Comments on: Missionaries: Help Us Help You

By: JoeyZ

JoeyZ — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:29:01 +0000

[...] Good post from Jeff-Missionaries: Help Us Help You [...]

By: patsy

patsy — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:16:09 +0000

This was a helpful article. It is interesting at what draws people to respond when it concerns missionaries. I was sharing our ministry needs to a lady just recently. So piously she said, “What you and your son need to do is sell everything you have and move into the community where you are serving.” Honestly, I was filled with all sorts of emotions. He left an accounting position, sold his house, went back to school and received his masters of divinity. We are still paying Fannie Mae after 4 years. He works at the YMCA 40+ hours a week, and the rest of his hours in the church and community planting a church (without pay since January) in the ghetto of Nashville, TN. Whether in the US or abroad… individuals seem to think that Missionary’s are “called” to suffer.

What hurts all “called” missionaries from getting assistance is that way too many are doing a lot of stuff in the name of missions. My husband and I along with some family and friends are financially supporting our church plant, waiting on the NAMB to rethink how monies are being shared. The excuses that most give for not getting involve with helping us is that their money is being sent for this or that mission event abroad. Interestingly enough the money is not going to the missionaries that are sacrificing and giving of themselves, much is going to pastors who lead their churches to send them and their circle of friends (6-10 people) to spend a week in _______ and return to tell about “mission trip” / vacation. This amount of money would/could fund a missionary and his/her ministry.
A called missionary is not guilty of spending money on things that are not needed. A vacation is much needed. Jesus pulled away for periods of rest and meditation…but he did not take pictures and talk about that when his focus was saving souls.

I am praying for a revival among our churches that we will take seriously the call of all of us to be missional in our everyday walk and support with our money not just our prayers. People use the word prayer way too loosely. To pray for God to work but unwilling for Him to use you in the working is hypocrisy.

By: Marc Lewis

Marc Lewis — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 15:36:48 +0000

Missionaries may want to consider using(where available and permitted) blogs, twitter, facebook and skype to give those who are supporting them as much information as they choose to use. This will allow them to share briefly about the work and then preach the Word in their mother tounge for a change….according to where they are serving that is.

The paradigm of missionary share times at churches and information from the field is changing. Connection is increasing which brings much encouragement to the missionary and more understanding to the senders.

Also, I would advise missionaries to find which churches are open and welcoming to hearing about their work and personal lives. All of life for the believer is to be shared and enjoyed. Churches that may frown upon information about vacations and personal events should be noted and should follow advice #4. In other words, get to know your supporting churches and use wisdom. Find the churches you can celebrate all of life with and be free of #4 while still loving and respecting the churches that are sending you out to work and report on work.

By: David Utter

David Utter — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 08:42:55 +0000

Great post. It seems that much of it should be common sense. Missionaries need to be organized, polite, knowledgeable, and focused on God and the work. May this help many (especially newer) missionaries.

By: Missionary Scribbler » Communicating Your Mission

Missionary Scribbler » Communicating Your Mission — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 11:48:49 +0000

[...] / View comments This list of ten things a missionary should say comes from a thoughtful post from Pastor Jeff Brewer, a former missionary who served in the 10/40 [...]

By: Chad Phillips

Chad Phillips — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:42:52 +0000

Why not quote Philippians 4:19- it’s a great verse about God’s providing for people who give sacrificially…and it is in the Bible.

By: Rose

Rose — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:40:37 +0000

This is so helpful! My husband and I are in the beginning stages of prefield ministry, and we will definitely take your suggestions to heart.

By: Thoughts From Pastor to Missionary | Missions Mandate

Thoughts From Pastor to Missionary | Missions Mandate — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:29:41 +0000

[...] Read all 10 items at Jeff’s blog Church Plant Pastor. [...]

By: Jack Hager

Jack Hager — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:40:43 +0000

I have served as a “home missionary”, doing primarily youth and prison work, since 1978…when I went “on support” I knew no one…everyone I knew was either in prison or should have been (I was reached for Christ while incarcerated). I am crazily enthusiastic about “support” because I know people are praying who otherwise would not be praying. Your points are well taken, and I will share them with others.
With all the communication tools at our disposal, with the exception of some missionaries serving in restricted countries, it is inexcusable that some do not maintain regular contact with their supporters. It needs to be seen as “part of the job.”

By: Missions resources « The Neglected Understood

Missions resources « The Neglected Understood — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:38:24 +0000

[...] Missions resources July 31, 2010 by bolinpath For all of you missionaries out there, stop talking about your vacations so carelessly. Check out Jeff Brewer’s discussion about missionaries and their vacations along with nine other points of advice to missionaries. [...]