The world has certainly changed over the last few years! Less than a hundred years ago, most Christians lived in Europe and North America; today, most Christians live in places like China, Nigeria and Brazil. If that’s true, then why do we need to send missionaries at all?

It all comes down to a question of access. There are still vast numbers of people across the world that have little to no ability to hear the gospel, read a Bible, or even meet a Christian. Some people groups don’t even have a single Christian that speaks their language.  

In the west, we have been blessed with amazing freedom and access to Christian literature, churches and resources. Our brothers and sisters across the world have their part to play in reaching the nations, but that doesn’t mean that we are able to sit on the side-lines!

We still have a vital role to play. 

What comes to mind of when you think of a missionary? Pith helmets, socks and sandals? An incredible grasp of obscure foreign languages, Bible teaching and cultural expertise? An impeccable spiritual life?

Let’s be realistic for a moment. A missionary today can look like 101 different things. Whilst all those who work cross-culturally need to have some essential qualities, including patience, a passion for God and a love of the people they work with, no two are alike.

Within Pioneers, we have a huge range of people using their vocations and skills as a platform to reach those around them with the gospel. Of course, there are teachers, doctors and Bible translators, but there are also entrepreneurs, extreme sport enthusiasts and graphic designers. Did we mention the chocolate makers?

Could you go to the nations?

Samuel Zwemer, a hugely influential missionary to the Muslim world, wrote that ‘The history of missions is the history of answered prayer. It is the key to the whole mission problem. All human means are secondary.’ 

God is drawing people to Himself all across the world, through His Holy Spirit. He brings dreams and visions, conviction of sin, and revelation of Himself. So prayer is the fuel that drives world mission. Whenever we see large movements of people to Christ, the common factor is always the sowing of sustained prayer by faithful believers.

If you want to change the world, pray.

We believe in the local church – that’s why it’s one of our Pioneers core values.

Right from the beginning, local bodies of believers have always had the role of sending, supporting and praying for missionaries. In Acts 13 for example, we see the church in Antioch recognising that God was calling Paul and Barnabas, commissioning them to go on their missionary journeys.

So where do mission agencies fit in all of this? Well, agencies and other organisations have the expertise, experience and connections to help the local church fulfil its God-given mandate. We can sort out logistics, link you with a team and offer practical help. We complement the ministry of the local church but we’re ultimately facilitators, not senders.

The local church is the vehicle through which God is reaching the nations. 

All of us are called to play a part in the Great Commission, but not all of us are called to go.

Each of us brings unique gifts and abilities to the mission of God. Some of us have cross-cultural opportunities right where we are now, with our friends and neighbours from other nations. Even if that’s not the case, there’s a role for each of us to play. 

Are you a passionate person of prayer? Then pray your heart out. Blessed with finances? Give generously. Enthusiastic preacher? Preach on world mission. Encourager? Write to missionaries and lift their spirits.

Have you found your place in God’s mission to the nations?