The Ones Who Are Sent

One of the themes that has been dominating my thoughts lately is the idea that all Christians are called to be missionaries. A few may feel God's urging to go overseas to a foreign land and culture. But the vast majority of us are sent to be missionaries to our families, clients, co-workers, friends and neighbors.

The New Testament is filled with Jesus' commands that followers of Christ are sent to teach and live His message. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.., " Matthew 28:19.

"As you have sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world," John 17:18.

"The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field." Luke 10:2

In the past, it has been very easy for me to ignore these commands and to be busy doing spiritual things. Going to church and getting involved in good programs have led to passive participation on my part. As I look at my life, I am frustrated at what little effect I perceive that I have had on others. I know Christ as a result of faithful men and women who did not ignore the call of God to proclaim and reinforce His message to me. They sought me, just as God sought me.

I want to share with you some of my thoughts and practical ways that I am trying to be faithful to God's call on my life to be sent: proclaiming Christ in actions and words.

1. I feel a burden to be a missionary to my family. I am troubled reading the statistics. 90% of kids who are involved in youth ministries drop out of any church related activity by their sophomore year in college. Only 4% of 16-31 year olds have a Christian worldview based on answers to a survey of questions about beliefs.

The church in America is in trouble. 80% of the giving comes from those 55-years and older. I think Barna is right that the institutional church may lose half of its members by 2030 if these trends hold (I am praying that they don't and that we have another Great Awakening in this country).

Unless there is a dramatic change, it is likely that my kids will grow up in a culture that is thoroughly humanistic and where faith in God is looked at as weak or irrelevant. So first and foremost, I am a missionary to my family. I establish spiritual habits with my kids- prayer, reading the Bible, talking about God regularly, etc... where they see authenticity and consistency in daily life.

2. I feel a burden to be a missionary to my neighborhood. My family recently moved into a new home in Hurst. The neighborhood is new and this is a plus for building relationships. People seem a little more open to community. We had some good believing friends- the Chang's- that moved in across the street. We have talked about starting a home fellowship and potentially allowing it to become a church plant in our neighborhood. We had our first meeting last night. We have four couples- including my family and the Chang's- who have expressed interest.

For now, we are focusing on building relationships, prayer and preparation. I printed out a map of my neighborhood and started filling in names of families as I meet people. Hudson- my 3-year old- and I walk in the evening on weekdays and mornings on weekends. This has lead to many conversations. I pray for my neighbors. I don't believe God has placed me here by accident and I am excited to see what He will do in this neighborhood.

3. I feel a burden to be a missionary to my clients. I have a practice that is probably 60% believers and 40% unbelievers. I like that. I hope that my clients identify me as a Christian by the concern I have for them and the service I provide. I am surprised that I don't drive more of them away with my material on http://stewardshipmandate.com. I pray that doors are open to share the hope that is within me and that my clients make progress in their relationship with God.

I pray for 5-6 clients a day. Every month I pray through my client base. I know that my clients are not clients of mine by accident. God has a purpose in everything. I want to be available to how He might use me in building a relationship with my clients.

My heart is not where it should be on any of these things. But I thank God that it is further along than it was. Deeper faith in God daily. Life transformation. Service/usefulness to others. These are my goals. Jonathan Edwards once said, "My aim is to do the maximum amount of good to the maximum amount of people." I pray that this becomes my aim also. Lord, prune me so that I will bear much fruit for Your kingdom.

For His Glory,

Ashley Hodge