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Missions: Not Lone Rangers, But a Network of Partners

When we think about missions and especially missionaries, the image that often comes to mind are individuals or couples leaving the familiar and comfortable to take the Gospel to people who live far away, speak a different language, and follow peculiar (at least to us) customs. In some cases, it may also involve physical danger, especially as we consider engaging unreached language groups in places that are geographically remote, politically “closed”, or ideologically hostile.

Based on our knowledge of missionaries in church history like William Carey, David Livingstone or Amy Carmichael, we might assume that most missionaries typically “go it alone.”  And while that certainly has been true in examples like the above, it is not the pattern we inevitably see in Scripture.

A quick glance at the Gospels and you see Jesus sending His disciples on their first mission trip not as “lone rangers” but two-by-two. (Luke 10:1). Just before His ascension, Jesus commissioned the Apostles to take the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). As you watch them in action, they are usually not alone. Peter may have been the main speaker at the feast of Pentecost, but he was not alone (Acts 2:14). On later occasions, he is paired with John (Acts 3-5). Later, when Paul is set apart by the church at Antioch to be its first missionary, he is sent out with Barnabas (Acts 13) and later with Silas (Acts 15:41). And as you continue reading in the book of Acts, others (like Luke and Timothy) join him.

You can also many find references to Paul’s partners in ministry in the concluding greetings of his letters. These beloved co-workers were not mere accessories to Paul’s missionary work. They were a vital part of first century missions. Not surprising is the extended list of greetings to and from Paul’s ministry partners in Romans 16:1-16. After all, Rome was the capitol of the Roman Empire and a major crossroads for world travel. The mention of these many names underscores his deep affection for his beloved co-laborers. Moreover, the varied ethnicities and social statuses indicated by their names suggest the Gospel’s relevance for all kinds of people. But a key point we should not miss here is that the worldwide advance of the Gospel is a divinely designed partnership.

When I first arrived in Ukraine as a missionary in 2009, I learned of an American pastor who had been invited a few years before to teach Ukrainian pastors in biblical soul care. As far as he knew, he would be the first pastor to teach on this much needed topic. He was thrilled if not euphoric about the opportunity. But soon after he arrived, he found out to his dismay that others had preceded him and thus he would not be the first American pastor to plant the flag of biblical counseling in Ukraine. As Americans who culturally prize the romanticism of adventure and innovation, we can relate to his disappointment. But as divinely commissioned believers, we have something far better to pursue.

Christ is building His church to carry out His saving purposes to the ends of the earth. All for the glory of the Triune God. He uses people—not lone rangers, but people in partnership built around the joy and advancement of the Gospel. I knew this in theory before I went to Ukraine. I saw it in action during my time in Ukraine. Gospel partnerships. Amazing providential networks that are reaching around the world. Word Partners is playing a strategic role in several countries in which we support missionaries and national pastors. See for yourself by signing up to attend our next Missions Luncheon on March 12. You’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal and good fellowship, but you will also hear Dave DeHaan, VP of Word Partners as he presents this strategic ministry.  

See you on March 12,

Jerry Benge