Not everyone should be a pastor or missionary. There should be a partnership between goers and senders. – John Piper
Listen Now:
If you feel led by God to become a full-time, vocational pastor or missionary, then by all means, respond, prepare, and begin. But not everyone is called to be a pastor or missionary. In fact, there’s a huge partnership between the sender and the goer – with biblical teaching to support it.
In one sense, all Christians are called to be missionaries – in their neighborhoods, homes, schools, and workplaces. We live out the gospel in everyday and personal ways in our micro-mission fields. At the same time, we’re called to support pastors and evangelists, and to send missionaries.
“Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.” – Titus 3:13
Not everyone is called travel as Paul was. Some need to stay behind to make sure things are rolling effectively and to help send others. Those who stay behind can remain faithful to their home ministries (family, local church, workplace); and help provide hospitality and support to those who are traveling to serve in the broader church and mission field.
For more than twenty-five years, I have experienced both staying in one spot to serve through my local church on a part-time staff basis, and traveling as a missionary to the next generation. I’ve experienced the church’s hospitality and support firsthand. It’s a powerful and dynamic combination when the church supports those who are “going.” In many ways, the model is miraculous. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to serve in this way.
Paul shared various models of how pastors and missionaries can function – from receiving support from the churches to supporting himself by tentmaking. He modeled both. Serving as pastors and missionaries includes a cost burden. Still, for the church, “the burden” is joy, living sacrificially and generously, and celebrating their partnership in the gospel (2 Thessalonians 3:7-11; Romans 10:15; 3 John 1:7-8; 1 Timothy 5:17-18).
On a personal note, this is one reason we invest time raising support as missionaries in ministry. We want to share the joy of serving in ministry to the next generation without overburdening those who invite us to join. The root of sending is to make a difference in the world for Christ together. Without senders, goers can’t go. And with no one to go, senders are stuck.
Stay with God’s calling
Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you. – 1 Corinthians 7:24.
When you experience Christ, don’t leave your job or area of work, but be faithful as a Christ follower. God’s fellowship is with us whether we are meeting corporately with the church, enjoying individual fellowship with him, or serving in secular employment. Ministry includes living life, serving in ministry, and sending in kingdom fashion.
As a student, I went on a mission trip to Monterrey, Mexico. It was an incredible week. By the end of our trip, it seemed that half our team wanted to move and live out that mission forever. Excited and blessed, I was ready if God called me to continue serving there. But I didn’t feel I should make a promise to return in the heat of the moment. Instead, the Spirit gave me this idea: Commit to be a part of at least one mission trip each year, for the rest of my life. By God’s grace, I think I have.
Life transformation happens by God’s resurrection power. And once God has changed you, there are a million ways to live out His calling on your life. Christians are sent and Christians send. You are doing both each day – even without becoming a pastor or missionary.
You can pick up a copy of John Piper’s book, Don’t Waste Your Life, here.
