MISSIOLOGY IV. Who are Missionaries In abroad sense, anyone who spreads the Gospel across cultural lines is a missionary. All Christians are called to obey the Great Commission to make disciples, and some Christians have opportunities to make disciples among people of a different culture (see Matt. 28:18-20). So as Christians go about their daily activities, they may spread the Gospel to people of various cultures. This training module is addressed primarily to missionaries who are called by the Lord to devote their lives to mission activity. Before going to a mission field, a missionary should have received a call to missions (seethe training module entitled The Call to Missions. If the Lord has not called a missionary, the missionary will not be successful or satisfied. We recommend that missionaries go in teams of two or more. Having one or more companions on the field provides security, encouragement, and enhances the chances of a successful mission. Paul the Apostle went with one or more companions in mission work (see Acts 13:2,3). Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs to evangelize (see Luke 10:2). It is helpful to have a spiritually mature missionary disciple a less spiritually mature missionary. Jesus surrounded himself with twelve disciples who traveled with him, and learned from him. A mission team might consist of a husband and wife. If the married couple has children, the children would usually go with their parents. A mission team might consist of two men or two women. Some mission fields are more open to men and some mission fields are more open to women. Missionaries require training prior to going on mission. This website offers much of the training required, and links with other helpful websites. In addition, missionaries should receive training from Christians in person. Such discipleship may come from a mission organization, a local church, a Christian family, or from other Christian mentors.
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