Are we called of God into foreign missions, or are we commanded of God to do missions? These are often confusing questions for the Christian. We see both the call of missions and the command of missions in the New Testament, but how do we apply them personally?
First of all we need to clarify the difference between foreign missions and the Christian’s responsibility to be a witness in everyday life. Each Christian has the responsibility to share their faith and to be a witness for Christ in their words and actions. This is seen in Acts 1:8 and is described as “being witnesses,” as well as in Matthew 5:13-16 as being “salt” and “light.”
When we consider foreign missions it is much more than personal evangelism. It includes being sent out of a local church to preach the gospel, baptizing those who believe, discipling them in the local church, and training leaders who will continue on this process. We see this model of missions in the book of Acts in chapters 13-14. For this type of ministry there is a special calling which the Lord has and makes known through the Holy Spirit and confirms by His word and the local church.
Acts 13:1-3 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
In this passage we see the Holy Spirit commanding the local church to “separate” and “send” Paul and Barnabas to the work to which He had “called them.” We see both the command and the call of foreign missions. It is two-fold: there is a calling to go and a command to send.
The calling and command of foreign missions is still relevant today. God is still calling those whom He chooses to go to the foreign mission field and the church is still commanded to separate and send them. So, when it comes to foreign missions you are either called to go or commanded to send. The majority of Christians will not be called as foreign missionaries, but those who are need to be obedient to that calling and go in faith. Those who are not called to go as foreign missionaries are commanded to send through the local church by their prayers and financial support. Are you being obedient to the role that God has for you?