| A Perspective On Domestic Missionaries |
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The Teaching & Sharing Centers 501c3 non-profit is set up to assist through our independent affiliate program those who feel a call directly from God to be a domestic missionary independently of any particular denominational doctrines or dogmas. To begin our perspective on domestic missionaries, we will share a perspective on missionary work in general courtesy of In Touch Ministries. |
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Courtesy of In Touch Ministries. Our Missionary Calling To understand God's view of mission work, let's look at today's passage. Paul and Barnabas set the standard when they obeyed God's call to go forth, and some in the local body of believers prayed over the men and sent them on their journey. They carried out the work for the same reasons that apply today: The spiritual condition of mankind. Romans 1:21-32 describes this sinful world. Unchecked sin leads people down a slippery slope toward even greater brokenness, lost relationships, suffering, and heartache. God's spiritual provision. The Father responded with grace to mankind's plight: He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to save the world. On the cross, Christ bore the sin of every person. Those who believe in the Savior are forgiven of all their transgressions, and they will spend eternity with the Lord. The commission from Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8 says that we receive the Holy Spirit so we may bear effective witness to those who need salvation. It is not merely a suggestion but a command that we share the good news and make disciples (Matt. 28:19). Believers living in God's will are to be involved in missionary work. Some will go and some will send, but all are called to spread the gospel. The Missionary Question In Romans 10, Paul asked a series of questions we can sum up this way: How will the world hear about Jesus if you do nothing? God uses Christians to spread the word that salvation is available to all. He put us in families and neighborhoods so we will build community and share the love of Jesus with those around us. But some believers are called to carry the gospel farther than others. Those who stay are to offer prayer and resources for those who travel. Have you ever thought, Mission work isn't where my heart is? Every believer is called to missions as either a goer or a sender, whether the call comes in a dramatic way or is seen more as a biblical principle to be followed (Mark 16:15-16). Christians who share, go, and send are often excited about God's message for unbelievers — and it is possible for you to be enthusiastic, too, even if you never physically leave the place where you live. Ask the Lord, "How can I be a full participant in Your mission to get the gospel out to a world that is in desperate need of it?" If you are not called to go, then choose to be a sender. Offer your prayers, your support, and anything else that will help to put others on the mission field to share the good news of Christ. In Him, everything and everyone has a purpose — and nothing goes to waste. Many Ways to Serve People can offer God plenty of reasons why He should not call them to spread the gospel. But His call is not just a nice idea or a suggestion to try if they have time; He expects our obedience and humble surrender. For Christians, the only appropriate response to God's call is "Yes." It is His responsibility to equip us for the work He assigns. The Lord has a plan for the life of each believer, and He provides us with the temperament and enthusiasm for what He has in mind. Then He sees to it that we have skills that can be developed and the spiritual gifts necessary to fulfill His mission. God determines His call with wisdom and discernment. He knows why He created each of us and what we are capable of accomplishing in His strength (Eph. 2:10). Rejecting the invitation to serve Him is foolish. It would be like telling Almighty God that He made a mistake. Surrender, on the other hand, opens the door to a lifetime of service, blessing, and joy. Mission work can occur near or far. You could serve at home by writing to prisoners, down the street by volunteering at a children's program, across the nation by providing flood relief, or in another country by translating the gospel. In short, a missionary calling is whatever God calls you to do. Hearing the Call God has issued some dramatic calls to service. Moses heard His voice from a burning bush (Ex. 3), whereas Isaiah saw a vision of heaven's throne room (Isa. 6). However, a spectacle is the exception rather than the rule. For many who go to the mission field, God's call is a persistent tug on the heart. It is a whisper in their spirit, asking, "How can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" (Rom. 10:14 NLT). People can try to ignore the feeling, block the ever-present call with activity, or quiet it by giving money. Some say no outright. But the call persists; God's will is set and His plan is steadfast. Jonah's life serves as an example of how we may try to run but cannot escape His call to serve (Jonah 1:1; 3:1). The road of obedience will certainly be marked with challenges. But thankfully, the rewards of serving are greater than any hardship, and the Lord promises never to leave or forsake us. Remember that Jesus promised Peter a hundred-fold return on his investment in the kingdom (Mark 10:28-30). Carrying the gospel is a great opportunity to serve God. What better way to thank Him for saving us than to share that experience with others. If the Lord is calling you, say yes and see what amazing, life-changing work He will do through you. |
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Domestic missionary work is basically the same as foreign missionary work, except you do not need to travel far from home. If you look at the state of our country, it is clear the Teaching & Sharing Centers is doing needed important work, and could be doing more if we had additional domestic missionaries, and other volunteers involved. It is an organization within which to find added Christian fellowship for those called to the streets in our communities independently of any particularly denominational doctrines or dogmas. Our primary purpose is to help people into a closer relationship with God. Among our various tools is the In His Steps program centered on the question, “what would Jesus have me do?” We work with both those already identifying as Christian, and those who are newly being introduced to Christ through our efforts. We willingly also work with churches, or other organizations, across denominational lines. Mission work can indeed occur near or far. Domestic missionary focus is anywhere we live, work, and play. Beginning where you are, then seeing how God expands your field. |
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updated 02/23/25 |