How can I know if God is leading me to become a missionary?
Are there missionaries who have gone even though initially they had no desire to go?
How much should I consider the needs of the world and my gifts?
» more related questionsQ: I do not feel called to missions. Is it selfish for me to send financial/prayer support and not go myself?
A: Not at all. Be a sender.
We have all been called to the Body of Christ and to function within that Body. Some will be witnesses in Jerusalem (your home town), some will be witnesses in Judea (linking arms in a greater area ministry), some will be witnesses in Samaria (among the ‘unlovables’ of the world) and some, as they are going throughout the world, will be witnesses to the uttermost parts.
For those who go to the “Uttermost Parts,” there is a need for a support team — a care group. For every military personnel who goes to the front line of battle, there are a minimum of nine backing him up on the line of communication. Those who serve as senders are equally important. Their responsibilities are quite different from those who go, but they are equally vital. No, it is not selfish to be a part of “the rest of the team.” Imagine a baseball coach telling the right fielder, “Hey, you didn’t touch the ball the whole game. We don’t need you any more!” Of course not. Likewise, though the ones who go might be like the pitcher and catcher who are touching the ball every inning, all the other members of the team are equally responsible to fulfill their particular role. In our book, “Serving As Senders,” we talk about six areas of care needed by Paul, that great First Century missionary, and needed by every missionary today. If that is what our Lord calls you to do, that is all He expects of you.
On the other hand, we see an interesting progression in Matthew 9-10. Jesus has called on His followers to “Pray to the Lord of the Harvest.” A few verses later He says, “OK, guys. You’re it. Get going!” It may be that as you have been faithful in providing financial and prayer support for your missionary friend, God will call you to the frontlines yourself.
For those who go to the “Uttermost Parts,” there is a need for a support team — a care group. For every military personnel who goes to the front line of battle, there are a minimum of nine backing him up on the line of communication. Those who serve as senders are equally important. Their responsibilities are quite different from those who go, but they are equally vital. No, it is not selfish to be a part of “the rest of the team.” Imagine a baseball coach telling the right fielder, “Hey, you didn’t touch the ball the whole game. We don’t need you any more!” Of course not. Likewise, though the ones who go might be like the pitcher and catcher who are touching the ball every inning, all the other members of the team are equally responsible to fulfill their particular role. In our book, “Serving As Senders,” we talk about six areas of care needed by Paul, that great First Century missionary, and needed by every missionary today. If that is what our Lord calls you to do, that is all He expects of you.
On the other hand, we see an interesting progression in Matthew 9-10. Jesus has called on His followers to “Pray to the Lord of the Harvest.” A few verses later He says, “OK, guys. You’re it. Get going!” It may be that as you have been faithful in providing financial and prayer support for your missionary friend, God will call you to the frontlines yourself.
A: No. Senders are crucial.
I could not give scholarships to students, milk to babies, medicine to the sick, Bibles to as many as possible if "nobody sent!"
I find that so many people think they are "not doing anything," when, without their support, the "sent" could not be overseas where the need is so great.
I find that so many people think they are "not doing anything," when, without their support, the "sent" could not be overseas where the need is so great.
A: ’Feel called’
I am in full agreement with the answers already given. Allow me however to address the phrase "feel called." If your primary reason for asking for alternative ways to support missions is that you don't "feel called," I'd encourage you to take a class like Perspectives (www.perspectives.org). It is possible that learning more about the why/who/etc. of missions could compel you to go even without "feeling a call." I know of several missionaries who went to the mission field for reasons that did not include a particular "feeling" of being called. It is okay to serve as a sender, but make sure it's not just the lack of a feeling that leads you make this decision. Just something to think about.
Disclaimer: the above answer has yet to be edited by the webmaster.
Disclaimer: the above answer has yet to be edited by the webmaster.
A: Not at all.
It is not wrong to send financial and/or prayer support. Jesus sent the disciples into different lands with prayer. Part of a successful missions team is a team that consists of a person being sent, a prayer team and a financial team. Those are core aspects of missions today and a firm foundation for the expansion of the kingdom.
