Baptists continued their efforts in local and nationwide missions but they also became a worldwide missionary people. Today, scores of Baptist missionary organizations in many countries send and support thousands of missionaries in all parts of the world. Bases for Missions Most Baptists insist that the Bible’s teachings make missions mandatory, not optional, and that voluntary cooperation by individuals and churches for missions is in accord with the practice of New Testament churches. They establish organizations to carry out missions both in their own country and on a worldwide scale in response to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Belief in the Lordship of Christ is basic for Baptists. Christ as Lord commanded that the gospel be taken to all people everywhere (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). Furthermore, Jesus set an example for missionary endeavor and bids his disciples to follow him (Matthew 4:19; 16:24; Luke 9:59; 1 Peter 2:21). Baptists believe that the Bible is authoritative for doctrine and polity. The Bible is a missionary book, not just a book about missions. From Genesis to Revelation the Bible sets forth God’s desire that all the people of the world know him and his salvation (Genesis 12:1-3; Revelation 5:9; 7:9). Sharing this good news requires that Christians be sent to spread the word of salvation (Romans 10:8-15). They go in the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) with the knowledge that whosoever believes in Jesus can be saved (John 3:16; Romans 10:13). The Bible records that the early followers of Christ affirmed missions. They declared that the gospel was for everyone, everywhere. They matched their words with deeds. The first churches sent out missionaries who surmounted barriers of geography, language, and culture in spreading the gospel (Acts 13:11–28:31). We are to follow their example. Types of Missionary Activity Mission activityincludes personal witnessing and church starting as well as various forms of ministry such as medical, educational, and agricultural. All of these involve sharing the gospel. Missions used to be thought of just in terms of specific locations, and missionaries were sent to work in local, associational, regional, national, and international locales. While this still often is the case for doing missions, geography no longer is considered the only organizing principle. Wherever people without the gospel are located, there is a need for missions. At one time, Christians sent to do missions were expected to make mission service a lifetime career. Career, full-time missionaries still are a vital part of missions. However, many other individuals are involved in missions, such as short-term mission appointees and volunteers. In the past, churches primarily were involved in missions by sending money for missions and urging Christians to serve as missionaries. Funds were provided directly “The rankest heresy can be guilty is to i its missionary H. E.Dana, AMan
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODc4ODgx