Missionary Sendoff Handout

Our desire at GFF is to see missionaries get to the field as equipped as possible…to help them to be as effective as possible while on the field…and…to see them stay on the field as long as possible. A big concern in missions is the high attrition rate. Attrition is the gradual reduction of the missionary force, which is not replaced. Attrition is a gradual weakening and wearing down until the person gives up. One very experienced missiologist estimates that 70% of attrition is the result of inadequate preparation. First, Biblically speaking, what entity sends missionaries? Acts 13:1-4 & 14:26-27 In the Bible, missionaries were sent by a local church. Second, Why do mission boards exist? They should exist to assist churches in fulfilling their Biblical responsibility to send missionaries. At the end of the day, a church, under the leadership of a pastor, will answer to God for the church's stewardship of responsibility and money. Third, Who, Biblically speaking, has the final say in determining if a missionary is ready to go? A church under the leadership of a pastor. Fourth, What are the elements of adequate missionary preparation? Finally, Where and how does that person get the information that they need? A pastor and church make assumptions about mission boards. Conclusion: If a change in approach to sending missionaries is needed, it won’t be accomplished in a day, week, month or year. It needs to be gradual, purposeful, and intentional. Is it important for someone to know: They grow up in a home with a father and a mother. If not, at what age was their father/mother out of their life? Have they experienced life-altering trauma, and how were the effects dealt with? Have they held full-time, regular jobs that provided good references besides at a Christian college? Have they been observed in difficult situations, and how did they react to them? What is their knowledge and experience level of functioning in another culture? Were they raised in a Christian home by biblical principles of marriage and childrearing? How many children were there in their home growing up, and where were they the birth order? Have they ever functioned in a supervisory capacity, where, for how long, and do they have references? Were their references asked about evidence of perseverance and self-discipline in their life? How do they respond to authority? How do they relate to others? Do they tend to be a loner, or do they enjoy being with others? Are they self-aware (how they come across)? © This document is the property of the Gospel Furthering Fellowship and is not to be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. revised 1/3/24