Local Church Missions

Local church missions is as much a ministry of the local church as any other ministry of the church.  Like one preacher said, “Missions is not an optional ministry of the local church.  It’s like your heart and lungs.  Both are necessary in the body”.

The first two men who were sent out of the church at Antioch were Barnabas and Saul.  What can we learn about missions in Acts 13:1-4?

These men ministered to the Lord, v.2.  You’re not going to accomplish on a mission field what you’re not currently doing in your church.  You’re not going to do more there than what you’re doing here.

They also fasted, v.2.  This is an important aspect of discerning the Lord’s will for your life, rather than your own will.  And fasting helps you follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life.

The Holy Ghost called them for “the work”, v.2.  The work was not planned by the church.  Rather, the Holy Spirit called them to the specific work he had planned for them.

The church sent them away, v.3.  They sent them after fasting, prayer, and the laying on of hands.  This signifies that, though they were separated by the Holy Ghost for this work, they were still an extension of the ministry of this local church.  As such, they returned to report what had transpired, Acts 14:26-28.

They were sent forth by the Holy Ghost, v.4.  This signified that the church knew they weren’t going at their own discretion and in their own direction.  The Holy Spirit guided them in their travels, Acts 16:6-10.

And they were helped by other churches.  Other churches “communicated” with them and had “fellowship” with them in the gospel, Phil 4:15, 1:5.  They were helped by other local churches through giving and prayer.  This is what we do for missionaries we support who are sent out of other churches.

Conclusion: minister to the Lord where you are.  Fast from time to time to discern the Lord’s will.  Wait till the Holy Spirit calls you for the work he wants you to do.  Then the church and the Holy Spirit can send you away.  And you can then get help from other churches, if and as needed.