(This article from AfriGo Magazine, .afrigo.org, and was written by African Pastor and mission leader, Philip Kofi Tutu) Working among an unreached people group is so important in developing a passion for mission in pastors and church leaders. Someone has said that we will not have a burden for the lost until we experience a “holy discontent”. And that only happens when we put ourselves in the place where we will feel that discontent – where our hearts will be broken for the lost, the least and the last.
My own launch into mission was serving among the Dangme people, who live in southern Ghana near the Volta River estuary. I entered full-time pastoral ministry in 1981, and my church sent me to serve the Dangme….
It was a tough, challenging ministry. When I first went I was not married: I was afraid to take a wife to that place. Voodoo had a strong hold on the people. If you spoke against their gods or idols they might attack you. But God was good and He protected us.
We planted seven churches among the Dangme, and this experience created a passion in me to be very missional in my pastoring. When we left, after ten years, it was so good to see that God’s presence was there.
We returned to the capital where we were involved in urban ministry for two years. My previous experience had taught me that no church will be effective until it has a missionary vision, so I was determined to see every pastor get the opportunity every year to experience mission. Short-term trips are vital, and they should involve church elders too. They return with a new light in their eyes, telling the church about their experience and challenging others to get involved….
WE (AS PASTORS) MUST TAKE THE LEAD…
We must cast a vision for mission from the pulpit. After all, if you believe in something but don’t speak about it, there is a problem somewhere. A number of obstacles may raise their heads. These can include tradition (this is not the way we do things), mentality (we are not ready for this), denominational position (this isn’t church policy); and political barriers (this may not be safe!).
WHEN CHURCHES GET SWITCHED ON TO MISSIONS, EVERYTHING CHANGES! THEIR PRAYER LIFE CHANGES AND THEY BEGIN TO HAVE A WORLDVIEW OTHER THAN FOCUSING ON THEMSELVES. They see the needs around them, and their hearts are broken. And they become more free to release people and finances for God’s work.
The Church in Africa has an internal strength. Some of our biggest congregations did not receive external support. So we can encourage others: a “homegrown” church is possible in any location. And because we are strong, we are able to channel that strength into sending and supporting mission. To read the entire article, click the link below:
And, if you want to help mobilize your church or small group for “The Great Commission”, here is our video from thewaitingworld.net