What is a Mission Board?
One of the significant confusions I've encountered talking to Christians about missions is the role of the mission board. What is a mission board?
Before I answer that, I want to quickly celebrate that IBMGlobal has agreed to help Resurrection Church by facilitating our going to Zambia. We were provisionally accepted, but now the board has officially voted, "Yes." Praise the LORD, because this means that we now have a helpful tool and resource to accomplish the mission we're being sent to accomplish.
What role is IBMGlobal playing?
They are:
- Handling the details and accountability for accepting and using non-profit donations from our gospel-partners.
- Providing a group insurance option for international workers.
- Offering training for our adjustment to life in a new culture.
- Coaching us on raising funds to enable our ministry in Zambia.
They are NOT replacing Resurrection Church's role of offering accountability for our mission. Churches (not mission boards) send missionaries for the task of supporting or directly planting churches.
Mission boards ought to be submitted to the local church, because in the New Testament we see local churches and their leaders appointing and sending qualified men to plant and cultivate churches:
- Acts 8:14-17 - The apostles in Jerusalem sent Peter and John to Samaria after hearing that Samaria had accepted the word of God.
- Acts 11:22-26 - The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch. He then went to Tarsus to look for Saul (Paul), and they both worked in Antioch for a year, teaching a great number of people.
- Acts 13:1-4 - The Holy Spirit directed the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them. After fasting and praying, the church sent them off.
- Acts 15:22-40 - The Jerusalem Church Council sent chosen men with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to deliver the council's decision. Later, Paul and Silas were commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord and sent on their journey.
- Romans 10:14-15 - Paul emphasizes the importance of preaching and being sent, stating, "How can they preach unless they are sent?"
- 1 Corinthians 9:14 - Paul discusses the right of those who preach the gospel to receive their living from the gospel, implying the church's role in supporting them.
- 2 Corinthians 8:23 - Paul refers to Titus and other brothers as messengers of the churches and the glory of Christ.
- Philippians 2:25 - Paul refers to Epaphroditus, his brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, whom the Philippians had sent to take care of his needs.
- Colossians 4:7-9 - Tychicus is described as a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, sent by Paul to tell the Colossians about his circumstances.
- Titus 1:5 - Paul left Titus in Crete to appoint elders in every town.
So, why did we pick IBMGlobal?
IBMGlobal exists to facilitate gospel advance by serving local churches in sending out healthy members as well-equipped missionaries.
We picked them for several reasons. But the weightiest reason for us is that we align with them on this point.
Please continue to pray for us, and pray for the brothers and sisters at IBMGlobal pouring out their lives to support workers in God's vineyard.
Jesus Over Everything,
Austin & Rachel Hunt
