It began with a command in Matthew 28:19 to “go ye therefore and teach all nations…” While the Bible does not give the church directions concerning having a missions conference or how it should be run, it does however provide us with an example to follow. Paul was chosen by God to spread the message of repentance and remission of sin to the Jews and Gentiles. (Luke 24:17, Acts 9:15) He and Barnabas were sent from the church in Antioch with “prayer, fasting, and laying on of hands.” (Acts 13:3) When they returned from the first missionary journey, the Bible records for us in Acts 14:26 – 28 three specific things that took place which we can use as a model for a missions conference. When these principles are applied, they bring benefits not only to the local church, but also to missionaries.
The first event we see in Acts 14:27 is that the church gathered together. When a group of people gather together it is for a common cause or to attain a desired goal. At a missions conference, God’s people gather to meet and fellowship with those who have been called to go to “unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) This gathering, whether for a service or yes, even food, brings God’s people together creating unity. It is our opportunity to spiritually uplift these special ambassadors of the gospel. Many missionaries serve in spiritually dark places with few or any, fellow believers. This opportunity for spiritual refreshment for missionaries and the local church brings unity and glory to God.
The next event we see in verse 27 is that “they rehearsed all that God had done with them. I personally find the use of the word “with” interesting. When a Christian has given God absolute control of their life, it is amazing what He can do “with” a believer. In the case of Paul, God used him to take the gospel to the Gentiles. When Paul first entered a city, he would go to the synagogue to preach to the Jews, who often refused to listen. He then turned to preach to the Gentiles who were often hungry for the Word. As Paul reported the events of his journey, he was able to tell the church of the ways God had taken care of him. Every missionary has examples of how God has provided safety in potentially dangerous situations, met physical or material needs when resources are tight or nonexistent, allowing God to stretch their faith and letting Him provide. These examples of God working in everyday situations should be a reminder to us that God works in all of our lives, whether we realize it or not. It is an opportunity for God’s children to rejoice in all He does for us. As missionaries report on what God has done with them, it allows us to minister to them by praying for them in specific areas including the needs of the people they minister to. It also allows us to support their work in a financial way and allows us to shower these precious heroes with love.
The last event we see is found in verse 28. “And they abode there long time with the disciples.” When missionaries are on deputation or furlough, they are constantly traveling from one meeting to the next. A conference allows a missionary family to settle in one location, at least for a short time, providing stability, rest, a chance to establish friendships, and to become a part of that local church sharing their needs and praying for them. The church benefits from the ministry of the missionaries whether it is through preaching or simply loving the family as our own.
As we prepare for our missions conference this week, I hope we at LBC follow the example of the Antioch church by praying for the missionaries that will be with us and that the hearts of our people will be stirred so that we may say, “Here Am I Lord, Send Me.”
