In selecting a partnership for a church’s mission’s strategy, on what priorities do you focus? The first three were finding the greatest need, the greatest match, and the greatest impact. But what is the fourth?
Greatest Team
What is the greatest team your church can assemble to evangelize with this particular partnership?
The goal for a mission trip is not to grow in Christ or deepen relationships with other team members. While both of those will naturally happen, the goal is to evangelize – everything else is behind that focus. Since evangelism is essential, we will limit the number of team members and screen applications for church missionaries. Paul was very emphatic about the maturity of his missionary team members (Acts 15:38-40). Christ paired his disciples together intentionally to spread the gospel (Mark 6:7). While the entire early church was expected to engage in personal evangelism, they commissioned select groups to serve in strategic partnerships. A missions leadership team will screen through mission applications to ensure the team is comprised of people already active in personal evangelism and faithfully growing in love for God and others. These teams will also take a great emphasis in enlisting members who are deciphering God’s call to full-time missions.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
I love that! You are so right on! I really enjoyed my time with the teammates when I went to Africa, but the door to door evangelizing was where I found my passion. All the "type D" personality came out; that is, I found I was fearless, tireless and relentless (in a nice way) when it came to sharing the message of hope to those half a world away so they would know of God's love and His desire for them to come to Him in a loving, personal relationship. While you are planning these mssions, don't forget that I could use some help right here in Greenwood with women in need who desparately need a kind ear and Godly wisdom at Leath.I love being a part of a team of believers who love the Lord and who are wholy devoted to sharing His Love.
I love that! You are so right on! I really enjoyed my time with the teammates when I went to Africa, but the door to door evangelizing was where I found my passion. All the "type D" personality came out; that is, I found I was fearless, tireless and relentless (in a nice way) when it came to sharing the message of hope to those half a world away so they would know of God's love and His desire for them to come to Him in a loving, personal relationship. While you are planning these mssions, don't forget that I could use some help right here in Greenwood with women in need who desparately need a kind ear and Godly wisdom at Leath.I love being a part of a team of believers who love the Lord and who are wholy devoted to sharing His Love.Danita