Involve Your Congregation in Partnership Missions

by Jay D. Owens,                                                                                   Vol. XII, No. 6, June/July 1999

Chairman of the Missions Mobilization

and Education Committee of the SBCV

And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." (Revelation 5:9-10)

   The Priesthood of the Believer is one of the most cherished doctrines among Baptists. Often, however, greater emphasis is given to the doctrine as understood from our perspective rather than as revealed from God’s perspective. We treasure the gift given to us through the redemption of Christ that we stand equally before God, with need of no mediator except the Lord Jesus Christ.

   What must be remembered is that our free standing in Christ carries with it an enormous global challenge. The Priesthood of the Believer is not only a statement of personal privilege (as in, “I am free to act according to the dictates of my own conscience”). Rather, it is primarily a call to responsibility. We are made “priests to serve our God.” We are called, not to simply be priests, but to serve as priests.

   What do priests do? Priests represent God to the people and intercede to God on behalf of the people. If we are “the priests,” who are “the people?” -- All the people of the world who are alienated from God because of their sin. Inherent in the doctrine of the “Priesthood of the Believer” is a call to be personally involved in reaching the lost for Christ around the world.

   We are fortunate to live in a time when it is very possible for every person to be a participant on the international mission field. A person can take two weeks, travel around the world, lead even hundreds to Christ, travel home again, and never miss a day’s work! What a contrast to former generations when involvement in missions required great personal sacrifice and significant alteration of one’s lifestyle. God has opened the doors for everyone to be a cross-cultural missionary.

   How is it done? With a just a few phone calls, any church can be a participant in volunteer missions projects overseas. The following steps are suggested:

STEP #1 DISCOVER WHERE TRIPS ARE ALREADY PLANNED. The easiest way to participate in volunteer missions is to piggy-back@ with a trip that is already planned. Several resources will supply this information. The International Mission Board publishes monthly a brochure of Short -Term Volunteer Needs which lists the types of partnership trips (evangelism, construction, etc.) that have been scheduled by various volunteers in missions organizations in coordination with the IMB. Included are dates, locations around the world, the trip coordinator, and phone numbers for initial contact. The Short-Tern Volunteer Needs brochure can be subscribed to at no cost through the Office of Dr. Bill Cashion, Director of Volunteers in Missions for the International Missions Board (1-800-999-2889, ext. 1460).

   A directory of the Fellowship of Baptist World Ministries may also be obtained from Dr. Cashion’s office. This directory lists 24 ministries, many of whom lead volunteer trips with the IMB. Acquiring information from these ministries directly will open many doors for participation.

   Many Churches allow members from other congregations to participate with them in volunteer projects. A contact with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (1-804-270-1848) will provide information about how the state convention and churches in Virginia can assist.

STEP #2 PLACE SEVERAL OPTIONS BEFORE THE CHURCH TO DISCOVER WHERE THE HOLY SPIRIT IS LEADING IN THE HEARTS OF THE CONGREGATION. One of the best methods is a simple presentation of the volunteer missions opportunities during a worship service with the use of an interest response card.

STEP #3 COMMIT TO ONE OR SEVERAL TRIPS ACCORDING TO THE DESIRES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION. Remember, when plugging-in to a trip that is already planned, one person or many can participate.

STEP #4 SET PRIORITIES THAT WILL LEAD TO SUCCESS. Begin trip preparation by doing the following:

1. Each participant should first sense the leading of God in his involvement and commit to a volunteer project accordingly.

2. Each participant should make a faith commitment according to God’s leading by: acquiring a passport; making an initial deposit (usually non-refundable).

3. Each participant should begin by praying that God will provide the necessary resources (time off from work, financial needs, family needs, etc.). Hint: Those who wait to make a commitment to a volunteer project until all needs have been met usually never go!

4. Begin team preparation using the Volunteers in Missions Preparation Guide provided to each team member at no cost from the International Mission Board (ext. 1460 at 1-800-999-2889, 1-800-999-3113, or 1-804-353-0151).

5. Stay in touch with the trip coordinator and all other questions and needs will be answered.

   It is very exciting to be on mission with God to bring all peoples of the world to saving faith in Jesus Christ. The experience is life changing and the rewards eternal! All believers have the privilege of joining with God in building the Kingdom from every tribe and language and people and nation.