Missionary Defined
Posted by C. Holland on Oct 28, 2008One of the things we ran into time and again during our fundraising in the States was some Christians’ odd definition of missions/missionary. Because we’re serving in Western Europe, there were a handful that objected to us calling any of what we do “missions” or ourselves “missionaries.” After questioning people, it became clear that most people define Missions/Missionaries by the following three criteria:
- The people you work with do not speak your native language. In other words, you have to learn a new language to be a missionary.
- The mission field is considered Third World. If you aren’t living in a tent and drinking from a stream, then your First World conditions disqualify you.
- The people in the mission field are not white. Yes, I’ve actually been told that I can’t be considered a missionary because the people I minister to are caucasian.
I could go on and on about the flaws in this kind of thinking, but What is a Real Missionary? and Definition of a Missionary say it much better than I am able.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!Related posts:
- Is Evangelicalism Uniquely American?
When The World Comes To Your Field
“I Can’t Call You a Missionary”—ouch
Missionary Confidential by Email
December 2nd, 2008 at 6:45 am
This is a perplexing question. I have found myself somewhat battling with my “home” church in precisely this area. I have been in a time of transition moving from what is considered full-time missions into study. My church no longer considers me a missionary because I do not fit their concept of one – in essence I am not out there “doing” missions, therefore I no longer am a missionary. This seems rather limited and short-sighted. I consider myself to be a missionary because that is precisely God’s call on my life – to be a missionary Bible Teacher. I’m current’y pursuing studies so I am better equipped etc… does this mean I am no longer a missionary? I personally don’t think so, but the church considers me not worthy of support any longer. It is a hurtful and isolating experience.
http://otiumsanctum.com
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:02 am
@otiusanc: I have to agree with you. Consider a famous singer (or writer or actor or whatever); do we refrain from calling them a singer just because they haven’t released an album in years or aren’t currently touring? At what point would their definition as a singer be revoked?
A good friend of mine knew he was called to be a preaching pastor at an early age. He served diligently in other ministry roles while he was preparing, so he wasn’t called “pastor”. However, when he started actually pastoring in a non-paying role, he was called the “fake pastor”; I suppose pay=real? Even when he was between church pastor positions, he still considered himself a pastor. But many, unfortunately, did not.