Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Looking for Suggestions

This is a blog looking for suggestions or ideas, but...

I want to begin this blog post by reminding you that there is only one mission agency in existence.  I know that there is the International Mission Board, the North America Mission Board, Mission to the World etc. etc.  However, these are simply organizations that help facilitate missions.  They are not the mission agency itself.  I fear that sometimes we get confused and assume that they are the agencies, but there is really only one mission agency in existence and that is the Church.  No one else is going to do the job for us.  No one else is responsible but us.  And no one will be held accountable other than us.  If you are a born again believer then you are called to the mission, responsible for the mission, and you will be held accountable for the role you played in the mission.  The Church is it!  There is no plan B.  We have been commissioned to make disciples of all nations and we will answer for it.

Are you praying?  Are you giving?  Are you going?  If you are part of the church you are part of the only mission agency in existence.  You don't have to wait for the IMB to commission you.  Christ already has.  You don't have to wait until you can join Mission to the Word.  You have already joined the only mission agency when you came to Christ in repentance and faith.  You are a missionary and you cannot forget that fact.  It is so easy to get sidetracked and focused on making a living, following our favorite team, playing our favorite sports, and pursuing the prosperity, possessions, power, and prestige of the world.  Do not forget, that God did not create you and redeem you (assuming you are redeemed) in order for you to blend in with the rest of the world or even to stand out in the world as one who is successful by the world standards.  He created and redeemed you to be His missionary...his discple-making disciple and you will be held accountable for how you have responded.  If you are part of the Church, then be faithful to pray, to give, and to go.  There is no other way.

While the church is the only mission agency in existence, God has raised up organizations that help mobilize, support, and send people to the mission field that you can follow and/or get involved with.  There is the International Mission Board and Mission to the World, but there are also smaller scale organizations that are making a big impact like Heartcry Missionary Society and Life Outreach International among others.  Pray for the organizations that help facilitate missions.  Support them by giving.  Support them by going.  After all, you are already part of the missionary sending agency itself (the Church).  Now, be obedient.

I am looking for creative opinions, just for fun:  If you were leading an un-named organization that sent missionaries to unreached people groups around the world and supported missionaries on the field, what would you call that un-named organization?  I am looking for original, creative, thought provoking names for such an organization.  If you have any ideas, respond to this blog or email your suggestions to kevin@kevinivy.com

Thanks.  Until next time...