by Jon Konnerup
This month concludes the series on why I believe fewer young people surrender to full-time ministry, especially foreign missions.
11. Short-term missions. Many feel a first-hand, short-term experience on the mission field has a positive impact on a person’s view of missions. It challenges many to consider God’s call to serve as career missionaries. At the least, many become great advocates for the cause of missions in their local church. However, we need to be mindful of the focal purpose of mission trips — to assist missionaries, evangelize, and impact those going on the field. I am afraid some trips have become more of a “spiritual vacation” than a true, hands-on mission experience. In the last few years, reports do not show that these short-term trips are resulting in more long-term mission commitments. We are encouraged with the positive response of the BBFI TEAM Missions program as a majority return seeking approval to serve as career missionaries.
12. Spiritual warfare. There is a war for souls and Satan does not want to see people obey the call of God to become missionaries. Satan brings obstacles before them to prevent them from ever going and since this is actual warfare, some will choose not to participate. We must be upfront with our young people concerning this warfare and the difficult tasks ahead, spiritually prepare them to overcome these obstacles, and stand beside them to help along the way.
13. Emerging two-thirds world. There is the concept that believers from other parts of the world can be better missionaries than westerners. It is stated, “All we need to do from the United States is supply finances.” Admittedly, there are places those from other regions can enter countries when we cannot, adapting to the cultural variances and language differences easier. However, we are not to be just the financiers for other countries. National churches must assume the same responsibility we do in giving so they can send their own. We can help, but we must take heed to ensure that there is a level of accountability in place when we do. Just because our world is changing doesn’t mean our responsibility to the Great Commission is diminished. Perhaps our methods for some regions will change with secular training being added to our witnessing and church-planting priority. We cannot relinquish our responsibilities to other countries. I believe this is why God has blessed America — so we can be a blessing to the world by taking the gospel to the villages, jungles, islands, towns, and cities around the world.
In conclusion, remember that we must all do our part to encourage the younger generation as they consider serving God as a missionary, taking the gospel to places where most people won’t have a chance to hear of Jesus unless someone goes to them.