“The evangelization of the world is the only enterprise large enough and important enough to provide an adequate outlet for the church’s wealth.” – J. Campbell White
A passion for missions is not only a way to save the world, but a way to save the church.
John Piper writes in his book Don’t Waste Your Life that the church will perish with her wealth if she does not pour herself out into ministries of evangelism, mission, and mercy with unchurched people at home and abroad. All the money needed to send an army of people to share this good news is already in the church, but we’re just not giving it.
In another expert from the book, Piper shares these statistics:
Christians these days give 2.5% of their income. … During the Great Depression, they gave a higher share of 3.3%.
Only 1% of households making over $75,000 contribute with amounts of at least 10% of their income.
The average giving by adults who attend US Protestant churches [in America] is about $17 a week.
However, in addition to money, we also need to know that the day of missions is not over. We must continue to send missionaries, respond to God’s call, and pray earnestly for the church to rise up and tell the Good News of Jesus. There is still a need. There are still millions who have never heard the story and salvation of Jesus.
If the church is to regain a passion for growth, health, and transformed lives, it will because it empties self-preservation and holds on only to Jesus. Too much money can cause the church to shift its trust and allegiance and, simultaneously, lose its soul, the very reason it was created.
Let’s pray for missions. Let’s give toward missions. Let’s live on mission. For sake of the world.