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Church Connections

Serving as Senders

Author, Neal Pirolo
Book Summary by Loren Andersen

The book "Serving As Senders" sets forth five aspects of care for missionaries by their senders prior to departure for the field.

Moral Support - just “being there’ for them, continual words of encouragement (“God bless you, we are excited with you in your missionary calling”), willing to release them rather than lamenting about them leaving and how it will hurt the church; not suggesting that missions is wasting their hard earned college education, not emphasizing sacrifice but rather commending obedience. Some churches send a church member/couple to each presentation by their missionary to commend and introduce them to the audience before the missionary speaks.

Logistics Support - Mr. Pirolo calls this aspect “bits and pieces.” It includes: maintaining accountability in ministry, confirming and encouraging spiritual growth, assisting in business affairs as needed (i.e. oversight of house when they are away or even manage the rental of their house when they are on the field), help with child care if needed, car repair and maintenance, complimentary dental or medical care, storage of personal belongings they choose not to sell or take with them, communication with elderly parents when they leave for the field, help with packing, attending to other personal details.

Financial Support - Assistance with start-up expenses (stationery, prayer cards, introductory brochure, display, media equipment and presentation, cost of mailings), provide a church phone for calling pastors to schedule meetings or reimburse them for ministry calls made from their home, help the church develop a policy that contributes a significantly larger percent of support to home church missionaries than those from outside the church; contribute a generous portion of their Outfit & Passage (O & P) needs (one pastor invited each willing member to give an additional $5. weekly above regular giving toward their O & P requirement until that need was met). If the church is in a building program, designate a % of the building fund receipts for missions.

Prayer Support - Missions is spiritual warfare. How can you pray for those who are on pre-field? For a close walk with the Lord, joyful marriage and family relationships, effective management of time (many are employed while also seeking to fulfill all the responsibilities of contacting pastors and being involved in weekend ministry), for divine appointments in scheduling meetings, effective presentations, children’s positive response to their parents’ missions commitment, dealing with discouragement when support comes slowly, for spiritual fruit, safety in traveling, good health, witnessing opportunities, adequate rest, freedom from anxiety. Also, for singles, include prayer for freedom from undue loneliness, courage in contacting pastors, acceptance of their singleness, protection from evil, trouble-free car operation.

Communication Support - While this accelerates in value when a missionary leaves for the field, it is vital during pre-field as well as the missionary is often away from their home base. Provide opportunities to update the church when they are at home, include their weekly ministry schedule in the church bulletin, send them a bulletin and other church information when they are away, encourage people to send “love notes” of support, make quick phone calls to see if they have a need or to pray with them, schedule regular appointments with them for updates and prayer, demonstrate genuine interest in them, their needs, schedule, burdens and ministry.

For some pastors and churches, sending their own members to the mission field is a new experience. Learn all you can from what others are doing; read appropriate materials, ask your missionary for ideas they have gleaned from ministry in other churches, pray for wisdom, keep your missionary before your congregation. Others will be encouraged to consider missions as they see how their own church surrounds its people with loving, Biblical support practically applied. Take good care of your “kids,” they are your family members!

Book available at: Emmaus Road International, 2150 Tanner Court, San Diego, CA 92111; E-mail: Emmaus_Road@eri.org; Website: www.eri.org