Spontaneous Missions Efforts–Apostolic Partnerships
Long before Baptists or any other group of churches or Christians formed conventions or mission boards, Christians naturally sought ways to work together through partnerships. This is true of the earthly ministry of Christ himself and of the Apostles. Acts 13:1-3 reports how the Holy Spirit spoke to five leaders of the Church in Antioch telling them to “set apart” two of their members for mission work to which the Spirit called them. “So, after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them on.” Acts 13:3 No mention is made of finances or even of a public commissioning service by the church itself. (Read more) There may well have been other details about this sending that are not described here, but if there were, they were regarded by Luke, the writer, as incidental and not crucial. Later, we see Barnabas and Mark pairing up for a mission journey while Paul and Silas do the same. In reading Paul’s story, we see him being accompanied by others, sometimes by small groups. These arrangements were surprisingly informal, spontaneous and personal. The means of financing varied. Church gifts were sent. We also know that Paul not only supported himself on the road by means of his tent-making business, but that he used that to pay the expenses of team-mates as well. Missionaries also received support by the people to whom they had come to minister. We are to fulfill the Great Commission. How this is financed is secondary.
The Holy Spirit has not limited itself to work only through established conventions and boards. This is true of God’s work among Baptists as well as among others. Many Christian institutions, such as seminaries, colleges, orphanages and hospitals were born to groups of men and women who, sensing the need, banded together, organized and formed a board to bring about the realization of their dream. This has happened even more frequently for the cause of missions. On a small scale, a family may feel called to a missions task and their church agrees to support them. Often, missionaries see special needs or opportunities on the mission fields and return to their home base to organize support and enlist workers for the task. Missionary organizations have been formed because a great need was found for which no existing organization was available to accept the challenge. As with any human effort, abuses can occur. But more often, these efforts represent great sacrifices on the part of the founders. Any Christian organization, seeking support gifts, should be very transparent in all its finances and dealings and potential supporters should be able to feel full confidence in their giving. These efforts are especially worthy if they make ample opportunity for their supporters to personally participate on the fields for which they are supplying resources.
