Six Roles in Missions

When we hear statistics of how many in this world have not yet heard of Jesus, it can feel overwhelming and daunting. How will they ever hear?  Who will go to them?  Why has it taken so long?

As followers of Jesus, we may desire to jump in and serve, but many times we struggle with questions such as where could I serve? How? In what capacity? I am not able to go live in another country right now…so what can I do? 

Some people are sure of their role in missions, and that is great. Others are not sure what their role might be at this stage of life or for the future. As it turns out, every one of us can play a role in helping to reach this world for Jesus.  In fact, most of us reading this blog are probably already involved in a role…a role that God has for us right now. That might be the long-term role He has for us, or it may be a role for where we are now with another role in our future.

Consider for a moment the following six roles that are needed to help fulfill God’s call to reach the nations:  Learner, Pray-er, Mobilizer, Sender, Welcomer and Goer. Perhaps you are already fully committed to one of these areas. Or you may sense that God is calling you to add to what you are currently doing or perhaps calling you to a new role altogether. 

Prayerfully read and consider each of these roles and take whatever steps of obedience to which God may be leading you.

Am I a Learner…with a sense that God is leading me to a future Great Commission role but realizing that right now I need to be serious about deepening my relationship with Jesus, by studying and learning from the word of God “…what is God doing in the world today…” while seeking to know what role He has for me to help reach the unreached for Christ?

Am I a Pray-er…with a God-given passion to pray for the unreached, to pray for more workers for the harvest, to pray for workers I know, to pray for God’s will to be done on earth and do I have a willingness to make prayer a top priority in my schedule?

Am I a Mobilizer…with a great desire to help people find their calling, to encourage them and help them with guidance, direction, and a listening ear, willing to pray with them and for them, and to stand with them in their difficulties and in their victories? Do I want to see the local church mobilized into greater service for the Kingdom of God?

Am I a Sender…with a great concern for the lost of this world, with a desire to use my resources to see people be sent to share the gospel and a willingness to learn to sacrifice in order that the good news of Jesus’ love and redemption can be sent out around the world?

Am I a Welcomer…with a passion to engage with people who are coming to America from other cultures? Do I see this as a way to show the love of Jesus and to share with them the plan of salvation, to commit my time and energy to these relationships? Am I willing to give this the same level of commitment made by those called to minister in another country and culture?

Am I a Goer…with a willingness to humble myself to learn how to lovingly and sacrificially cross cultures to live in such a way that others can hear the good news of Jesus? Am I passionate for the cause of Christ, prayerful and determined to be obedient – no matter what the cost – and willing to prepare well?