the majority and carry the foremost load in missions initiatives

Response: Non-western christian churches and missionaries now outnumber those of the Western world.

7. Church budgets should allow a generous percentage of financial resources for missions

Response:If a lost world is our 'pearl' or 'treasure' our heart investment will be there.

8. Fund-raising, publicity, and short-term overseas field visits are the way to go for a local church

Response: These responsible actions must be integrated with long-term training and commitment of career missionaries.

9. Missions success is in terms of money raised, programs initiated, projects launched, aid given, and socio-economic services provided

Response: Biblical success in mission is rooted in the primary objectives of conversions, transformation of societies, churches planted, disciples taught, and leaders trained. Social help is of most advantage when it subserves these objectives.

10. Missions is a demand upon some in the church who are called and gifted

Response: Jesus' command was for all believers to be empowered for witness wherever they live and wherever they go. Some believers are called and gifted for cross-cultural service.

"The church exists by mission as fire exists by burning" (Emil Brunner) "Unless and until the future of the world becomes more important than the future of the church, the church has no future" (Ralph Winter)

Will it be hit or myths?!

- Paul Grant <>