Mission Agencies and Family Mission

Unfortunately, much confusion has developed over the role of missions agencies in modern missions. The following points can serve as a guide to put these issues into perspective as we seek to facilitate family missions.

First, the missions mandate was not given to seminaries and Para church organizations but to New Testament local churches for implementation under the guidance of the Spirit of God. Missions agencies that do not hold to the principle of ministry through churches can unintentionally inhibit the church’s ability and passion for obedience to the missions mandate.

While missions agencies usually function as autonomous organizations, it is paramount that their membership be comprised of missionaries sent out by local churches. These member missionaries should also strive to minister through foreign local churches.

Therefore, the primary purpose of the missions agency is not to replace the church but rather to facilitate the fulfillment of the Great Commission by both the sending and the receiving local church. Missions agencies must minister within the framework of the local church.

Second, just as the missions agency must acknowledge the central place of the church in missions, it must also acknowledge the vital importance of the family. The primary catalyst for missions should not be seen as an individual but as family members working together as a team to make Christ known.

We do not replace the church—we facilitate its vital role and help increase its effectiveness in fulfilling the Great Commission. We do not replace the family—we serve its basic needs and assist with resources for fruitful ministry.

In furtherance of this goal, missions agencies can serve the church and the family in the following ways:

• Missions agencies can encourage the local church to fulfill its responsibilities in missions by providing information on opportunities for families to serve in missions.

• Missions agencies can also provide a broader base of counsel to local church leaders who are developing the family mission ministries of their local bodies.

• Missions agencies can help the church evaluate families qualified for leadership who are active in ministry and feel called of God to serve as ministers of the Gospel around the world.

• Missions agencies can provide training in the special skills (cross-cultural, language acquisition, relationship development, etc.) that are necessary in establishing and maintaining Family Mission Teams of outreach around the world. These practical skills increase a missionary’s effectiveness in their areas of ministry.

• Missions agencies may serve as the channel between sending and receiving churches in different countries. They provide a legal entity as a missionary “employer” for governments and churches.

• Missions agencies can provide the necessary administrative support and guidance for overseas missionaries.

Certainly the missions agency has a vital role to play in the cause of world missions. However, only when that role is seen within the context of providing support services for the church and the family will balance and effectiveness be achieved. Those families, who are working through churches and are supported by agencies that acknowledge their vital importance, will truly experience powerful ministry taking place in fulfillment of the Great Commission.

 

Back to Articles