Chapter 8: Reaching your Potential

IN THIS CHAPTER, you will discover:

· The value of missions as ministry.

· Practical aspects of a short-term mission.

· The essentials of salvation.

· The importance of ministry follow-up.


AS A RESULT, you will be able to:

· Determine if you have a call to long-term missions.

· Plan a short-term missions trip.

· Share effectively the plan of salvation.

· Follow up ministry for recent converts.

Reading: Living on the Devil’s Doorstep, pp. 211-17; Bringin’ ‘Em Back Alive, pp. 149-53.

Key Scripture: “The gospel must first be preached to all nations” (Mark 13:10).

When God called William Carey to overseas missions, he was a cobbler mending shoes in England. In his spare time he studied the Scriptures and pastored. From his own perspective, Carey could have ignored the call. But he chose to listen to and obey God. As a result, God gave him a burden for India, which became the focal point of his life.

Spurned by both religious and governmental authorities, Carey went abroad in 1793. His first disaster was the loss of all his equipment in a river accident. Then his whole family died of diseases contracted in India. Carey might have given up and gone home. But he stayed, despite continuing difficulties. Fire destroyed the print shop that contained his Sanskrit dictionary, the result of years of laborious research and writing.

Undaunted by his losses, Carey rallied around his mission. He produced thousands of Bibles and tracts, translating them into forty different Indian languages and dialects. Carey served God in the face of nearly impossible odds. Acclaimed as the “father” of the modern missionary movement, Carey always insisted that he was “merely a cobbler.”

Carey could have used one or more of the most frequently used excuses for declining a call to long-term missions:

· I have no talent for evangelism.

· My family needs my support.

· I can’t afford it.

· I’m not ready to make the commitment.

An Overcoming Attitude

If you have had a stirring in your spirit regarding God’s call, don’t ignore it. Listen carefully, for communication between the Holy Spirit and our own spirit can be temporarily cut off when we rely on our own plans or get caught up in endless questions. Looking at a mission call from a divine perspective, we realize we are compelled to overseas evangelism because:

· Jesus commands it.

· The end of the age is near.

· The West has largely heard the gospel.

· Evangelistic opportunities may vanish.

Perhaps you have asked yourself: Why bother with people who are happy with their own religion? Should we try to change their culture? Where does moral obligation end and interference begin? As you meditate on the answers, consider the following scenario:

Recently Discovered AIDS Cure to Stay in U.S.
Controversy has arisen over the recently discovered cure for the HIV virus. U.S. government officials have decided to confine the distribution of the medication to citizens living in the continental U.S. A government spokesperson further stated that only those foreign-born citizens who immigrated before 1950 would be included in the distribution.

How would you react to a report like this? Would you be offended? Should a discovery this important be confined to one group of people? Even non-Christians can see the immorality of confining such a discovery to one country.

In reality, Christians have discovered that the cure for all the world’s emotional, physical, and spiritual ills is Jesus Christ. Can you see the parallel between the physical and the spiritual? We are faced with the choice either of confining this good news to our own select group or of sharing it with other hurting people. Will we keep the discovery to ourselves, or will we offer healing, Jesus Christ, to the nations?

We must continually grow as Christians, and that often requires a giant step founded in faith from one plateau to the next. Each of us is morally obligated and specifically commanded to share the gospel. William Carey felt responsible to answer God’s call, realizing that on his own he had nothing to offer. But God knew Carey’s capabilities — and, more importantly, his availability. God still calls individuals today, providing the necessary skills and talents to carry out that call.

Key Concepts:

1. Christians are “ecclesia” or the ones. [BBA, 150]

2. True or False. The normal Christian life is a radical one. [BBA, 150]

3. In the book of Nehemiah the broken wall symbolized a lack of (evangelism, protection). [BBA, 150]

4. may be defined as loving what God loves and hating what God hates. [BBA, 151]

5. True or False. There are still three thousand language groups who do not have the Bible translated into their languages. [BBA, 151]

6. To develop a burden for the world, we can on behalf of those in darkness. [BBA, 151]

7. True or False. A vision without a burden makes drudgery. [BBA, 152]

8. Jesus implanted a vision in His disciples to see themselves in a light. [BBA, 152]

9. True or False. The first men cut from Gideon’s army were those who saw their own needs as top priority. [BBA, 153]

10. A direct result of a burden and a vision is (faith, work). [BBA, 153]


Further Study: Read “Witness,” NIDB, pp. 1067-68.

Mission in Action: Marietha, a worker at The Cleft, had found the prostitute Marika sick and in need. She began to go regularly to her home to cook, clean, and baby-sit. Others from The Cleft ministered to the young girl, who often wavered in her faith. Their perseverance paid off, for Marika’s life was drastically changed into a vibrant witness for Christ (LDD, pp. 216-17). Perhaps you have witnessed to someone from such a sordid background. Take heart; even though he or she may waver in commitment, there is still hope if you persevere in prayerful, loving support.

Reading: Living on the Devil’s Doorstep, pp. 218-26; Bringin’ ‘Em Back Alive, pp. 154-60.

Key Scripture: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35).

A short-term missions trip is the perfect way to “get your feet wet,” so to speak, in cross-cultural ministry. A mini-mission may be compared to an appetizer at a dinner party — just enough to whet the appetite for what is to come later.

The success or failure of the trip often depends on the amount of planning involved. The first step is the preparation of the heart. Prayer and fasting, individually and corporately, is crucial. Memorizing verses or passages of Scripture produce a well-stocked arsenal for the spiritual warfare that you are bound to encounter. Wise counsel from those who have made similar journeys and can provide spiritual guidance is mandatory.

The next step is to learn everything you can about the country and the people group you are visiting. Your local library is a great place to start. Good reference sources are encyclopedias, atlases, and National Geographic. Don’t overlook travel magazines that may feature articles on specific countries. Look for clues about the political structure, geography, history, language, economics, and religion in books written about the country or people group.

Perhaps you could offer tutoring in English to nationals living in the United States. In exchange for your help, they would be able to provide insight into their culture. First, ask questions about them personally. How did they become acclimated to life in the United States? What were their positive experiences? Their negative experiences? Next, ask if they can think of any areas that might prove troublesome when you travel to their country? As you converse, become sensitive to the worldview of your target culture. How do the people feel about the supernatural? About Americans and Christianity? Do they practice ancestor worship or a major world religion? What importance do they attach to social relationships?

Once your homework is finished, the next step is to do it! Sign up for a short-term missions trip. But before you do, read the following acrostic of sixteen practical tips to help in both your preparation and execution of the trip.

Share your faith with others.
Help out in any way you can.
Offer support to leaders and team.
Reject rigidity; be flexible.
Take a positive attitude.

Travel with an established group.
Eat what is offered.
Report back to your home church.
Meditate on God’s Word daily.

Maintain your sense of humor.
Increase your knowledge of the people.
Support the local missionaries.
Seek friendships with nationals.
Interest others in outreach.
Obtain a working knowledge of the language.
Never let romance interfere with mission.

Keeping a journal of your trip will help you remember details that might otherwise be forgotten. Jot down thoughts, prayers, and praise reports. If you record faithfully, you will be able to recount the whole experience in detail. Even trials can be written about with a positive outlook. When you know that God is in complete control, you can be optimistic that He will turn situations around for your good according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). These same trials will become praise reports for sharing later. Be sure to include any lessons you have learned through your experiences.

Realistic Reentry

Your short-term missions trip will very likely be life-changing. Be aware that returning home may be difficult, even depressing. You have become for a short time part of a totally different culture. You may have mingled with people in abject poverty and mourned for half-naked children suffering from malnutrition. Culture shock will likely strike as you look around at overfed Americans, children wearing designer clothes, and the media assaulting your senses with sex and violence. Everything may seem out of balance. At this point, ask Jesus to help you regain your equilibrium.

Once you have worked through your shock, be ready to share your trip with others. If no one specifically asks you to share, volunteer to give a program for your church or any small group interested in missions. As you begin your presentation, speak clearly. Downplay any adverse reactions you may have had to the culture or the people. Emphasize your positive experiences. Try to tell a story rather than give a speech. Slides or photographs will make your trip come alive, and any visuals (clothing, maps, money, stamps, etc.) will illustrate your story more clearly. Your primary emphasis should be the people that you met — their worldview, customs, and their acceptance or rejection of the gospel.

Finally, share the lessons that God taught you as a result of your trip. Encourage questions from your audience. Anticipate their questions so that you can answer succinctly. Always stop your presentation while they are still interested.

The Long and Short of Missions

Your short-term missions trip may be the first of many — or it could be the beginning of a commitment to long-term missions. Some, who have heard a definite call, simply begin preparing for full-time missions without participating in a short-term mission first. The young man in the following story is just such a person.

Ten years ago Mark felt God call him to minister in China. At that time it was very difficult for a Westerner to go to China, even as a tourist, let alone as a missionary. Nevertheless, Mark trusted God and began looking for practical ways in which he could prepare himself.

He went to the library, borrowed Mandarin-language tapes and began learning the language. He read all the books the library had on life in China. About five or six years later, when the doors to China began to open, Mark was there, equipped and ready. He applied to the Chinese government for a job teaching English as a second language, for which he was accepted and sent to a remote province.

Mark is still in China today. He has free access to the student dormitories where he holds evening Bible studies. As a result of his efforts he has been able to lead many of his student friends to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Had Mark been unfaithful and failed to take the initiative when God spoke to him he would not be doing what he is doing in China today.
(from Wholehearted, p. 44)

Mark, like other foreign-field missionaries, has chosen to relinquish many of his rights, including family, nationality, freedom, and possibly his life. It was only as he gave up these rights voluntarily that he was set free from the fear, self-pity, and prejudice that often haunts missionaries. For that matter, as messengers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are all asked to give up our rights, whether on the field, at home, or abroad. And, like Mark, we can be free of any hindrances to experiencing the abundant life — and sharing it with others.

Tentmaking

Another type of missionary is the tentmaker, named in honor of the apostle Paul who for a time supported his own outreach through his previously learned craft of tentmaking (Acts 18:1-4). In Ephesus he joined Priscilla and Aquila, a couple who were also tentmakers. Paul defended his occupation to the Corinthians, “What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it” (1 Cor. 9:18). Although he believed that ministers deserved to be supported, Paul did not want to depend on anyone for his livelihood in this particular situation. He wanted no strings attached to the gospel he preached to the Corinthians.

God still calls tentmakers today. Also labeled “lay missionaries” or “nonprofessional witnesses,” these missionaries earn their subsistence through employment within a culture’s economic system. Hired by secular companies, they work as engineers, teachers, secretaries, and a myriad of other occupations. Using friendship evangelism, tentmakers invite neighbors or coworkers to their home, often for a Bible study. Tentmakers are called to present the gospel in another culture, often going to places unreached by regular missionaries. These “nonprofessional witnesses” are often underground missionaries in places where they cannot openly share the gospel.

Tentmakers mentioned in scripture (other than Paul) are Abraham (Gen. 12:4-5), Joseph (Gen. 41:41-43), and Daniel (Dan. 2:48). Each of these men went to a foreign country at God’s direction. Only Abraham was told specifically where to go; both Joseph and Daniel were snatched from their homelands and taken by force. Abraham knew how to herd livestock. He continued in that line of work and was tremendously blessed. Joseph worked as a houseboy, a steward, an interpreter of dreams, and finally a ruler of Egypt. Daniel, also recognized for his ability as a statesman and seer, was honored throughout the reigns of four kings. All three prospered in an alien culture, using the gifts and skills God had given them.

Everyone has skills that can be used for evangelization — administrative, writing, carpentry, electronic, secretarial, etc. Popular areas always open to tentmakers in various parts of the world are education, business, engineering, health care, and agriculture. These very broad areas include hundreds of specific jobs.

There is one caution, however. If you are considering tentmaking, be absolutely sure that you are sent by God. It is much too easy to get caught up in a romantic notion of working in a foreign country, traveling, meeting exotic people, and saving the world — all while succeeding in a prosperous career. People under such an assumption are often setting themselves up to fail. Moreover, those who have never witnessed to anyone outside their own door will find it burdensome to relate the gospel overseas.

Tentmakers who have been successful witnesses in foreign countries have several things in common: They are all called to an occupation as a vehicle to share the gospel. Each has led Bible studies or taught Sunday school classes on evangelism in their home church. They have been active long-term members of a local church to which they remain closely tied. Therefore, anyone interested in tentmaking should first get involved in missions in a local church. Then those who are called abroad can proclaim with the great tentmaker Paul, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service” (1 Tim. 1:12).

Key Concepts:

1. Short-term missions programs provide missionary involvement that may pique your interest for long-term involvement. [BBA, 154-55]

2. True or False. You can become involved in missions in just a few months of preparation through a short-term discipleship training opportunity. [BBA, 155]

3. War, natural disasters, and famine have created a need for workers. [BBA, 155]

4. People interested in Bible translation can receive training from Wycliffe Bible Translators. [BBA, 155]

5. For each missionary serving in the field, many missionary organizations require several workers. [BBA, 156]

6. True or False. Paul always totally supported himself and his ministry through tentmaking. [BBA, 156]

7. We all need to give generously and to missions. [BBA, 156]

8. Church should remain in the church until local leaders can organize and assume the responsibility. [BBA, 157]

9. The bottom line in world missions is church (involvement, planting). [BBA, 157]

10. The swing toward with teaching and training began in the 1970s. [BBA, 158]

Further Study: Read “Tentmaker,” NIDB, p. 726.

Mission in Action: Even though the YWAM team knew that the Salvation Army building was to be theirs, they did not jump at a rich businessman’s offer to purchase it for them. Later they realized that the timing had not been right. They needed more time to develop leadership and to grow spiritually stronger (LDD, p. 221). Does some opportunity seem too good to be true, yet God has not given you peace about it? Wait for Him to give the signal to go ahead.

Reading: Living on the Devil’s Doorstep, pp. 227-35.

Key Scripture: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom. 12:2).

Many years ago, the character Joe Friday on the TV show Dragnet made the phrase “just the facts” popular. In today’s vernacular, the phrase means: Cut out the extraneous material and get down to the essentials. If you are looking for “just the facts” of salvation to share with an unbeliever, here they are:

· God created us to enjoy a personal relationship with Him.

· Sin is a barrier to that relationship.

· Jesus’ death and resurrection has made reconciliation possible.

· We must respond affirmatively to God’s invitation.

· We must repent and turn away from our sins.

· We become new creatures, living to imitate Christ.

· The Holy Spirit empowers us to live as overcomers.

The following acrostic and scriptures will help you to remember these important points of salvation:

Salvation by grace (Eph. 2:5)
Acceptance of free gift (Eph. 2:8)
Lordship of Jesus (Phil. 2:11)
Victory over sin (Rom. 8:1-2)
Awakening of faith (Heb. 11:1)
Transformation of personality (2 Cor. 3:18)
Indwelling of Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17)
Overcomers in the world (1 John 5:4)
Newness of life (2 Cor. 5:16)

As a ready reference, jot down some of the above scriptures on the flyleaf of your Bible. Or you may pick several from the list below:

John 3:16-17, 36 Hebrews 9:27-28

Romans 3:23; 10:9-10 1 Peter 2:24

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 1 John 1:8-9

Ephesians 1:11-12; 2:10 Revelation 3:20

Certainty of Salvation

How can you know if you have been saved, or if you were merely caught up in a moment of emotional or religious fervor? While sin captivates, constricts, and oppresses, salvation through a relationship with the person Jesus Christ provides freedom, peace, and an abundant life by the power of God. Your salvation is assured when you . . .

— Have a personal and growing intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

— Seek to please the Father rather than yourself out of love.

— Discover an inner peace within in the midst of life’s turmoil.

— Cannot enjoy sinning.

— Are freed from punishment, Satan, fear of death, and legalism.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Sanctification

Although sanctification is often confused with salvation, the two terms are not synonymous. Salvation — being born anew — is a one-time event just as natural birth only happens once. To be sanctified is to be set apart for the Lord. In that sense everyone who believes on the Lord Jesus as Savior is sanctified. In his letter to the Ephesians Paul referred to Christians as saints (1:1, 15). He even addressed the carnal Corinthian believers as sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 6:11). The Bible therefore teaches that all believers share in the positional sanctification that occurs at salvation.

However, Scripture also describes sanctification as progressive, showing this as a pursuit for holiness. We are becoming sanctified by God’s Word and His work in our lives through the Holy Spirit. Making ourselves available to God is the first step in progressive sanctification. Then, as we trust in and obey ?Him, the Holy Spirit empowers us not only to resist sin but to live out His purpose and plan for our lives. As we submit to His workings in our lives, He brings us closer to His perfect image. Our goal is always to love, please, and serve God according to His purpose, plan and power (1 Cor. 10:31).

Key Concepts: [All answers above]

1. is the barrier between God and humanity.

2. We all must and turn away from sin.

3. 1 John 5:4 states that we have become (bondslaves, overcomers).

4. True or False. The main goal of a person who is born again should be to please others.

5. Salvation frees a believer from eternal punishment and the fear of (failure, death).

6. True or False. It is impossible for a carnal Christian to be sanctified.

7. (Positional, Progressive) sanctification is a striving for holiness.

8. Our goal is to do all things for the glory of our (faith, God).

Further Study: Review the scriptures under “Salvation, D. The Process of Salvation,” New International Version Topical Study Bible (NIVTSB) Topical Index, p. 147; also read “Sanctification,” NIDB, pp. 894-95.

Mission in Action: The McClungs were called as a family to Amsterdam. They knew that security and safety could not be found by running away. They also discovered that the greatest happiness is found in serving others (LDD, p. 230). Not everyone is called to live overseas or to move to the inner city. But everyone should ask, “What are my values and what am I living for? Am I totally available for whatever the Lord has in mind?”

Reading: Bringin’ ‘Em Back Alive, pp. 129-133.

Key Scripture: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” (John 15:16).

No farmer harvests a crop and then leaves it to rot in the fields. He gathers it in and stores it up in a granary where it will be properly preserved and kept. Likewise, when a person becomes a Christian they need to be assimilated into a local church fellowship. Too many Christians think the job of evangelism is completed once a non-Christian has made a decision to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. As a result many newly born-again Christians are left out in the cold and are never properly incorporated into the life of the church where they can grow and mature.
(from A Heart for Others, p. 72)

Harvesting and preserving new believers are not easy tasks. But we can use the apostle Paul’s excellent example for follow-up. His ardent desire was to revisit recent converts. When it was impossible for him to see them personally, he sent someone in his place (1 Thess. 3:1-2). Paul’s numerous letters to individuals and churches also conveyed his love and compassion for those he had evangelized.

Time (Acts 15:33-35). Spending time with new believers is important. They will have questions concerning the Bible, their salvation, their walk with the Lord, and a myriad of other personal issues that need your direct attention.

Correspondence (2 Peter 3:1-2). When direct attention is not possible, you can contact them through letters. This takes longer, but questions and answers can be dealt with in this way. Moreover, an encouraging letter can be read over and over to other Christians. You can share scriptures that are especially meaningful to you — and what the Lord is doing in your personal life. In some instances, you may send tapes, magazines, or books to encourage their Christian walk.

Groups (Acts 2:42-47). Getting new believers into relationships with other Christians is vital to their spiritual growth. Usually people do not develop spiritually without being part of a group. This is especially true in third-world countries where cultures are built around group life. Accepting Christ often means rejection by a believer’s family. This tearing away from the family group can be devastating unless individuals can be assimilated into a group of supportive Christians.

Prayer (Rom. 1:9-10). Prayer support cannot be overemphasized. As you pray for new converts, you are literally going into spiritual battle for them. The more people you have praying with you, the better; for there is strength in numbers. Another goal for evangelism is to help new converts develop a prayer life that is intimate, consistent, and effective.

Bible Study (2 Tim. 3:15-17). Encourage new believers to get into Bible study to learn who they are in Christ. The scriptures they learn and the presence of the Spirit they experience ensure the stability of what is built as they mature.

Networking (John 1:40-42). Networking outside the small group with other individuals or groups provides added support for new believers. Encourage new converts to share their new-found faith with others. As each one tells another, disciples are multiplied into the next generation. The following story illustrates the responsibility to prepare for generations to come:

A very old man was planting trees in Israel when a passerby stopped and asked, “Will these trees bear fruit in your lifetime?” “No, that takes about seventy years, and I don’t expect to live that long. But my father planted trees before I was born so I could collect the fruit. Now I will work to leave some for people who come after me.”

Sowing is often the easiest part of the salvation process; nurture is an ongoing activity that requires much time and effort. Without it, new believers will often fall away or fail to mature in their walk with the Lord. As you take on the task of nurturing another believer, ask the Lord for patience, perseverance, and power.

Key Concepts:

1. True or False. Evangelism and discipleship mean exactly the same thing. [BBA, 130]

2. An inherent weakness in mass evangelism is that the evangelist cannot personally _____________ his converts. [BBA, 130]

3. The purpose of an is to proclaim the gospel. [BBA, 130]

4. Billy Graham said that the most important part of an evangelistic campaign is . [BBA, 131]

5. Jesus commanded us to make (disciples, decisions). [BBA, 131]

6. True or False. It’s important to capture as many souls for the kingdom as possible in a short time. [BBA, 131]

7. True or False. The “instant” mentality has crept into our view of evangelism. [BBA, 132]

8. Setting goals sets us up for discouragement. [BBA, 132]

9. Jesus used the method of to minister to the multitudes. [BBA, 133]

10. The long-range objective of Jesus was to make disciples of all . [BBA, 133]

Further Study: Read “Living Out Life in Christ,” IBC, pp. 1327-29.

Mission in Action: Floyd McClung believes that AIDS will soon be a dominant social problem in the world. Moreover, he believes people will be turning to the church for the answers they need. We must be ready to point them to the only answer — a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (LDD, pp. 232-33). As a Christian can you hate the sin but love the sinner? How will you respond to someone you know — perhaps a member of your family who contracts AIDS? Can you look beyond the broken body to the broken spirit that needs Christ?