Missions
We understand missions ministry as the ongoing, redemptive work of Jesus Christ in the world through His Church. World Missions may be defined as those endeavors outside of the church in the community and world that fulfill Christ’s command given in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15. Christ commanded that His Church was to go into the entire world and preach the Gospel, make disciples, baptize believers, and teach them to observe all that He commanded.
The following are the key concepts in Messiah Missions’ work and the definitions that we use.
One of the most important aspects of any Christian-based mission’s work is their position related to the manifested will of God. Messiah Missions’ modus operandi consists of aligning strictly with Biblical precepts which reveals God’s ordained method of evangelism. It is wholly contained in the presentation and message of Jesus Christ and his finished work on the cross as God’s solution for mankind’s inherent sin condition.
While we are deeply involved in alleviating physical suffering by means of support, the real purpose of outreach is the healing of souls through the provision of Jesus Christ. Messiah Missions is not a humanitarian organization that assists those in physical need predominantly. We do not want to lose sight of God’s ordained commission and instead aspire toward philanthropy. This is not the essential tenants of Messiah Missions’ call, but attributed as only a part.
Additionally, Messiah Missions adheres to the simple proclamation of the Good News, without adding or subtracting from its message. As Paul aptly wrote in I Corinthians 2:4 ‘My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.’ and again in 1 Corinthians 1:17 ‘For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel–not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.’
Autochthonous Leadership
Messiah Missions’ donations are strictly allocated to indigenous missions, meaning pastors who in long standing, are operating within their own culture and people. Messiah Missions does not support U.S. short-term or experimental mission field trips, although at times we might provide a gift as God directs otherwise. Ultimately, we accept the biblical teaching that anyone who has a new life in Christ is called to evangelism, i.e. missions, by means of either supporting missions or going into missions as a life call.
Field Representatives
Messiah Missions maintains formal partnership with mission outreaches locally and overseas. An approved leader at each of these locations will serve as the field representative. The organization provides the means to recommend nationals worthy of support, distribute funds, gather reports, and provide local oversight and accountability.
Field Representatives are missions ambassadors who have agreed to serve as “co-labors” in their various fields of labor. Appointed by the leadership of Messiah Missions, they share in the vision and help cultivate deeper relationships with indigenous ambassadors in the same field. Field Representatives must be able and willing to invest time and energy into other missions and ambassadors and to help in communication between all involved parties.
Unity
Messiah Missions encourages its members to pray for unity in the vision for this organization. Our call goes beyond personal interests or individual focus on any specific need or group. Our eyes must be set on God working through this organization as a whole, under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Thus, we base our work in constant prayer and flexibility is our first and foremost value.
We receive many requests for support but we will attend the needs of ministries that God brings our way only when they comply with the biblical definition of Missions outlined above.
Donors are also a powerful response to prayer, and God’s personal involvement is a sign that human efforts are not sufficient to fulfill God’s ultimate will.
Pastoral Advisory Council
The leadership of Messiah Missions recognizes the broad-reaching scope of missions and missions ambassadors affiliated with Messiah Missions. Over the years, strong relationships have been cultivated with pastors and other Christian leaders who have been blessed with God’s wisdom and understanding in matters related to world missions and spiritual growth.
The Pastoral Advisory Council is a group of such shepherds who have agreed to be advisors to Messiah Missions. By expressing their wisdom and knowledge in potential trouble areas, by helping with new mission’s ambassador candidate approval, and by giving insight on national and international mission’s trends, these ministers help the Missions Team to complete its task with a broader ministry perspective.
How Do We Monitor and Screen the Ministries?
Messiah Missions has trusted pastors in several locations across the 10/40 window, all with many years of experience stationed within the indigenous culture, who we have a working relationship of at least 5 years. We require any potential ministry who seeks support, to supply state (country) supplied documents with seals, each their own state (region) issued ID’s and other credentials to run a background check. Second, a local elder team goes onsite and examines the ministry to assure that the operations are legitimate and if the doctrine is sound, according to Scripture.
So, yes, we have a militant methodology about cross examination and testing any potential indigenous outreach. To date, several submissions have failed to meet the strict criteria of exemplary commitment to Scriptural ideals and subservience. Additionally, we require a monthly report, detailing the use of donations, at least 5-10 photos and other personal reports, which in part are posted monthly on the Messiah Missions website.
We find it a fearful responsibility to be provided donor funding, fully trusting in the delegation in the ministry of the Lord. To whom much is given, much is required.
Our Guiding Principles
Integrity: Conduct ourselves with the highest degree of integrity— both organizationally and personally.
Trustworthiness: Treat every donation as a “sacred trust”—being sensitive to the generosity and sacrifice of the donor, and to our responsibility as faithful stewards of gifts given “to the Lord.”
Effectiveness: Stay as lean as possible administratively—so that we can maximize our support of national missionaries, and never have to “downsize.”
Respect: Esteem others better than ourselves—in regard to our relationships with one another and with national missionaries.
Empowerment: Maintain a “culture” of empowerment—enabling individuals to use their God-given gifts and pursue their God-given dreams—among our staff in the U.S. and national missionaries overseas.
Excellence: Search for “eagles”—continually pray for and seek out successful men and women with tender hearts and high skills to join our outreach.
Trust: “Lead the way” in forming mutually respectful and trusting partnerships—working in synergy with like-minded organizations in the U.S. and overseas.
Flexibility: Embrace flexibility and fight rigidity, realizing that we must be lifelong learners and must show patience in the face of challenges.