Big Day in Richmond

Today is a big day as Kyle, Tim & I meet with pastors from Cornerstone Church in Ames, Iowa & Pinelake Church in Brandon, Mississippi to begin discussion with the International Missions Board (IMB) about a new model for doing missions.  We're calling our concept "The Sending Church Model." 

Basically, we believe the Great Commission was given to the church.  So, rather than turning our missionaries over to an agency to decide who goes, where they go, when the go & what they do when they get there, we beleive the church should be determine who can go, where they go & what they do. 

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm very thankful for the IMB.  Many people all over the world are in the kingdom today because of their faithful efforts.  But, this isn't about the IMB; this is about the church being who the church was created to be & doing what we were created to do.  The church should be the sending agency. 

For the church to outsource missions to an agency is like a dad & mom outsourving their parenting responsibilities, sending their kids to a "Parenting Agency" and sending them money, praying for them, being involved as much as possible but having no authority as to thier policies or strategies in rearing kids.  We'd never think of that because that responsibility was given to parents by God.

In the same way, sending missionaries is a responsibilty given to the church by God.  We must no longer pay, pray & stay out of the way.  We must get involved.  So, pray for us today as we begin discussion with the IMB about a new model.  Pray that we have clarity of thought & speech & that God gets the glory.    

Comments

[Kenny Pierce]

Hey Brother! I continue to follow with great interest and fascination what God is doing in and through LifePoint Church in Smyrna. Never take it for granted because ‘it ain’t happening everywhere’. God continues to work and bless there because HE is getting the glory.

For some of us who grew up in a typical Southern Baptist church, as kids the FMB and HMB (now IMB & NAMB) were somewhat mysterious entities with an elite force of ‘special agents’ engaged in spiritual warfare in various parts of the world. Although the WMU did an admirable job of helping us connect with the missionaries and their ministries, for most of us, involvement in international mission work seemed something far beyond the realm of possibility for most ‘ordinary’ followers of Christ. Unfortunately, that perception may have prevented many from pursuing such ministry opportunities – even today.
To the point… many folks agree that a ‘new model’ of ‘doing missions’ is probably needed to maximize the use of available resources and opportunities and to better involve all people in the Great Commission. It will be very exciting to see the model take shape and be implemented.

That said, there are a couple of concerns (although not necessarily for LifePoint Smyrna because I know YOU) I trust will be taken into consideration as the new model evolves…

1. Many churches may not have the resources (leadership, knowledge, experience, finances, etc.) to take on the task in which LifePoint Smyrna is currently engaged. Those churches will continue to rely on the IMB & NAMB through the Cooperative Program for organizing many of their missions efforts – especially those beyond the immediate community they serve. The new model must continue to provide opportunities and encourage smaller congregations to participate in significant and meaningful ways.

2.Ongoing communication and involvement of people at ALL levels is crucial or the new model may become another organized effort for which individuals are to “pay, pray and get out of the way”. Proper communication will also help ensure that efforts are understood as a desire to glorify God and lead people to embrace Christ rather than any perception of control issues.

God has placed you in this position and given you this vision “for such a time as this”. I am thankful for that you placed your ‘yes’ on the table many years ago and that you have allowed God to use you as he does. Any worthy endeavor will encounter challenges so don’t “come down from the wall”. Carry On! You, your family and your ministry remain in our thoughts and prayers.

[pat sheryl]

wow..."outsource missions..". Never considered it that way. The church has really been more 'hands-off' than we should be. It's probably harder to continue to be as passionate once they are 'sent' and gone if we're just paying an agency to handle it from there. Thanks for the insight. Looking forward to hearing more updates on what you are learning through this.