Ask a Missionary - Catch The Fire

• Teamwork. The New Testament concept of evangelism
and church planting usually involved teamwork. Today,
a team concept can offer many benefits. (1) Working in
fellowship, a team has the potential to model Christian
community for a lost world, especially a team of internationals
working together. (2) A team can give different
perspectives on the work. (3) The Bible teaches that in
joining together, our potential increases exponentially. (4)
Other people working with us from our sending agency
can offset our weaknesses. (5) Other people can help
continue a ministry we started if we must return to our
home country.
• Response in crisis. An agency usually has a network of
workers within a country that is up-to-date on our lives
and work. If a personal crisis occurs or an outside threat
is imminent, the mission can provide prompt response
with personnel on the spot.
Answer from Mike, who served ten years in West Africa and North Africa on a
Bible translation team with WEC International.
A: Because it’s biblical—and practical too.
In Acts 13, we find the formation of the first mission team and
first agency. The team, Paul and Barnabas, was not micromanaged
from Antioch. They were capable Christian workers who had proved
their ministry and were sent to do God’s bidding. But just as Paul
and Barnabas were careful to keep ties with Antioch on their return,
so is it incumbent on mission agencies to maintain healthy ties with
their denomination or local church. We are all members of the larger
body of Christ. Interrelatedness is essential to effectiveness.
Agencies can and should provide experience and expertise
in reaching their target people groups. Reputable agencies will be
AGENCIES: Researching the Options | 51