world christians

World Christians

By Terry King

© Copyright 1993, 1997, 2002 Terry King

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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rightsreserved.

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Scripture also quoted from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1973, 1975,1977, by The Lockman Foundation, Used by Permission.

Published by Leadership Development ResourcesPO Box 667Hagerstown, Maryland 21741-0667 USA

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Table of Contents

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

World Christians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

There is a Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Hell is a Real Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10These Are Exiting Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Current World Situation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Key Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

What is Missions? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Mission versus Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Key Elements in a Definition of Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

A Biblical Theology of Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Our Mandate and Authority for Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20The Message for Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Our Model for Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Our Motive for Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Conclusion: Our God is a Missionary God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Theology of Missions in the New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Jesus Had a Heart for All Men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Israel and the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

The Church and Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30What is the Church? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Three Views of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31The Purpose of the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33The Local Church and Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Planting Local Churches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Biblical Follow up Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Indigenous Church Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Kinds of Church Planting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

New Testament Missions or Traditional Missions? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Apostolic Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Apostolic Ministry is Valid for Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Purpose of Apostolic Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Characteristics of Apostolic Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40An Apostolic Pattern of Ministry as Seen in Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Apostolic Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

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Missionary Sending and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44The Church, with the Holy Spirit, Commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Shared with Apostolic Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Missions and Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47What are Funds Needed For? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Missionary Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

People Movements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Bridges of God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Fundamental Issues Necessary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Contextualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

A Personal Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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Introduction

Welcome to our series of notes on World Christians. If this is the first time using this set of notes, acouple introductory thoughts might be helpful.

This series of notes is designed for use by church leaders around the world. The author has spent anumber of years pastoring in the USA, then ministering in Africa and in Asia, in Bible school work andleadership seminars. The focus of our work has been leadership development for local churches. I havetaught in several Bible colleges, taught leadership seminars and spent extensive time working closely withlocal church pastors assisting them in training their leadership team. In many parts of the world the churchis growing much faster than leaders are being prepared. One of the hindrances to leadership training is thelack of teaching materials. Few pastors and teachers in the developing world have finances or access to theresources that are needed to put together adequate notes for teaching purposes.

This course is planned to be a part of the missions department curriculum. The goal of this study is tochallenge the student to develop a Bible theology for missions. Good practice is based on good theology.All to often church workers attempt to develop theology while they practice. Taken seriously this study willattempt to remedy this situation.

These notes are written for Bible school teachers and for pastors to use for leadership training in localchurches. These notes are not meant to be a text book. They were not prepared for passing out to students,but to give the teacher a basis for preparing his own notes. They do not claim to be complete; it is hoped thatthe teacher will add to them as much as necessary. A couple of thoughts might help the teacher to get themost advantage from these notes:

1. Do not read notes to the class! Good preparation demands that you become familiar with the material thatyou are going to use in a class well before teaching. These notes are simply an outline to give you a headstart.

2. Contextualize as much as possible. Every situation has particular needs. It is important that our teachingmeets the needs that are presented by the particular situation. Emphasize the issues that your students willneed to be prepared for.

An important way to do this is by using illustrations. Illustrations are not given in these notes. Thesituation you are in will dictate the illustrations that are needed. Draw from your personal experience. Useillustrations that make the application of the material practical for daily life. History's greatest teacher, Jesus,was a master at this.

3. Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit as you are preparing and as you are teaching. The Bible isHis inspired word. We are teaching Christian leaders. The Spirit of God knows the needs of your students.Let Him be your guide at all times.

4. This course is meant to be a Bible based study. Keep your Bible close by as you study and teach. Requirethe same of your students. Have the students read the Scriptures to the class that deal with each section asyou study in class. The Scriptures given in each section are not exhaustive. Add to them freely from yourpersonal Bible study.

5. In a number of places in the following outline notes I have included the author and page number of the

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texts that I have used. I encourage the teacher to go back to these sources. If the books are available furtherstudy will give your teaching greater depth.

So much for introductions! Let's get on with the task of preparing students for the ministry. God blessyou as you labor for Christ and his Kingdom!

Terry KingHagerstown, Maryland, USA04-08-02

World Christians

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has beengiven to me. (19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Fatherand of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Andsurely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

I. Introduce Teacher

II. Introduce Course

A. Pass out syllabus for the course, explain requirements

B. Introduce text

III. Goal of Our Class: to Become World Christians!

A. A World Christian is:

1. One who has God's vision of the world (note differences in maps)

2. Can say, "I know this day my life has counted strategically for Christ's global cause, especiallyfor those currently beyond the reach of the Gospel." (Bryant, page 14)

a. Developing a world minded lifestyle

b. Knowledgeable about Christ's Global cause (of which missions is an important part)

Habakkuk 2:14 (NIV) For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of theLORD, as the waters cover the sea.

B. Become a World Christian by 5-4-3-2-1 plan

1. 5 minutes in Scriptures dealing with Christ's global cause2. 4 minutes reading world related literature3. 3 minutes praying for the world4. 2 minutes sharing with someone about world opportunities5. 1 minute of meditation seeking for the heart of Jesus

Philippians 2:5 (NIV) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

C. We become world Christians by:

1. Knowing Christ2. Knowing the Body of Christ3. Knowing the work of Christ in the world

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The Gap

I. There is a Gap (Why Missions?)

A. Hell is a Real Place!

1. Hell is real, many have not heard: When was the last time you SPOKE to someone about Christ?

2. Luke 16:19-28 Story of Lazarus and rich man (Mark 9:43 unquenchable fire)

Luke 16:23-24 (NIV) In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham faraway, with Lazarus by his side. (24) So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me andsend Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony inthis fire.'

3. Other Scriptures

a. Matthew 25:41 (NIV) "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who arecursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

b. 2 Peter 2:4-9 Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah: godly delivered, unjust judged!

c. Luke 12:4-5 (NIV) "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body andafter that can do no more. (5) But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, afterthe killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

d. Revelation 20:13-14 (NIV) The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hadesgave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.(14) Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.

B. Christ made the difference!

1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV) For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man ChristJesus,

C. God calls us to stand in the gap, to carry the message!

1. Ezekiel 22:30 (NIV) "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and standbefore me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.

2. Mark 16:15 (NIV) He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to allcreation.

3. Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will bemy witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

4. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NIV) And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

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(4) The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of thegospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

5. Romans 1:14-15 (NIV) I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and thefoolish. (15) That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.

D. Jesus is coming for every tribe, clan, nation

1. Jesus is coming!

2 Peter 3:3 (NIV) First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come,scoffing and following their own evil desires.

2. He is waiting for the gospel to go to the nations:

a. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

b. Matthew 24:14 (NIV) And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole worldas a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

II. The Gap Varies from Person to Person:

A. Levels of need:

1. E-0 Evangelism: Renewal evangelism for church members

2. E-0.5 Evangelism: Evangelism in the same culture for those who are on the fringe of the church

3. E-1 Evangelism: Evangelism in the same culture. "near neighbor evangelism"

4. E-2 Evangelism: Evangelism where there are some cultural and language differences, but not amajor hindrance

5. E-3 Evangelism: Evangelism where there are great cultural and language differences

B. Illustrate from the book of Acts. Which category does each of the following fit in?

1. Samaritans2. Roman and other pagans3. Greek philosophers

C. How about in your home, city, state (province), the world today?

III. Where is the Need?

Discussion Question: How do we answer those who suggest that we should reach our own Jerusalem first

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before going to the rest of the earth? Since we have so many lost here and there are so many needs here,should we go to the ends of the earth now?

A. Study Acts 1:8 (New American Standard Version: Note “both... and..”)

1. We are often asking the wrong question. We should be asking when, not if!

Acts 1:8 (NASU) “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; andyou shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to theremotest part of the earth.”

2. This mentality is based on two important misconceptions:

a. The needs are equal; we need the gospel just as much as other nations do...

1) 90% of the world's full time Christian workers minister in the US, to 10% of theworld's believers!

2) The gospel is widely available to most people in the United States.

3) Over two billion of the world's people have not heard the message of the gospel

4) "Is it fair for anyone to hear twice until everyone has heard once?"

b. God has limited resources; must reach the home base first

1) Acts 1:8 says "both" We are never told to finish the job at home before movingoutward!

2) God's resources are more than adequate to accomplish the task, all of the task in thisgeneration, if we obey!

Based on "people group" needs, we need six million new churches by the year 2000 to reach the sixbillion non-Christian people living by that time. (Bryant, page 20)

B. Who will go? Isaiah 6:1-8

Isaiah 6:8 (NIV) Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who willgo for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

IV. These Are Exiting Days!

A. Renewal in the church encourages outreach in missions!

B. Use overheads to demonstrate the Current World Situation

1. Great doors are open: a larger percentage of the world's people (30%) who have not heard of

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Christ are accessible.

a. Fall of iron curtainb. Where are people not accessible? (China and Moslem world most obvious)

C. God is moving! (kairos versus chronos)

1. Romans 13:11-12 (NIV) And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come foryou to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we firstbelieved. (12) The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds ofdarkness and put on the armor of light.

2. Matthew 24:14 (NIV) And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world asa testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

D. This is a time of great challenge!

1. Large number of retiring post WWII missionaries retiring

2. Hindrances to having a World Vision:

a. Basic "self-centeredness" of today's Western culture

b. American "culture-centeredness"

c. Lack of hunger and availability of information

-geography ignorance-political ignorance

d. American "Christian culture" (consumer and self-oriented, great availability of gospelhere)

E. What if we ignore the great commission?

1. The Lost are lost!

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NIV) And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who areperishing. (4) The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannotsee the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

2. We die spiritually

Mark 8:34-38 (NIV) Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "Ifanyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (35)For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for thegospel will save it. (36) What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his

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soul? (37) Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? (38) If anyone is ashamed of meand my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed ofhim when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

(Introduce key missions periodicals, Evangelistic Missions Quarterly and International Bulletin ofMissionary Research)

V. Discuss Key Questions

1. What is the Biblical base for motive, extent and methods of missions? Where is the firstannouncement of the "Great Commission" and how is it developed in scripture?

2. According to the Bible, who are the recipients and what is the necessity of mission? What doesthe Bible say about Israel, the Gentiles and the church? What is the Christian response to otherreligions? Is "universality" Biblical?

3. What is the relationship between missions and the local church?

4. Who sends missionaries? Where should missionaries look for spiritual covering?

5. How does a Biblical understanding of theology of missions effect our methods of missions? Whatis the proper relationship of good works versus evangelism? Do we have a theology for ministry tothe poor? Does Biblical evangelism provide a presence, proclaim, or persuade? Is there Biblicalfoundation for “indigenous methods,” “tentmaker missions,” “Short Term” versus long termmissionaries, etc.

6. How does a Biblical theology of missions effect our ethics in mission? Consider issues such asqualifications of workers, use of finances and fund raising, etc.

7. What is contextualization? What do we do when cultural considerations conflict with evangelisticcommand? What is syncretism and where do we draw the line?

What is Missions?

Discussion question: Recognizing that there are may opinions today, what is missions? Is missionsdifferent from Evangelism? How do contemporary definitions conflict with traditional ones?Note extremes of "long term missions" versus "short term missions". Long term missions traditionallywent to stay; sought to implement western culture. Short term can be "hit or miss" and often is limited toevangelism.

I. Mission versus Missions (Peters, page 11)

A. Mission is a basic, comprehensive term. It describes the universal mission of the church. Threeperspectives:

1. The church's mission upward: to worship God

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2. The church's mission inward: to minister to one another

3. The church's mission outward: the church is sent with a message to the world.

B. Missions is a specialized term

1. Peters says, “...the sending forth of authorized persons beyond the borders of the NewTestament church and her immediate gospel influence to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ ingospel-destitute areas, to win converts from other faiths or non-faiths to Jesus Christ, and toestablish functioning, multiplying local congregations who will bear the fruit of Christianity inthat community and to that country.” (Peters, page 11)

2. W. O. Carver says, "the extensive realization of God's redemptive purpose in Christ Jesus bymeans of human messengers." (Peters, page 26)

3. Missions is "the intentional, sacrificial penetration of major human barriers by a global Churchthrough specially sent cross-cultural messengers of the gospel, in order to plant communities ofresponsible disciples of Jesus Christ among groups of people where none existed before."(Bryant, page 19)

II. Key Elements in a Definition of Missions:

A. Going, being sent: the church in motion

1. Matthew 28:18 (NASB) And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority hasbeen given to Me in heaven and on earth.

2. Christ is our example, He became incarnate to bring the gospel to us: Philippians 2:7 (NASB)but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

B. For Evangelism: the gospel of Jesus Christ is the message

1. Evangelism is, “...the initial phase of Christian ministry. The authoritative proclamation of thegospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible in relevant and intelligible terms...” (Peters, page11)

2. "It is a presentation - penetration - permeation - confrontation that not only elicits but demandsa decision." (Peters, page 11)

3. Three kinds of evangelism

a. Presence: "The life you live speaks so loud I cannot hear what you are saying.

1) Doing good to people in the name of Jesus (even without name of Jesus sometimes).

2) Could also be called "lifestyle evangelism"

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3) Efforts to make conversions are frowned upon by those who believe exclusively inthis definition.

b. Proclamation: An announcement

1) Making the gospel known to unbelievers in such a way that they will understand themessage of Christ.

2) There is no effort made to make conversions.

3) This could be called sharing the gospel, but leaving the results to God.

c. Persuasion: making disciples, challenging people to become Christians

Discussion Question: Do we have the right to persuade individuals to leave their religion and embraceours?

1) Acts 13:43 (NASB) Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many ofthe Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speakingto them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God.

2) Acts 17:4 (NASB) And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas,along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leadingwomen.

3) Acts 18:4 (NASB) And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and tryingto persuade Jews and Greeks.

4) Acts 26:28 (NASB) And Agrippa replied to Paul, "In a short time you will persuademe to become a Christian."

5) The Greek word used in each of these illustrations is: peitho, (G3982) pi'-tho; a prim.verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely(by inward certainty)

Discussion Question: Are "mercy ministries" evangelism? (Consider Jesus feeding the multitude Mark8:2-3 and then later when he spoke to those who follow for signs only)

4. We assume that evangelism is preaching the gospel. While recognizing that mercy ministrieshave value and can possibly be tools for evangelism, they are not evangelism.

Discussion Question: What are some of the complications that arise when mercy ministries are mixedwith evangelism?

C. To Non-Saturated Areas: Going to areas where the church has not been planted, crossingboundaries, usually implies a cross cultural element (implies going to those who have not heard)

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1. Saturation refers to the percentage of population that have received the gospel and arecommitted members of a local church.

Romans 15:20 (NASB) And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ wasalready named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation;

2. Stages (levels) of Evangelism:

a. E-0 Evangelism: Renewal evangelism for church members

b. E-0.5 Evangelism: Evangelism in the same culture for those who are on the fringe of thechurch

c. E-1 Evangelism: Evangelism in the same culture. "near neighbor evangelism"

d. E-2 Evangelism: Evangelism where there are some cultural and language differences, butnot a major hindrance

f. E-3 Evangelism: Evangelism where there are great cultural and language differences

Discussion Question: At what point should missionaries "turn over" the work to local churches and seekto be re-deployed to more needy fields?

D. For a Purpose

1. The goal of missions goes beyond evangelism, it is to produce local churches.

2. It is assumed that these churches will consequentially saturate their area and become involvedin missions.

3. In nations where churches have been planted missions means working with those churches

E. With a Promise

1. Matthew 28:20b (NASB) “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

2. Mark 16:20 (NASB) And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord workedwith them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.

So: Missions is Going to Evangelize in Non-Saturated areas with the Purpose of planting localchurches knowing the Promise that our Lord Jesus is with us!

III. Simply Said: Missions Is Extending the Kingdom of God. We Are Winning!

A. We are called to advance the Kingdom of God

1. Matthew 11:12 (NIV) "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven

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has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."

2. Matthew 16:18 (NASB) "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I willbuild My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.

-These gates are hell's defense, which fall to the advance of Christ's church!

B. The battle is won

1. Colossians 2:15 (NASB) When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a publicdisplay of them, having triumphed over them through Him.

2. Revelation 1:17 (NASB) And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead man. And He laidHis right hand upon me, saying, "Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last,

C. Why are we called to battle? To liberate those who are held by the "strong man"

1. Luke 11:21-22 (NASB) "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own homestead, hispossessions are undisturbed; (22 ) but when someone stronger than he attacks him andoverpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied, and distributes hisplunder. (spoken after Pharisees accused Christ of being part of Satan's kingdom

2. 1 Peter 5:8 (NASB) Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls aboutlike a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (Roaring lions are deceivers, leading the prey intoan ambush)

3. 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NASB) for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinelypowerful for the destruction of fortresses.

4. Matthew 28:18-19 (NASB) And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority hasbeen given to Me in heaven and on earth. (19) "Go therefore and make disciples of all thenations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

(Introduced two key missions periodicals, Evangelistic Missions Quarterly and International Bulletin ofMissionary Research)

IV. Other Terms Include:

A. Christianization:

1. Related to evangelism, follows later: discipleship

2. Peters says, "It is the indoctrination and enculturation of the believer in the gospel andChristian ethics. It is the transformation of the believer of Jesus Christ into a disciple of Christ."(Peters, page 12)

Discussion Question: What is Christian culture? Christian ethics? Does the scripture give us a mandate

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for this action?

B. Socialization:

1. Secular term used in Christian circles

2. Peters says, “...process by which the individual believer is led to conform to Christian ideals,standards, institutions and a way of life as perceived by a group of believers, a church or aChristian institution.” (Peters, page 12)

3. Missionaries have often felt that it was part of their responsibility to "civilize" nationals

a. Usually meaning that they adopt similar cultural life styles, often not based on Scripturebut prejudice

b. We feel that this job should be undertaken primarily by local church leadership

C. Missio-Dei: "the Mission of God"

1. God is a missionary God, a seeking God, a God of purpose; all mission begins with God.

2. The mission of God includes the salvation of mankind

3. The end result will be the glorification of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

D. Heilsgeschichte (Peters, page 24, 87) "Salvation History"

1. Theological term, "Salvation History"

2. Speaks of God's marvelous plan being worked out in history, the "inner stream"

3. History has purpose and meaning, God is still in control and will triumph.

E. Two-Thirds World

1. Missions term for what has popularly been known as the "third world" or "developing world"

2. Attempts to avoid sounding negative and recognizes that two thirds of the world'sunevangelized live in the developing nations.

A Biblical Theology of Missions

Why do we stress the Biblical basis for our study? What are our convictions concerning the Bible?(Perspectives, page A-3+)

I. We Believe That the Bible Is the Inspired, Authoritative Word of God.

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A. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof,for correction, for training in righteousness (17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped forevery good work.

B. 2 Peter 1:21 (NASB) for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved bythe Holy Spirit spoke from God.

C. Hebrews 1:1 (NASB) God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in manyportions and in many ways, (2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointedheir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

II. Our Mandate and Authority for Missions Comes from the Bible.The Biblical mandate runs through the Bible.

A. Our God is a missionary God: God initiated the plan of rescue

Genesis 3:15 (NASB) And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between yourseed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel."

Discussion Question: Why did God choose Abram? Because he was holy? A seeker of God?

B. God chose Abraham to start a new nation

1. Genesis 12:1 (NASB) Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, And fromyour relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you; (2) And I willmake you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be ablessing;

a. Abraham was the Son of Terah (son of Nahor), and had two brothers (Genesis 11:26)

b. Married to Sarai (Genesis 11:29)

c. Terah began to go to Canaan, but stopped in Haran (Genesis 11:31)

2. There is no evidence that Abraham had been seeking God before this time. (See Peters, page90-91)

Discussion Question: For what purpose did God choose Abraham?

C. We recognize that God choose Israel for a two fold purpose:

1. To be his relational people

Exodus 19:5-6 (NASB) 'Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant,then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; (6) andyou shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. 'These are the words that you shallspeak to the sons of Israel."

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2. God chose Abraham to be a witness to the nations

a. Genesis 12:3 (NASB) And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you Iwill curse. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

b. Psalms 2:8 (NASB) 'Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Thine inheritance,And the very ends of the earth as Thy possession.

c. Isaiah 42:6 (NASB) "I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I will also holdyou by the hand and watch over you, And I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, As alight to the nations,

d. Luke 13:29 (NASB) "And they will come from east and west, and from north and south,and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God.

D. In the Exodus God uses Israel to be a sign to the nations

1. Exodus 9:13-14 (NASB) Then the LORD said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning andstand before Pharaoh and say to him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, "Let Mypeople go, that they may serve Me. (14) "For this time I will send all My plagues on you andyour servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth.

2. Nehemiah 9:9-10 (NASB) "Thou didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, And didsthear their cry by the Red Sea. (10) "Then Thou didst perform signs and wonders againstPharaoh, Against all his servants and all the people of his land; For Thou didst know that theyacted arrogantly toward them, And didst make a name for Thyself as it is this day.

3. Exodus 15:13-14 (NASB) "In Thy lovingkindness Thou hast led the people whom Thou hastredeemed; In Thy strength Thou hast guided them to Thy holy habitation. (14) The peoples haveheard, they tremble; Anguish has gripped the inhabitants of Philistia.

E. When God becomes angry with Israel in the wilderness, Moses reminds him of his purposes inNumbers 14:11-21

Numbers 14:20-21 (NASB) So the LORD said, "I have pardoned them according to your word;(21) but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the LORD.

F. God uses Solomon to witness to His glory

1. 1 Kings 8:41-43 (NASB) "Also concerning the foreigner who is not of Thy people Israel,when he comes from a far country for Thy name's sake (42) (for they will hear of Thy greatname and Thy mighty hand, and of Thine outstretched arm); when he comes and prays towardthis house, (43) hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling place, and do according to all for which theforeigner calls to Thee, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know Thy name, to fearThee, as do Thy people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is calledby Thy name.

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2. 1 Kings 10:1 (NASB) Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomonconcerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions.

3. 1 Kings 10:24 (NASB) And all the earth was seeking the presence of Solomon, to hear hiswisdom which God had put in his heart.

G. God's bigger picture:

1. Psalms 96:3 (NASB) Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all thepeoples.

2. Psalms 96:7 (NASB) Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORDglory and strength.

3. Isaiah 49:6 (NASB) He says, "It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raiseup the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light ofthe nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth."

4. Isaiah 56:7 (NASB) Even those I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful inMy house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; ForMy house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples."

Discussion: Note the centrifugal (versus centripetal) nature of Israel in the Old Testament (seePerspectives, page A: 51-52; Peters, page 21-22)

5. Ezekiel 36:23 (NASB) "And I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has beenprofaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will knowthat I am the LORD," declares the Lord GOD, "when I prove Myself holy among you in theirsight.

H. Jesus is the greatest evidence of God's missionary heart

1. Hebrews 1:1-2 (NASB) God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in manyportions and in many ways, (2)in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom Heappointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

2. John 1:14 (NASB) And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld Hisglory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

3. Galatians 4:4-5 (NASB) But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, bornof a woman, born under the Law, 5) in order that He might redeem those who were under theLaw, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

I. God has commissioned us to continue the task

1. Matthew 28:18-19 (NASB) And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority hasbeen given to Me in heaven and on earth. (19) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the

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nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

2. Acts 1:8 (NASB) but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; andyou shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to theremotest part of the earth."

3. 2 Corinthians 5:18 (NASB) Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himselfthrough Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,

4. Matthew 24:14 (NASB) "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the wholeworld for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.

J. The Book of Revelation gives us a picture of its' fulfillment

Revelation 7:9 (NASB) After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no onecould count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throneand before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;

(Started class by introducing Understanding Church Growth by Donald McGravran. Discussed brieflythe impact of the church growth movement and its roots in missions research. Spoke briefly of the "thirdwave" and representatives such as Peter Wagner and John Wimber.)

K. We must be careful not to confuse the Biblical mandate with what is often only a cultural one.

1. Note the parallel development of colonialism and missions

-illustrations from personal experience

2. Discuss "Manifest Destiny" in America around the turn of the century

a. Results in the Philippines, the United States' only colony

b. Almost a "replacement theology"

3. There is no place for paternalistic culturalism in Biblical missions

III. The Message for Missions Comes from the Bible

Discussion Question: What are the fundamental elements of the gospel?

A. The New Testament message is the gospel

1. Matthew 9:35 (NASB) And Jesus was going about all the cities and the villages, teaching intheir synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of diseaseand every kind of sickness.

2. Mark 16:15 (NASB) And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all

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creation.

3. Acts 14:21 (NASB) And after they had preached the gospel to that city and had made manydisciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,

4. Romans 1:16 (NASB) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God forsalvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

5. 1 Corinthians 9:16 (NASB) For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I amunder compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.

B. There is one gospel

1. 1 Corinthians 15:11 (NASB) Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

2. Galatians 1:8 (NASB) But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you agospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

C. The gospel is diverse, not given in one simple formula.

1. The gospel in the New Testament is adapted to the recipient people and culture

2. Beware of the danger of becoming to fluid or rigid

3. We will discuss further the content of the gospel in the section on contextualization

IV. Our Model for Missions Comes from the Bible

A. The Bible itself is divine evangelism.

B. The Bible gives us many pragmatic illustrations of mission.

C. The Bible presents a God who evangelizes through incarnation

1. Philippians 2:7 (NASB) but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and beingmade in the likeness of men.

2. Hebrews 2:17 (NASB) Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, that Hemight become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiationfor the sins of the people.

V. Our Motive for Missions is Declared in the Bible

A. 2 Corinthians 4:3-5 (NASB) And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who areperishing, (4) in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that theymight not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (5) For we donot preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake.

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B. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NASB) Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himselfthrough Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, (5) namely, that God was in Christreconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committedto us the word of reconciliation.

V. Conclusion: Our God is a Missionary God

A. God's foremost purpose: To reveal and receive his glory (A-34)

1. Numbers 14:21 (NASB) but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of theLORD.

2. Habakkuk 2:14 (NASB) "For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of theLORD, As the waters cover the sea.

3. Psalms 72:19 (NASB) And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth befilled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.

B. God's heart: Relationship

1. Exodus 29:45 (NASB) "And I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God.

2. 2 Corinthians 6:16 (NASB) Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we arethe temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALKAMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.

3. Romans 5:10 (NASB) For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through thedeath of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

4. John 4:23 (NASB) "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shallworship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.

C. God's method: Grace

1. Acts 20:24 (NASB) "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in orderthat I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testifysolemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

2. Romans 3:24 (NASB) being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which isin Christ Jesus;

3. Romans 4:16 (NASB) For this reason it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace,in order that the promise may be certain to all the descendants, not only to those who are of theLaw, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

4. Ephesians 2:8 (NASB) For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not ofyourselves, it is the gift of God;

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Theology of Missions in the New Testament

Having examined the missionary heart of God in the Old Testament we will now pursue the theme ofmissions into the New Testament. Having already introduced missions in the New Testament we willconcentrate on the theology of Jesus and Paul.

I. Jesus Had a Heart for All Men

A. First to Israel, God's chosen

1. Matthew 15:24 (NASB) But He answered and said, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of thehouse of Israel." (responding to the Canaanite woman who he did eventually minister to)


B. Jesus ministered to Gentiles

1. The centurion's servant

Matthew 8:10 (NASB) Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled, and said to those whowere following, "Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.

2. Gadarene demoniac (Matthew 8:28-34)

3. One of the ten lepers healed, the Samaritan returns to thank him

Luke 17:16 (NASB) and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was aSamaritan.

4. Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5-42)

5. The Canaanite woman's daughter

Matthew 15:28 (NASB) Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, your faith is great;be it done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed at once.

C. Jesus sees the greater picture

1. Matthew 8:11 (NASB) "And I say to you, that many shall come from east and west, andrecline at the table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven;

2. Matthew 21:43 (NASB) "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away fromyou, and be given to a nation producing the fruit of it.

3. Matthew 24:14 (NASB) "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole

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world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.

4. Matthew 25:32 (NASB) "And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He willseparate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;

5. John 12:32 (NASB) "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."

II. Israel and the Church

A. Israel is the focus of God's attention in the Old Testament

1. Zechariah 2:8 (NASB) For thus says the LORD of hosts, "After glory He has sent me againstthe nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye.

2. Genesis 12:3 (NASB) And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you Iwill curse. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

B. God's plan is to use Israel to be a light to the Gentiles

1. Romans 15:9-12

2. Galatians 3:17-24

C. Israel's rebellion results in God's punishment

Ezekiel 20:21-23 (NASB) "But the children rebelled against Me; they did not walk in Mystatutes, nor were they careful to observe My ordinances, by which, if a man observes them, hewill live; they profaned My sabbaths. So I resolved to pour out My wrath on them, to accomplishMy anger against them in the wilderness. (21) "But I withdrew My hand and acted for the sake ofMy name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations in whose sight I had broughtthem out. (23) "Also I swore to them in the wilderness that I would scatter them among thenations and disperse them among the lands, (also Jeremiah 9:13-16)

D. The Gentiles have rebelled as well

1. Romans 1:18 (NASB) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodlinessand unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

2. Romans 1:21-25 (NASB) For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, orgive thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

E. All who do evil are lost

1. Romans 2:9 (NASB) There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who doesevil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek,

2. Romans 2:14-15 (NASB) For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the

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things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, (15) in that they show thework of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughtsalternately accusing or else defending them,

F. God's plan: Natural and spiritual Israel


2. Acts 2:38-39 (NASB) And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in thename of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the HolySpirit. (39) "For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many asthe Lord our God shall call to Himself."

3. Romans 9:23-30

G. Spiritual Israel is a people of faith

1. Romans 2:28-29 (NASB) For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcisionthat which is outward in the flesh. (29) But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision isthat which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but fromGod.

2. Romans 4:13 (NASB) For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heirof the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. (see verses 16-18)

H. The church is God's vehicle to preach the gospel for a season

Matthew 16:18 (NASB) "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will buildMy church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.

Note: We are going to focus on the church in the next section, we will finish this section to get theperspective of the bigger picture.

I. God has not forgotten Israel, there is a remnant (Rom 11:1-6)

1. Romans 11:1 (NASB) I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be!For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Romans 11:5-6 (NASB) In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time aremnant according to God's gracious choice. (6) But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basisof works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.

J. Scripture warns the Gentiles not to be conceited

Romans 11:17-20

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K. The time for the Gentiles is limited

1. Romans 11:25 (NASB) For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lestyou be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until thefullness of the Gentiles has come in;

2. Luke 21:24 (NASB) and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive intoall the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of theGentiles be fulfilled.

L. God sees a new day coming

1. Romans 11:26-27 (NASB) and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "THEDELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROMJACOB." (27) "AND THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAYTHEIR SINS."

2. Ezekiel 36:24-26 (NASB) "For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands,and bring you into your own land. (36) "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will beclean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. (26) "Moreover, I willgive you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone fromyour flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

3. Ezekiel 37:28 (NASB) "And the nations will know that I am the LORD who sanctifies Israel,when My sanctuary is in their midst forever."

4. Ezekiel 39:7 (NASB) "And My holy name I shall make known in the midst of My peopleIsrael; and I shall not let My holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations will know that Iam the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.

5. Micah 4:1-2 (NASB) And it will come about in the last days That the mountain of the houseof the LORD Will be established as the chief of the mountains. It will be raised above the hills,And the peoples will stream to it. (2) And many nations will come and say, "Come and let us goup to the mountain of the LORD And to the house of the God of Jacob, That He may teach usabout His ways And that we may walk in His paths." For from Zion will go forth the law, Eventhe word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (Also Isaiah 2:2-3 and Jeremiah 3:17)

M. God's purpose is to build a Kingdom!

Daniel 7:13-14 (NASB) "I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds ofheaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And waspresented before Him. (14) "And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all thepeoples, nations, and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlastingdominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.

N. The Kingdom of God includes the church and Israel

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1 Corinthians 15:24 (NASB) then comes the end, when He delivers up the kingdom to the Godand Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.

Introduce two books and discussed contrasts between the "Praise Movement" and the "PrayerMovement" (Concerts of Prayer).

Operation World by Patrick Johnstone (Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids MI, 1993.

In the Gap by David Bryant (Regal Books; Ventura CA, 1984)Read paragraph three page 92 (What is a world Christian?), paragraph four page 93, the second halfof page 95, to get a feel for the thrust of this movement.

For the purpose of seeing the progression of the class note the overall perspective:First we studied the Father and his heart for mission; next we looked at the nation of Israel, now thechurch. We will finish the course by concentrating on your role in missions.

The Church and Missions

I. What is the Church?

A. The Jewish perspective was based on two Hebrew words;

1. H 5712 `edah, ay-daw'; fem. of 5707 in the orig. sense of fixture; a stated assemblage (spec. aconcourse, or gen. a family or crowd):-assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people,swarm. Comp. 5713.

a. Used in primarily in the Pentateuch, one half in Numbers, refers to the gathering of peoplebefore the tent of meeting, refers to the whole community in a general sense. (Erickson, page1032)

b. Exodus 12:3 (NASB) "Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, 'On the tenth ofthis month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves, according to their fathers'households, a lamb for each household.

2. H 6951 qahal, kaw-hawl'; from 6950; assemblage (usually concr.):-assembly, company,congregation, multitude.

a. Deuteronomy 9:10 (NASB) "And the LORD gave me the two tablets of stone written bythe finger of God; and on them were all the words which the LORD had spoken with you atthe mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly.

b. Can refer to the call to and act of assembling. Refers to the ceremonial gathering of thepeople to meet with God that results from the covenant.

c. As used in Scripture refers to those within the congregation who respond to God's call.(Milne, page 210 and 215) The early Christians saw themselves in this light.

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B. Jewish background provided models for the church (Perspectives A-123)

1. Assembly for public worship, reading Scriptures, exposition and prayer.

2. Pattern of organization with elders and deacons

C. In the New Testament the church can be referred to in several ways:

1. A group of believers in a specific city. In Acts the primary use of the word is for all theChristians that live and meet in a particular city.

a. Acts 8:1 (NASB) And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And onthat day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scatteredthroughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

b. Acts 13:1 (NASB) Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets andteachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaenwho had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

c. Note that both of these were no doubt quite a large churches. How many? (Acts 2, 3, andso forth; many thousands!) Do you think that they were all able to meet in one place? Mostlikely not, yet they were still referred to as one church. (One church, many assemblies in onecity)

2. There are references to a group of believers meeting in specific homes.

Colossians 4:15 (NASB) Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and thechurch that is in her house.

3. When an area larger than one city is referred to, the church is mentioned to as plural:

a. 1 Corinthians 16:19 (NASB) The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet youheartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. (Acts 9:31)

b. One city one church, several cities several churches

II. Christ Is the Head of His Body, the Church

A. Ephesians 1:22 (NASB) And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as headover all things to the church, (23) which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all.

B. Colossians 1:18 (NASB) He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, thefirst-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything.

III. Three Views of the Church (Milne, page 214)

A. The local church: The believers who regularly gather in a particular place for worship and

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ministry with recognized leadership.

1. Most of the references in the New Testament refer to this aspect.

2. The local church is not seen in Scripture as an uncompleted part of the whole, but rather as acomplete representative of the whole. (Erickson, page 1033)

1 Corinthians 1:2 (NASB) to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have beensanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name ofour Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

B. The universal church: All believers who are in the world at a given time. Appears onlyoccasionally in the New Testament.

Galatians 1:13 (NASB) For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I usedto persecute the church of God beyond measure, and tried to destroy it;

C. The invisible church: All the believers of all ages

1. Hebrews 12:22-23 (NASB) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the livingGod, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, (23) to the general assembly and churchof the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits ofrighteous men made perfect,

2. Revelation 7:9 (NASB) After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which noone could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before thethrone and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;

Discussion Question: Why is this important?

D. Significance of the church

1. The local church is the central focus of God's work in the world today. We must understandits place for the ministry God gives us to function properly.

2. Recognizing the reality of the universal church gives us strength and hope, even if ourcongregation is small. We are on the winning team!

IV. The Church Is People

A. A people, not an organization

1 Peter 2:9 (NASB) But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLYNATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellenciesof Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

B. A community, not an institution

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Acts 2:42 (NASB) And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching andto fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

V. The Purpose of the Church (Perspectives, page A-130)

A. Internal: See Acts 2:41-47

1. Worship2. Sharing with one another3. Teaching

B. External:

1. Evangelism

Mark 16:15 (NASB) And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel toall creation.

2. Service to those in special need around us

Galatians 6:10 (NASB) So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, andespecially to those who are of the household of the faith.

VI. The Local Church and Missions

Discussion Question: Is all local church mission, missions? (How does one separate local churchevangelism for example from sending missionaries?)

A. Separating local church ministries from local church involvement in missions

1. Who governs the ministry?

2. Who funds the ministry?

3. Who reaps majority of fruit?

B. What is the role of the local church in preparing missionaries?

1. Discuss short term missions trips

2. Missionary training programs

a. Academic component

b. Practical component

c. Mentoring

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C. Promoting missions in the local church

1. Building prayer support for missions in the local church

2. Building financial support for missions in the local church

Planting Local Churches

I. Planting Local Churches Is the "Biblical Follow up Program."

A. Consistently Paul drew new believers into congregations.

1. Acts 14:23 (NASB) And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, havingprayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

2. Acts 19:9 (NASB) But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil ofthe Way before the multitude, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoningdaily in the school of Tyrannus.

B. The church is the model for reproduction of itself in missions

1. The challenge is overwhelming: there are at least 2.2 billion unreached people on the earthtoday. (to shake hands with each of them at the rate of 60 a minute or 3.600 per hour, for 8 hoursevery day of the week would take over 200 years! Perspectives, page D-76)

2. Our goal must be to not just start churches, but to plant "the kind of church that grows andreproduces spontaneously as churches will, in daughter churches , granddaughter churches, great-granddaughter churches and so on." (Perspectives, page D-76)

3. The principle is the natural result of the principle of discipleship

2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB) And the things which you have heard from me in the presence ofmany witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

II. These Concepts Can Be Summarized in the “Indigenous Church Principle”

A. Missionaries should seek to plant churches that are:

1. Self-propagating

Problem: Lack of trust in national preachers

2. Self-supporting (Self-reliant)

Problem: To much foreign money.

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3. Self-governing

Problem: Lack of training, and lack of trust in national leaders

B. Cannot be truly self-governing if not self-supporting.

1. Missionaries often use the excuse that the people are to poor to be able to give and support thework.

2. God's principles do not change, no matter what the situation. Giving is an important key tofinancial freedom for the poor and the rich.

C. For a history of this concept see "The Origins and Evolution of the Three-Selves in Relation toChina" by Wilbert R. Shenk, page 28 to 31.

III. Kinds of Church Planting in Acts ("Unity without Uniformity")

A. Jerusalem: A church born from the sovereign move of God.

1. Acts 1:4 (NIV) On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command:"Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard mespeak about.

2. Acts 2:41-42 (NIV) Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousandwere added to their number that day. (42) They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching andto the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

3. Acts 2:47 (NIV) praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added totheir number daily those who were being saved.

B. Samaria: A church born from evangelism (prompted by persecution!), complimented by apostolicministry.

1. Acts 8:5-6 (NIV) Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. (6)When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attentionto what he said.

2. Acts 8:14 (NIV) When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word ofGod, they sent Peter and John to them.

3. Acts 19:10 (NASB) And this took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard theword of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. (Congregation in Ephesus reaches all of its province)

C. Antioch (Syria): A church born from Christian witness, complimented by apostolic ministry.

1. Acts 11:19-21 (NIV) Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection withStephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. (20)

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Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak toGreeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. (21) The Lord's hand was withthem, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

2. Acts 11:22 (NIV) News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sentBarnabas to Antioch.

3. Acts 11:25-26 (NIV) Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, (26) and when he foundhim, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church andtaught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

D. Antioch (Pisidia): A church started by apostolic missions.

1. Acts 13:3 (NIV) So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sentthem off.

2. Acts 13:14 (NIV) From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they enteredthe synagogue and sat down.

3. Acts 13:43 (NIV) When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devoutconverts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them tocontinue in the grace of God.

4. Acts 13:49 (NIV) The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.

5. Acts 14:21-23 (NIV) They preached the good news in that city and won a large number ofdisciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, (22) strengthening the disciplesand encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enterthe kingdom of God," they said. (23) Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each churchand, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

New Testament Missions or Traditional Missions?

New Testament Model Traditional Church Model

Primary purpose: Make disciples and plant localchurches (Family Model)

Primary purpose: Expand denomination or para-church ministry (Franchise Model)

Key tool for evangelism is house church or cell,goal is to multiply.

Key tool is mass evangelism, goal is to add.

Ministry is sent by the congregation Ministry is sent by an organization

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Leadership: Eph 4:12 gift ministries, focus onapostles and prophets

Leadership: professional missionary

Ministerial authority is based upon spiritual gifts Ministerial authority is based upon position or anoffice

Team focused ministry, lead by proven man withan apostolic gift

Individualistic ministry, often unproven workersare sent to pioneer

Ministers adapt to the local culture Local culture is “civilized,” adapts to sendingculture

Builds with personal relationship Builds with businesslike relationships

Relationships are based on partnership Relationships are based upon patronizing

A servant mindset seeks to empower others forservice

A superiority mindset creates dependency

A faith filled mentality assumes that giving is auniversal principle; even the poorest can share inthe support of kingdom expansion.

A condescending mentality assumes that moneymust come from missionaries

Replacement oriented (work out of a job)Role model: Father

Career oriented (build an organization, keeppositions filled)Role Model: Supervisor or Manager

Relatively short term residence with continuinginput

Long term residence, life commitment to a peoplegroup or nation is assumed necessary

Train leaders by discipleship, apprenticeshipbased education

Train leaders professionally by institutional(college) based education

Focus is on people groups and cities Focus is on nations based on political boundaries

Goal is to expand and build the kingdom of God Goal is to expand denominational influence andauthority

Apostolic Ministry

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I. Apostolic Ministry is Valid for Today

A. God Has Given Gifts to His Church to Enable Them For the Harvest

1. Ephesians 4:8 (NIV) This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in histrain and gave gifts to men."

2. Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, someto be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, (12) to prepare God's people for works ofservice, so that the body of Christ may be built up

B. Apostolic and Prophetic Ministry Were Accepted Norms in the New Testament Church.

Ephesians 2:19-20 (NIV) Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellowcitizens with God's people and members of God's household, (20) built on the foundation of theapostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

C. Four types of apostolic ministry

1. Church planting (Paul)

2. Ministry launcher (Barnabas)

3. Laying foundations \ repairer (Titus)

4. Pillar (Peter and James)

Since the ministry of the apostle is the least understood, let's look at this a bit closer!

D. How Many Apostles in the New Testament?

1. The twelve (1-12): These were special apostles who walked with Christ.

a. Also called the "foundational apostles" by some (Revelation 21:14)

b. Judas replaced by Matthais (Acts 1:23-26)

2. Others:

13. Paul (Romans 1:1)14. Barnabas (Acts 4:36; Acts 14:14)15-16. Silas and Timothy (I Thessalonians 1:1 and 2:6)17. James, the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19)18-19. Most interesting of all: Andronicus and Junia. (Romans 16:7)

Although we hear nothing else about these men, Paul declares that they were notable!

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This seems makes it likely that there were many apostles in NT that we have never heardof who were not so notable.

3. Other possibilities: Jude, the brother of James (Jude 1:1); Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25) Titus,Aquila and others. Although these are not specifically called apostles, many suggest that theirpattern of ministry is apostolic.

4. The multiplicity of apostolic ministry in the New Testament suggests a wider function that iscommonly understood in church circles today.

II. Purpose of Apostolic Ministry

A. The basic definition is, "A delegate, one sent forth with full authority and power to act in the placeof another, the sender remaining back in support of the one sent."

B. Three basic functions:

1. Extending the kingdom

a. Building out, not up

1) Acts 13:2 (NIV) While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spiritsaid, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

2). (Note the use of "the work" as being something beyond the local church.)

b. Illustration:

1) Pyramid: clumping together and stacking up

2) Flat management: Minimal levels, wide plateau with leadership clusters, everexpanding foundation

2. Connecting, serving local churches

a. Cluster concept, modeled on the family / clan / tribe

b. Serving is different from "covering"

Matthew 13:47-48 (NIV) "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was letdown into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. (48) When it was full, the fishermenpulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, butthrew the bad away.

3. Mentoring / Training

a. Discuss Paul’s relationship with Timothy and Titus

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b. Acts 19:9b-10 (NIV) He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in thelecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks wholived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

c. 2 Timothy 2:2-3 (NIV) And the things you have heard me say in the presence of manywitnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

II. Characteristics of Apostolic Ministry (How are apostles similar in ministry?)

A. The apostle is called to be a servant

1. Matthew 20:25-26 (NIV) Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers ofthe Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. (26) Not sowith you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

2. Philippians 1:1 (NIV) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in ChristJesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

3. 1 Corinthians 15:9 (NIV) For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to becalled an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

B. The apostle is sent by and connected (submitted) to a local assembly. The apostle is not anindependent operator!

1. Note that whenever the apostles in Jerusalem are looked to for leadership they are always inplurality

a. Acts 6:2 (NIV) So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would notbe right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

b. Acts 15:4 (NIV) When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church andthe apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

2. Note that Paul's journeys began and ended in his home church, Antioch, Syria (Acts 13:1-4;Acts 14:26; Acts 18:22-23) Study Acts 13:3 "sent" and 14:26 "committed to"

3. Acts 14:26 (NIV) From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committedto the grace of God for the work they had now completed.

4. Acts 15:40 (NIV) but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of theLord.

5. This is an important principal often missed today. Many want to call themselves apostles andbecome a law unto themselves.

C. The apostle moves in team ministry. The apostle Paul is an excellent example of this.

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1. Note that the writer of Acts was often part of team in the later part of the book

2. Paul's dealing with Timothy is particularly interesting. (Acts 16:1-3; Acts 17:14-15;Philippians 1:1; Philippians 2:19; I Timothy 1:2)

3. More will be said about team ministry in the next section

D. Signs and miracles confirm the apostle's ministry

1. Signs and wonders

2 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV) The things that mark an apostle??signs, wonders andmiracles??were done among you with great perseverance.

2. Fruit that remains

a. 1 Corinthians 9:2 (NIV) Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you!For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

b. 1 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV) Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you donot have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

IV. An Apostolic Pattern of Ministry as Seen in Paul

Discussion Question: Break the class into several groups. Ask each group to study Acts 13-14, seek toanswer the question, “What was Paul’s pattern for ministry?”

A. The apostle is a mobile ministry and is transitional

Acts 14:21-22 (NIV) They preached the good news in that city and won a large number ofdisciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, (22) strengthening the disciplesand encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enterthe kingdom of God," they said.

B. The apostle ordains local leadership to carry on the work.

Acts 14:23 (NIV) Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayerand fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

C. The apostle retains no authority once leaving a church he has pioneered. Acts 20:17-28. Hispriority is to build the Kingdom of God, not an organization

1. Acts 20:28 (NIV) Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit hasmade you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

2. In the New Testament apostles built the church by relationships. Natural relationshipsbetween churches developed.

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3. If organization develops to serve relationships, no problem! The heart of the apostle remainsto build the kingdom of God laterally, not his own organization as a pyramid.

D. He does however continue to have influence with the assembly. His ministry as a troubleshooteris of great value. He does not lord over or control the assembly as though it was his own. Discusshow he can do this?

1. 1 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV) Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do nothave many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

a. Note that natural fathers go through several stages in their relationship with sons

b. A father's goal is to produce a mature man, an heir.

2. 2 Corinthians 13:10 (NIV) This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when Icome I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority – the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

3. Apostle's relationship with local church elders

a. Remains under the covering of sending elders (Acts 14:26)

b. Has full authority in a young church planting process (Acts 13-14)

c. Transitions authority to church elders (Acts 20:28)

d. Advises and counsels church elders based on relationship, but defers to their authority inlocal matters (I Corinthians)

E. How does the apostle continue his ministry?

1. Through prayer Colossians 1:9 and many others.

Colossians 1:9 (NIV) For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have notstopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through allspiritual wisdom and understanding.

2. Through letters (the Pauline Epistles are the result).

3. Through visits

Acts 15:36 (NIV) Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit thebrothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they aredoing."

4. Leaders trained and ordained

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Acts 14:23 (NIV) Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, withprayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

5. Members of his team sent for ministry

Titus 1:5 (NIV) The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what wasleft unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

F. Apostles seek to have their ministry reproduced

1. Paul "discovers" Timothy

2. The church is the seed bed!

V. Apostolic TeamsApostolic ministry must be understood within the framework of the apostolic team

A. Qualities Needed for Effective Teams

1. Team members must hold similar values (not just vocabulary)

2. Team members must hold similar vision and calling

3. Team members must walk in personal security

a. Must know their personal identity based and the personal destiny and spiritual gifts it isbased upon.

b. Know when to speak up, and when to shut up!

4. Team members must understand the dynamics of synergy

a. Peer synergy is more than partnership

b. Members do not loose identity, but rather are strengthened

5. Team is stronger when there are diversity of gifts and styles

B. Apostolic teams are based on covenant relationships

1. Core group of peers

2. Enhanced by "specialists" and students

3. Based on Providential appointments

4. Seek to co-operate in ministry while still reinforcing one another's individual gifts and ministry

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sphere

C. Structure is holistic versus linear

1. Not a hierarchical pyramid. Must understand principle of authority. Peers walk in submissionto one another as collegial peers (plurality)

2. Recognizes the need for chain of command, but recognizes team leadership based spiritual giftand serving, not by authoritarianism. (versus military command style of structure)

D. No name co-laborers

1. There is no place in the Scripture where Paul gives the team he works with a specific title oridentity.

2. Contemporary uses such as "apostolic band" or "apostolic company" are not supported in theGreek.

a. Company and band are used only to describe military detachments in the Gospels.

b. The closest Paul comes to calling his team a "company" is Acts 13:13 KJV which is moreaccurately translated those who accompany in other translations

3. Paul does refer to his companions several times as co-laborers suggesting the synergisticrelationship he shared with them, even with his spiritual sons who were part of the team.

VI. The Fruit

A. Fruit that remains

B. Fruit that replicates, multiplies ("the spontaneous multiplication of the churches")

Missionary Sending and Care

Discussion Question: Who sends missionaries? Compare Perspectives A-page 128, first and secondparagraph (the church "let them go") and Peters, page 218, second and third paragraph. Discuss the twodifferent concepts. Define Peters' use of "agencies" and his concept of the church "delegating" the workof sending to agencies. (Peters, page 226)

We see a combination of two dynamics:

I. The Church, with the Holy Spirit, Commissions

A. The Holy Spirit calls

1. Acts 13:2 (NASB) And while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit

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said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

2. Note Paul's testimony:

a. “By the will of God” (1 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1)

b. “According to the commandment of God our Savior...” (1 Timothy 1:1)

c. Galatians 1:1 (NASB) Paul, an apostle (not sent from men, nor through the agency ofman, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead),

B. The brethren of the local church confirm and release (Peters, page 221-222)

1. Acts 11:22 (NASB) And the news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, andthey sent Barnabas off to Antioch.

1821. exapostello, ex-ap-os-tel'-lo; from G1537 and G649; to send away forth, i.e. (on amission) to despatch, or (peremptorily) to dismiss:--send (away, forth, out).

2. Acts 13:3 (NASB) Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, theysent them away.

3. Acts 14:26 (NASB) and from there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had beencommended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished.

G3860. paradidomi, par-ad-id'-o-mee; from G3844 and G1325; to surrender, i.e. yield up,intrust, transmit:--betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, putin prison, recommend.

4. Acts 15:3 (NASB) Therefore, being sent on their way by the church, they were passingthrough both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, andwere bringing great joy to all the brethren.

G4311. propempo, prop-em'-po; from G4253 and G3992; to send forward, i.e. escort or aid intravel:--accompany, bring (forward) on journey (way), conduct forth.

Discussion Question: Who are missionaries accountable to? What is the scriptural pattern?

II. The Church and Covering

A. Acts 14:26-27 (NASB) and from there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had beencommended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished. (27) And when they hadarrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with themand how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (28) And they spent a long time with thedisciples.

Discussion Question: What kinds of covering can the local church provide for missionaries?

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B. Church support for missionaries

1. Fellowship

a. Philippians 1:5 (NASB) in view of your participation (Greek: koinonia) in the gospel fromthe first day until now.

b. Romans 15:24 (NASB) whenever I go to Spain-- for I hope to see you in passing, and tobe helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while--

2. Support: prayer and financial

a. Philippians 2:25 (NASB) But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, mybrother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to myneed;

b. Philippians 4:15-16 (NASB) And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the firstpreaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in thematter of giving and receiving but you alone; (16) for even in Thessalonica you sent a giftmore than once for my needs.

3. Accountability

Acts 15:22-23 (NASB) Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the wholechurch, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas-- Judascalled Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, (23) and they sent this letterby them, "The apostles and the brethren who are elders, to the brethren in Antioch and Syriaand Cilicia who are from the Gentiles, greetings.

III. Apostolic Covering Is Shared with Apostolic Teams

A. Note that from the first journey in Acts 13 Paul is always accompanied by brethren that assist himand serve with him.

Proverbs 15:22 (NASB) Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselorsthey succeed.

B. Apostolic covering is shared with the church by apostolic relational fellowship (networks)

1. Acts 15:2 (NASB) And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them,the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up toJerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.

(Note: This was not an apostolic council representing a hierarchical structure. It was alocal church council headed by apostles who related to that church. The council wascalled because members of the church were preaching questionable doctrine.)

Terry King

2. Galatians 2:2 (NASB) And it was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted tothem the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were ofreputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. (assumed by most to be the samemeeting as Acts 15)

3. Galatians 2:9 (NASB) and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephasand John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship,that we might go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.

Discuss the two streams of mission agencies: Denominational and Para-church.

-Denomination missions related directly to a specific group of churches and are usually a division of theircentral governing body. Many denominations originally started as mission agencies. Liberaldenominations associate them selves within the National Council of Churches and its foreign missiondivision. Evangelical denominational missions have an organization which seeks to represent them andpool their efforts: The Evangelical Foreign Missions Association (EFMA)

-Para-church mission agencies function outside the structure of a specific congregation or group ofchurches. They see themselves as an arm of the church and usually are formed as a response to aperceived weakness in the church. (Para means "along side") Para-church agencies associate themselvesin the Interdenominational Foreign Mission Association (IFMA).

Missions and Money

Effective ministry must be funded! Although many folks are hesitant to talk about money, Jesusaddressed the subject often in his teaching. This section will address key issues.

I. What are Funds Needed For?

What are funds not needed for?

Missions projects

Mercy missions

II. Missionary Support

A. Is missionary support biblical?

1 Corinthians 9:14

Philippians 4:10-20

B. Kinds of missionary support

1. Short term missions

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2. Tent maker missionaries

3. Vocational missionaries who live on the field

4. Vocational missionaries who are based in sending country

C. Financial accountability systems (Greenway, page 144)

1. Self managed

2. Local church managed

3. Mission agency managed

People Movements

Discussion Question: How did Paul decide what cities to go to and what people to preach to as hetraveled on his missionary journeys? The Scriptures are clear that He was led by the Holy Spirit, but didhe have a strategy as well?

I. People Movements in Scripture (Study Jonah and Nineveh)

A. McGavran suggests that Paul's use of the synagogue for preaching is a illustration of the "Bridgesof God" principle.

1. Paul starts preaching in each new city at the synagogue.

Acts 17:10-12 (NASB) And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night toBerea; and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. (11) Now thesewere more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with greateagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. (12) Many ofthem therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.

2. Other examples of bridges are following kinship relationships (Example: Cossum Chiangwa inZimbabwe)

B. Fundamental theological questions:

1. Can groups become Christians or must conversions be made individually, one by one? (seePerspectives, page B-138)

Note our study of group dynamics in Cross Cultural Communication (see Perspectives, pageB-140)

2. Are "making decisions" as we see done today in Western Christianity scriptural? (sinnersprayer)

Terry King

"Peoples become Christian as a wave of decision for Christ sweeps through the group mind,involving many individual decisions but being far more than merely their sum. This may becalled a chain reaction. Each decision sets off others and the sum total powerfully affectsevery individual. When conditions are right, not merely each sub-group , but the entiregroup concerned decides together. (McGavran Perspectives, page B-140)

3. Are conversions real if new believers are not separated from their former environment?

II. Fundamental Issues Necessary for a People Movement:

A. People groups are identified as the target, not individuals

1. People groups are made up of family and clans not necessarily all the citizens of a specificcountry or geographical area

2. A people movement is not large numbers becoming Christians. Most people movementsconsist of a series of small groups coming to a decision. (McGavran, page 334) "A peoplemovement is not a mass movement" (McGavran, page 335)

B. Genuine conversion is demanded; any less and the chain reaction is lost.

C. Believers are not separated and isolated but are encouraged to form indigenous churches withintheir natural context. Missionaries must be willing to trust nationals as they work out their faith ineveryday life.

D. Chain reactions are created when family lines and relationships are followed up, and are oftenclosely related to revival movements.

E. Missionaries must be ready to facilitate the planting of the new congregation

F. New church must be free to contextualize without syncreticism

1. Contextualization involves expressing the Gospel in form natural to the people (worshipstyles, evangelism methods, church buildings, etc.)

2. Syncreticism occurs when sinful practices are mixed with Christian ones in the name ofcontextualization.

III. Contextualization

A. Contextualization is likely to be the most difficult and most exciting aspect of planting indigenouschurches.

B. Four cultures must be considered

1. Sender culture of the missionary2. Recipient culture of the national

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3. Culture of the times when the Bible was written4. "Kingdom" culture

C. Contextualization is making the gospel relevant; three key stages to consider:

1. Evangelism with a gospel that is understood by the people in their terms.

2. Church planting

a. Discipleship of new believers into true Christian livingb. Training and recognizing indigenous leadersc. Reproduction of the process

3. Bible translation

A Personal Challenge

I. The missionary challenge: A personal one (see Perspectives D-312-313)

While the question of reaching whole peoples as a strategy of church planting stirs genuine debate, oneissue cannot be debated. The call to reach the people of the world is a personal one. Each one of us mustsense the great challenge and responsibility personally.

A. A personal challenge to see the world the way God sees it.

1. Matthew 9:36-38 (NASB) And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, becausethey were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd. (37) Then He said to Hisdisciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. (38) "Therefore beseech the Lord ofthe harvest to send out workers into His harvest."

2. Luke 13:34 (NASB) "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones thosesent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her broodunder her wings, and you would not have it!

3. John 3:16 (NASB) "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, thatwhoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

4. Know the world situation

a. What pages of the newspaper do you read? What magazines

b. Need to specialize on countries your missionaries serve; read up about people, politicalsituations etc.

c. Note special missions publications that are available.

Terry King

B. A personal challenge to pray

1. Pray strategically, specific countries, situations, missionaries

2. Pray constantly, and as you are quickened specifically by the Holy Spirit

C. A personal challenge to give

D. A personal challenge to go

1. Mark 16:15 (NASB) And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to allcreation.

2. One does not have to ask "If he should go" rather WHEN!

E. A challenge to disciple, to reproduce

1. Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizingthem in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe allthat I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

2. "In a report of the Student Missionary Conference of 1900, the Appendix contained astatement: If there were only one Christian in the world, and he worked and prayed a year to winone friend to Christ, and IF these two then continued each year to win one more, and "If everyperson thus lead into the kingdom led another to Christ every year, in thirty-one years everyperson in the world would be won for Christ." The mathematical progression showed that at theend of the thirty-one years there would be over two billion Christians." (Perspectives, page D-309)

II. Finish class by asking individuals to share any key insights that they gleaned from their projects.

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Bibliography

Allen, Roland. Missionary Methods: St. Paul's or Ours? Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans PublishingCo., 1962.

Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1983.

Bavinck, J. H. An Introduction to the Science of Missions. Philadelphia, PA: The Presbyterian andReformed Publishing Co., 1960.

Bryant, David. In the Gap. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1984.

Douglas, J. D. Editor. Let the Earth Hear His Voice. (International Congress on World EvangelismLausanne, Switzerland) Minneapolis, MN: World Wide Publications, 1975.

Gilliland, Dean S. Pauline Theology and Mission Practice. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1983.

Greenway, Roger S. Go and Make Disciples. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1999.

Hesselgrave, David J. Planting Churches Cross-Culturally. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1980.

Hesselgrave, David J. Editor. Theology and Mission. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1978.

Hodges, Melvin. The Indigenous Church. Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1976.

Howard, David M. Declare His Glory among the Nations. Downers Grove, IL, InterVarsity Press, 1977.

Johnston, Patrick. Operation World. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1993.

McGravran, Donald. Understanding Church Growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans PublishingCo., 1980.

Milne, Bruce. Know the Truth. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1982.

Olson, C. Gordon. What in the World is God Doing? Cedar Knolls, NJ: Global Gospel Publishers, 2001.

Peters, George. A Biblical Theology of Missions. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1972.

Shenk, Wilbert R. "The Origins and Evolution of the Three-Selves in Relation to China" InternationalBulletin of Missionary Research. Vol. 14, No 1, January 1990, page 28 to 31.

Stott, John R. W. Christian Mission in the Modern World. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1975.

Winter, Ralph D. and Steven C. Hawthorne. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. (RevisedEdition), Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1992.

Leadership Development ResourcesMissionaries to Leaders, Around the World!

The foreign missions movement is changing! These are exciting days for the Body of JesusChrist. This is particularly true in missions. For nearly a century, mission leaders have envisionedplanting national churches, churches that would grow by themselves, support themselves and beled by themselves. In the last two decades, a number of factors have led to this goal being takenseriously.

If missions is changing, missionaries must change also! Typically, the first questions one asksa missionary are, "What country are you going to... What people group in that country?" Ouranswers are somewhat non-traditional. God has called us to a special people group, churchleaders, worldwide.

We have a special burden for leaders in emerging churches. Our special focus is key leaderswho are reproducing themselves. Relationships that we have developed over the last 30 plusyears of ministry give us opportunities to minister on five continents. Being based in the Statesremoves the limitation of needing resident visas and keeps local leaders from becomingdependent on us.

Ministry Focus Areas

Apostolic Ministry• Ministry based on long term, ongoing relationships• Mentoring pastors and traveling ministers• Providing relational oversight for local churches• Assisting churches with strategic planning

Leadership Training• Training program development and evaluation• Speaker for churches, colleges, conferences and retreats

Arenas of Influence Include• Ministry in over thirty countries• Long term relationships with focused attention in several States, South Africa,

Zimbabwe, Philippines, Germany, France and Ecuador

Our Executive Director, Terry King, comes well prepared for this ministry:

• Married and in full time ministry since 1972• Parents of two adult sons• Pastor for 11 years in Hagerstown, Maryland• Pastor, seminar speaker and Bible college teacher and academic dean for five years in

Zimbabwe and four years in the Philippines• Undergraduate work at Zion Bible Institute and Antietam Bible College• Master of Arts degrees from Wheaton College Graduate School and from Azusa Pacific

University• Doctor of Ministry from Vision International University• Team Coordinator, Alliance International Ministries (www.AIMTeam.org)• Member of Evangelical Missiological Society

Leadership Development Resources is a faith ministry to leaders around the globe. We areable to obey the call of God because of the faithful support of churches and friends that havebeen moved by His Spirit. A prayer and news letter is available.

Leadership Development ResourcesP.O. Box 667Hagerstown, MD 21741 USAPhone: 301-733-8473E-Mail: [email protected]

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