missions

The Church has entered a new era—a post-Christian, digital age. But simply having a website, social media, and an online campus should not be our only forays into a digital post-Christian world. We should enter the virtual mission field.

The world and its geo-political sensitivities are far different from the last century. While industries, businesses, and politicians have to contend with phenomenal changes, it appears that Western churches and missions are unwilling to adapt to the complex new realities.

Take, for example, the lingo used by mission organizations. Many still use old language, which triggers deep hostility and violence against Christians. Terms like “conversion” or “unreached people groups” cause great trouble.

The flights are booked. The bags are packed. Last-minute preparations have been made. With a desire to serve others, it’s that time of year when Christians across the country are going on summer short-term mission trips. But more and more of us are pausing ahead of these trips to ask one important question: How effective are short-term mission trips, really?

The answer is clear. When done in the right way, a short-term mission trip can have tremendous benefits. But therein lies the issue — we haven’t always approached them correctly, especially when we consider what’s best for children.

Author and evangelist George Verwer, the founder of the Christian missions organization, OM International, passed away last week at the age of 84. Verwer founded Operation Mobilisation, which later became OM International while living in Europe. He led the ministry until 2003, when he stepped down to focus on additional projects. “Under George’s exuberant leadership and fueled by the passion of believers from many nations to reach those who had never heard the Good News, OM expanded in the '60s, '70s and '80s,” OM International’s official biography explained. Verwer also wrote multiple books, including Confessions of a Toxic Perfectionist, Messiology, Out of the Comfort Zone and Revolution of Love.

The mission that Jesus entrusted to us is not just to send and support missionaries but to make disciples of all nations. It costs, on average, $300,000 to send and support a missionary family for five years. With the same amount of funds, we can equip around 2,000 indigenous pastors and church leaders who already know the language and culture. From a financial and strategic standpoint, you can see the value of Crossing Cultures International's mission.

I encourage you to focus today on your specific calling. If you cannot complete the sentence, “My ministry is _______________,” pray and reflect until you can. Then live every day in alignment with your missional purpose, remembering that “how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives” (Annie Dillard).

Former pastor Vance Pitman stepped down from his successful megachurch because he felt called to focus on what he calls the “big C” church.

Pastor David Platt said at a recent conference that Christians need to invest more in mission work to help reach the 3 billion people in the world who are “unreached.”

Pastors and laypeople have dramatically different views about the scope of missions, according to a new Barna survey that probes what Christians believe about Jesus’ commandment in Matthew’s Gospel.

A New York Jewish couple has donated $18 million to help fund Christian medical missions in Africa.