As Kingdom-minded leaders, we’re commissioned to carry the Gospel “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). However, not everyone is called to be a missionary in a foreign land. Because churches are filled with doctors, teachers, coaches and people from various occupations, how do they cultivate a missional mindset as part of their culture? Learn more about how every church – large or small – can touch the people groups of the world.
TODAY’S GUEST: REV. LON McPHERSON
Lon McPherson is the founding pastor of Liberty Church in Du Quoin, Illinois, and supporting global, Christ-centered organizations is one of Liberty’s core values. In fact, this church has provided significant support to world missions since it was established in 1989. Pastor McPherson spreads the news of how they’ve successfully created a foundation of support to enable Christ-centered ministry to be carried out across the nations.
EPISODE OVERVIEW
Big or small, every church leader should have some expression of reaching beyond themselves to touch the people groups of the world.
When we talk about missions, some people tune out. They think that missions is for someone else, but it’s not for a select few. It’s for every believer.
When building a missions-minded church, remind your congregation — and yourself, when needed — that supporting missions is Biblical. No church is too small to fulfill the Great Commission. Remember that the apostle Paul, on his missionary journeys, thanked churches for supporting him in prayer and finances.
When building a missions-minded church, keep the vision in front of your people. Send your people on mission trips. Bring missionaries in so you can shower them with appreciation. It’s important to regularly remind your church about the impact they’re making in the world. As the saying goes, “If you don’t keep talking about it, you’re going to stop talking about it.”
When building a missions-minded church, be fueled by love and humility. Missions is all about loving people!
When building a missions-minded church, ask yourself, “How can we get the Gospel out?” You can do more than you think!
Subscribe to the Pinnacle Leaders Podcast with Dr. Langley to listen to this episode and others for more Biblical wisdom on the areas of lordship, leadership and lifestyle.
RELATED RESOURCES
Theology of Missions (PT502) — This class, taught by Dr. David Shibley, presents the role of world evangelization in fulfilling our Lord’s Great Commission. It teaches the theology and history of Christian missions, and helps the student find his or her place in God’s global drama to see His Son worshiped by all people and nations. https://clstgo-clstglobalonlinelearning.talentlms.com/catalog/info/id:161
Reaching a Postmodern World (PT643) — Dr. Greg Williamson teaches this course designed to familiarize the student with the prevalent shift in thought and culture commonly referred to as “postmodernism,” as it relates to expanding the kingdom of God. Students will be equipped to be relevant in communicating the Gospel to a changing world. https://clstgo-clstglobalonlinelearning.talentlms.com/catalog/info/id:614
QUOTES & SCRIPTURE TO REMEMBER
“I don’t think anybody could make a trip to the mission field, come back home, and not be changed.” — Lon McPherson
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” — Acts 1:8
“[Evangelistic] events are great. But missions is a lifestyle.” — Lon McPherson
“The key is the pastor has to have a passion for missions.” — Lon McPherson
“Culture trains us to be so ‘me-istic’ …but everything in the Kingdom is anti- what the world says.” — Dr. Randal Langley
“No church is too small to have a missions program. Missions is about people.” — Lon McPherson
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9
“There’s more that you can do than you think.” — Dr. Randal Langley