Forced to leave home, the christians all became missionaries... Part III (Acts 8:4 The message)
Two weeks ago, I noted that for our community of Christians to become missionaries means 5 things.
1.) we are to be a missional movement
2.) those committed to our community are to be missionaries
3.) as a missionary, those committed must define their mission field
4.) we must be strategic, prayerful and intentional about meeting needs in the mission
fields
5.) we must provide places in which to invite those we serve into Christian community
and the redemption of creation when the seeds begin to sprout
Let’s talk about #3.
How can I, as a missionary, define my mission field?
First, you do not choose your missions field, that’s Gods job. You simply identify and define where God has called you to serve. In Acts 17:26, Paul says, “From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (NIV) Did you catch that? God not only determined the place where you should live, but also the time frame! Wow. His plans for us are detailed! He placed you in Lee County in the company of the people you know with specific purposes for your life... NOW!
Second, determine whether your mission field is geographic, relational, or both. Every mission field has one thing in common... people who need a relationship with Jesus. In other words, your mission field is not among the strongest believers, it is among those who need Him. A geographic mission field is defined by the boundaries of a neighborhood, workplace or some geographic location. A relational mission field is found in an area of your life that contains consistent relationships. Determine which of these two holds your mission field.
Once you define your mission field it is time to begin to evaluate how God wants to work. Here are a few suggestions to start that process.
A .) Take a “Mission Trip”: take a stroll through your neighborhood or workplace and
stay open to hear from God. Pray as you walk. If you have a chance to strike up a
conversation, do it. If not, just enjoy the walk.
B.) Take in the sights and sounds: When you find yourself in your Mission Field, take
in information from all 5 senses... what do you see, smell, hear, taste, feel?
C.) Try to imagine the hurts and life struggles of the people in your mission field.
D.) Ask the question, “What is good news for these people?”
E .) Pray for God to give you a person of peace and relationships among those living or
working in your mission field.
Where is your mission field? What would God have you do to begin working in your field?
Two weeks ago, I noted that for our community of Christians to become missionaries means 5 things.
1.) we are to be a missional movement
2.) those committed to our community are to be missionaries
3.) as a missionary, those committed must define their mission field
4.) we must be strategic, prayerful and intentional about meeting needs in the mission
fields
5.) we must provide places in which to invite those we serve into Christian community
and the redemption of creation when the seeds begin to sprout
Let’s talk about #3.
How can I, as a missionary, define my mission field?
First, you do not choose your missions field, that’s Gods job. You simply identify and define where God has called you to serve. In Acts 17:26, Paul says, “From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (NIV) Did you catch that? God not only determined the place where you should live, but also the time frame! Wow. His plans for us are detailed! He placed you in Lee County in the company of the people you know with specific purposes for your life... NOW!
Second, determine whether your mission field is geographic, relational, or both. Every mission field has one thing in common... people who need a relationship with Jesus. In other words, your mission field is not among the strongest believers, it is among those who need Him. A geographic mission field is defined by the boundaries of a neighborhood, workplace or some geographic location. A relational mission field is found in an area of your life that contains consistent relationships. Determine which of these two holds your mission field.
Once you define your mission field it is time to begin to evaluate how God wants to work. Here are a few suggestions to start that process.
A .) Take a “Mission Trip”: take a stroll through your neighborhood or workplace and
stay open to hear from God. Pray as you walk. If you have a chance to strike up a
conversation, do it. If not, just enjoy the walk.
B.) Take in the sights and sounds: When you find yourself in your Mission Field, take
in information from all 5 senses... what do you see, smell, hear, taste, feel?
C.) Try to imagine the hurts and life struggles of the people in your mission field.
D.) Ask the question, “What is good news for these people?”
E .) Pray for God to give you a person of peace and relationships among those living or
working in your mission field.
Where is your mission field? What would God have you do to begin working in your field?
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