I really appreciated Eddie Chee’s unconventional thoughts on Missions this past sunday. He made some really good points. Here’s 3 thoughts I’d like to add to the conversation.
1. I hope that we really do cultivate a more critical and balanced view of missions. We do need to call things as they are – if it’s a mission trip that serves others, or if it’s an observation or learning experience. I also hope though that we don’t simply act when we have a purist notion of missions and feel guilt when there seems to be something in it for you. I’m committed to loving my wife unconditionally, but I do find joy in the fact that she loves me in return. Genuine relationships are mutual and bidirectional. The apostles experienced contentment and even Jesus had ‘joy’ as he endured the cross.
2. Regarding tentmakers – I don’t think it’s as narrow subsection of people as we think it is. If you’re a follower of Jesus and you earn an income – You’re a tentmaker. In Ephesians Paul talks about how we ought to work, so that we can give. As opposed to simply working, so we can pay our bills, and do what we want. There are many degrees of direct ministry a person can be involved with, but lets not forget all of us are missionaries, and many of us are tentmakers, and that’s something to be honored.
3. About funding and supporting missionaries – Mosaic, you’ve already begun doing so prayerfully and collectively with me. I’m thankful not only for the opportunity, but that you’re paving the way for a new way of fueling the movment, and helping people join Jesus in what He’s already doing, all around us!
