10 Principles for Building

Your Missions Outreach

Prayer –

Proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth  (Missions) is God’s purpose for the local church – He needs to be part of the process.  Pray about everything and everyone involved and ask that whatever is done will glorify Him.  

Policy –

Having a Missions Policy (written document) helps the committee know why they exist and provides foundational principles with which to work.  It will help you respond when, for example, the church wants to pave a parking lot using missions money because “it will help bring in new people.”  A missions policy that defines that missions as outreach beyond the local congregation makes it clear that the parking lot is not an appropriate missions project. Policy needs to include: who’s on committee, length of term, goals and objectives, definition of missions, who can be supported,  how missions is funded, etc.   ACMC publishes an excellent handbook to help a church create a policy.

Prioritize –

There are many needs in the world and a single church cannot solve all of them.  But over time, you can make an impact in some areas.  Setting criteria for support and priorities (in a missions policy) of who and what to support (geographical, kinds of ministry, type of agency, etc.)  sets out a strategy and a vision for your church’s involvement. Acts 1:8 provides a good model for this.  (Notice the “AND.”)  This map needs to be reevaluated (and perhaps redrawn) regularly to make sure you are on track with God’s plan for your church.

Program –

The most effective Missions programs are not the one annual weekend extravaganza.  While a time of missions emphasis is important, it is better to do it conjunction with a continuing program of education.  Because missions (making disciples) is the primary purpose of the church, concentrate on having an outreach piece in everything else you are about, but particularly with kids. (Parents will catch vision from their children.)  Examples:  Sunday School classes and Bible Studies have “own” missionary,  VBS collects donations for local Crisis Pregnancy Center,  Youth hold a “30-Hour Famine” for world hunger, Worship service commissions people who pack and regularly includes missions-related sermon illustrations and prayer for missionaries and current world crises. 

Passion –

Enthusiasm is contagious. But the process of transforming hearts for missions is also an ongoing, never-ending education process.  Basic areas of teaching include Bible study (God’s plan), missions history (humankind’s response),  cultural considerations (People’s need for Jesus in every ethic group, language and tribe – Gen. 12:4 and Rev. 7:9),  and current strategies (world’s needs now and status of finishing Great Commission).  Stock your church library with missions biographies.  There are a number of curriculums for adults and lots of materials for children.  Call 1-800-MISSION (U.S. Center for World Mission) for a catalog. 

People –

The second most effective way of helping people in pew to have a heart for mission and the needs of the world is to connect them with people that are doing it.  This means real missionaries talking about what God is doing through them in face to face meetings (dinners, worship,  fellowship times, Bible studies, etc.).  Relationships develop followed by a greater interest in that ministry and others followed by increased prayer and financial support. 

Pack –

The #1 way to increase your church’s missions involvement is to send someone packing.  Whether this is for a two-week vacation or one year short term stint or career placement, make sure the whole congregation is aware and involved - before, during and after the trip.  Sending your pastor will give him/her a better vision that will ultimately be transmitted to congregation.

Provide –

God’s word says that where your heart is, there is your treasure also.  There are many ways to provide financially for missions and should be a part of the church missions policy.  Possibilities:  general budget item, tithing (10%) offering plate, special collections for specific people and projects, designated giving either to missions in general or to specific people and ministries church has relationship with. Missionaries also need prayer and encouragement, so look for ways to support in addition to money (letters, birthday cards, phone calls, small gifts that fit in a letter-sized envelope, visits).

Patience –

Don’t get discouraged if it takes a couple of years before you see any “progress” in your congregation’s missions vision. It is better to start small and grow it bigger, than to begin with a large event that is poorly put together. Calling something “missions” automatically decreases attendance. Food attracts, but not necessarily exotic cuisine.  Collect ideas for the future by talking to other churches or going to ACMC missions conferences. People expect excellence, so take the time and energy and add creativity.

Praise –

Your missions outreach has increased.  Your people are on fire for the Lord and the world.  Exciting things are happening.  Before you congratulate yourself, remember that you are witnessing a work of the Holy Spirit in which you have had the privilege to be a part.  Make sure the glory and the credit go to God.  For He is able to do more than we can ask or imagine!  (Ephesians 3:20)