A Balanced Way of Doing Missions

I love the word "balance." Dieticians tell us to eat a balanced meal and Banks like us to keep our checkbooks balanced.  Balance is defined in the dictionary as, "harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole."  In most areas in life and in our world balance is a good thing, and missions is no exception—balance is critical.

As a pastor, I was taught that missions is America sending someone to a foreign land to live and tell people about Christ.  But I had to ask myself, "Where is the balance?"  I've also discovered that there needs to be balance in the way we do missions.  Most of our energies and resources have been invested in the sending of missionaries, but what about the other side of the coin?

The Great Commission (See Matthew 28:18-20) challenges us to "go and make disciples."  In those reached areas of the world, Christians desperately need to be nurtured and trained in the faith.  However, there are many that have not even heard a clear gospel presentation!

It is estimated that 87% of the unreached people groups live in countries closed to traditional missionary activities.  In other words, though western missionaries can be found in almost every country in the world, in many places they must work ‘undercover’ and consequently are limited.

It is my belief that, in many ways, nationals have a distinct advantage in ministering in their own native land.  I don’t mean to say that full-time missionaries are not a worthwhile presence, but there is no time wasted in learning a new language, or adjusting to the culture.  And finances can be used in a more effective manner. 

Because of the costs of a missionary moving his family to another country, setting up housekeeping, purchasing transportation, and the many other expenses involved, it can be better stewardship and more effective use of the funds by supporting specific ministry projects that will help the local ministry move forward in the work to which God has called them.  And because of this, God is raising up hundreds of national ministries across the various nations to carry the message to their own people and to minister to their needs.

Seven Reasons to Support National Ministries:

1) Nationals are culturally conditioned and sensitive in reaching their own people for Christ.
2) Nationals don't need to spend years learning a foreign language to communicate effectively.
3) Nationals, having been born there are physically and psychologically adjusted to both climate and culture.
4) Nationals have rights and privileges not extended to foreigners.
5) Nationals are organizationally simple, and able to live, minister, and function on a far more basic level than foreigners.  For many nationals a bicycle is a luxury.
6) Nationals do not need to go on furlough every 3-4 years.
7) Nationals are economically conditioned to live on $50-$100 a month in many parts of the world. Whereas, foreign missionaries must average $35,000-$50,000 to sustain them for a year.   

Now, please don’t misunderstand me, I believe there is a place and purpose for foreign missionaries.  But I do think it’s important that we keep our options open and not be afraid to work outside the box, as my old church planting professor use to say.  VMI does support the occasional missionary but we prefer to work through local ministries in a country, and I believe it helps us be better stewards of the funds God provides through the generosity of our good friends and supporters.

If you would like to help VMI in the proclamation of the gospel around the world just click HERE.   

Thank you and May God bless you!