Thoughts on the Missionary Call, Part III

What are we to think, then, about a “missionary call”? I'm convinced that the problem of a missionary call, like knowing God's will, or even Christian decision-making, is much simpler and more profound than a fleshly formula or an expectation of emotional chill bumps.

To put it in perspective, let's recall the big picture: God's big, overarching purpose through all of Scripture and time is God's glory. It's important to realize that everything is about God and His glory; it's NOT about us or me! To somehow expect or demand (?!) that God is obligated to impart some personalized foreknowledge is arrogant. It's presumptuous. It's trading walking by faith for a false sense of walking by “sight”.

I like Jim Elliot's perspective. Here are some of the things he said:
“Missionaries are very human folks, just doing what they are asked. Simply a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody.”
“Our young men are going into the professional fields because they don't 'feel called' to the mission field. We don't need a call; we need a kick in the pants.”
“Rest in this – it is His business to lead, command, impel, send, call, or whatever you want to call it. It is your business to obey, follow, move, respond, or what have you.”

It is a pressing fact that God has called His church, His people, to go and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28), to preach to the Gospel to everyone (Mk 16), to proclaim forgiveness of sins in His name to all the nations (Lk 24), to be sent as He was sent (Jn 20), to use our resources “that all the ends of the earth may fear Him” (Ps 67), to “preach the Gospel, not where Christ was already named” (Ro 15). These are commands and purpose statements. They are marching orders. Though it does take a certain amount of qualification and fitness for the task, it does not require more than simple obedience to God's word and passion for God's glory to motivate someone to become a missionary. God and His Word are a sufficient basis.

Yet, I believe, there is something more ... Someone saying, “I want to obey the Great Commission. I want to be a missionary,” is not enough. Confirmation of “the call” does not happen in a vacuum. We don't allow people to lay their hands on themselves to ordain themselves into missionary ministry.

The context of confirmation is the local church. Suppose the friends and leaders of the individual in their local church context don't observe and affirm that individual's skills, dedication, initiative, and missionary-mindedness. In that case, they should not be encouraged into missions. The local church witnesses and develops missionary candidates emerging from their midst. They attest to the veracity of God's calling, confirming the mix of gifts, skills, training, inclination, opportunities, etc. The candidate must be involved to the hilt in the ministries of their local church.

Changing geography doesn't make someone a missionary. Potential missionaries must be faithful and involved in ministry at home before they're given the stressful and expensive opportunity to serve far away. Character counts, too! The local church is best positioned to know and disciple a missionary candidate intimately. Missionaries sent overseas should meet the stringent biblical requirements of vocational ministers in their home congregation.

So, what constitutes a missionary call? In my humble opinion, a missionary call is discerned when the individual candidate/s exhibit these seven marks:

1. A solid understanding of the biblical concept of the glory of God and His global purpose to see Jesus Christ glorified in all nations.

1. A high view of Scripture; a commitment to know, obey, apply, teach, and proclaim it.
2. A personal conviction to pursue missions ministry, in obedience to God's Word, and given the appropriate opportunity. If the candidates are a married couple, they should meet all these marks of a “call,” including being convinced that they should pursue missions.
3. A serious commitment to ministry in and through personal involvement and relationships in a local church (home church/sending church) context.
4. Strong personal spiritual vitality and maturity, observable by others and exemplified in excellent character, match church leaders' biblical qualifications.
5. Confirmation of local church friends and leadership regarding the candidate's consistency and effectiveness in local ministries and fitness (including appropriate training) for the projected missions ministry.
6. There are no hindrances preventing the candidate from going and/or sustaining an “above-reproach” testimony for Christ, the Gospel, and His church.

P.S. - Paul was a missionary long before Acts 16.