“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea
and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
As those who’ve given our lives to Jesus Christ, our obedience to His Great Commission is not an option. All over the world, God is calling people from many nations and cultures to Himself, and we play an important role in the process. Our participation may take us across the street or even to the other side of the world and a new culture, but our obedience to God is worth it. The fruit of our labor is eternal.
As a church, the goal of our missions ministry is to build long term partnerships with others serving in the field. When we go, we go to participate in their outreach projects as well as to encourage and bless our local family and the missionaries who serve there. We go to share our lives as well as the Gospel.
But how do we go? Jesus’ parting words in Acts 1 were a command, a mission of love to be taken seriously but they also contain a description of how we are to minister. In the power of the Holy Spirit in word and deed. Practically, what does this look like? It begins with recognizing our identity in Christ and having the right perspective.
WE ARE CITIZENS OF HEAVEN
Our citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20), and when we are guests in different cultures and locations, our attitude should reflect that. As we work alongside local believers, we’re there to serve them and support what they’re doing because it already works so well.
God’s Word is relevant in each cultural context, so there’s no need to teach them how to be “American” in their beliefs, worship style, or outreach methods. It’s Biblical for God’s church to grow this way. Our local coworkers are very well versed in Scripture and receive excellent training.
When we go, various denominations work together, putting aside their secondary theological differences to focus on their primary work: evangelism, discipleship, and meeting practical needs as a way to share Jesus. We’re going to follow the example of those we work with.
WE ARE LEARNERS
People are rightfully proud of their area, their heritage, and their customs. To serve effectively means we must understand the way people live and think. Our teams are well prepared before we depart and receive extensive training in local culture and methods of ministry. On the field, we ask questions to learn more and adapt to the cultural differences in order to be a blessing. We enjoy local hospitality. We gladly accept what is offered and are respectful in all we say and do.
Real ministry flows from relationship and common goals, and this takes time. We commit to listening and learning from them, and we’re honest about our own lives. We are building long-term friendships for God’s glory as we minister together.
WE ARE SERVANTS WHO REFLECT GOD’S CHARACTER
It is the Lord we serve (Colossians 3:24b), and people are the ministry. We listen more than we speak. We encourage and affirm others. We pray in all we do (James 1:19-26) and remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Although we come from different backgrounds, we are equal members in God’s Kingdom. Together, we form one body (Romans 12:4-5). We show local believers honor and respect, accepting the strengths of their culture. We live and minister as they do as we serve under their invitation, direction, and authority.
When interacting with non-believers, we treat them with dignity and respect. We ask good questions, listen well, and gently respond as appropriate. They are not the enemy. They are captives of the enemy- as we all once were- and Jesus came in love to set them free. Our battle is not against flesh and blood (2 Timothy 2:25-26; Ephesians 6:12).
WE GO JOYFULLY WITH THANKFUL AND HUMBLE HEARTS
We’ve discovered that maintaining this Biblical and healthy perspective honors God and represents Him well to a world that needs to know Him. It brings good and lasting fruit and deep relationships, furthering the work of the Kingdom. We’ve also discovered it immensely increases our enjoyment of each project and allows us to see God at work around us! We are thankful to be used by God is His work.
We hope you will get involved in the variety of missions and outreach activities available to you!
As a church, the goal of our missions ministry is to build long term partnerships with others serving in the field. When we go, we go to participate in their outreach projects as well as to encourage and bless our local family and the missionaries who serve there. We go to share our lives as well as the Gospel.
But how do we go? Jesus’ parting words in Acts 1 were a command, a mission of love to be taken seriously but they also contain a description of how we are to minister. In the power of the Holy Spirit in word and deed. Practically, what does this look like? It begins with recognizing our identity in Christ and having the right perspective.
WE ARE CITIZENS OF HEAVEN
Our citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20), and when we are guests in different cultures and locations, our attitude should reflect that. As we work alongside local believers, we’re there to serve them and support what they’re doing because it already works so well.
God’s Word is relevant in each cultural context, so there’s no need to teach them how to be “American” in their beliefs, worship style, or outreach methods. It’s Biblical for God’s church to grow this way. Our local coworkers are very well versed in Scripture and receive excellent training.
When we go, various denominations work together, putting aside their secondary theological differences to focus on their primary work: evangelism, discipleship, and meeting practical needs as a way to share Jesus. We’re going to follow the example of those we work with.
WE ARE LEARNERS
People are rightfully proud of their area, their heritage, and their customs. To serve effectively means we must understand the way people live and think. Our teams are well prepared before we depart and receive extensive training in local culture and methods of ministry. On the field, we ask questions to learn more and adapt to the cultural differences in order to be a blessing. We enjoy local hospitality. We gladly accept what is offered and are respectful in all we say and do.
Real ministry flows from relationship and common goals, and this takes time. We commit to listening and learning from them, and we’re honest about our own lives. We are building long-term friendships for God’s glory as we minister together.
WE ARE SERVANTS WHO REFLECT GOD’S CHARACTER
It is the Lord we serve (Colossians 3:24b), and people are the ministry. We listen more than we speak. We encourage and affirm others. We pray in all we do (James 1:19-26) and remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Although we come from different backgrounds, we are equal members in God’s Kingdom. Together, we form one body (Romans 12:4-5). We show local believers honor and respect, accepting the strengths of their culture. We live and minister as they do as we serve under their invitation, direction, and authority.
When interacting with non-believers, we treat them with dignity and respect. We ask good questions, listen well, and gently respond as appropriate. They are not the enemy. They are captives of the enemy- as we all once were- and Jesus came in love to set them free. Our battle is not against flesh and blood (2 Timothy 2:25-26; Ephesians 6:12).
WE GO JOYFULLY WITH THANKFUL AND HUMBLE HEARTS
We’ve discovered that maintaining this Biblical and healthy perspective honors God and represents Him well to a world that needs to know Him. It brings good and lasting fruit and deep relationships, furthering the work of the Kingdom. We’ve also discovered it immensely increases our enjoyment of each project and allows us to see God at work around us! We are thankful to be used by God is His work.
We hope you will get involved in the variety of missions and outreach activities available to you!