As we work at developing member care for All-Nations, we often discuss questions regarding how to position member care in relation to the sending church. A fair bit of work has been done in studying, researching, and educating organizations about member care. As I continue to learn from these resources, there is one thing that stands out as unique about All-Nations that many other organizations do not do. The mission of All-Nations says:
“We partner with churches to send teams who facilitate Bible translation and community development while working to establish indigenous churches.”
I have talked with different people serving in the member care profession. When I talk about partnering with churches, it is fascinating to see the different responses. Some get a delighted look on their faces and say something like, “Oh, I wish we had that,” or, “That sounds so nice!” Others look concerned and say something like, “Wow, I’m sure that is challenging!”
Why We Partner with Churches
We believe first and foremost that the Great Commission was given to the Church. Jesus designed the Church to work as a living organism, expanding God’s Kingdom to all nations, kindreds, people, and tongues through evangelism and discipleship. (Revelation 7:9)
No organization can replace the Church, nor should it attempt to do so. Mission organizations should be careful not to usurp the authority or commission of the Church. This is why, instead of All-Nations being an organization that replaces the Church, we focus on partnering with churches. We bring together knowledge, personnel, finances, and experience to aid the Church in fulfilling the Great Commission.
What All-Nations Brings to the Partnership
So then, what does All-Nations Member Care do?
As a partner with the Church in this endeavor, we are working hard to help make sure a few important things are happening. We want churches to have the resources, training, and vision necessary to care well for their missionaries. Where there are gaps, All-Nations is ready to step in and help wherever we can.
All-Nations’ mission is to work side by side with churches in this task of caring for missionaries. The work of Bible translation and church planting can be treacherous. It was said during our recent Camp Week that, “church planting puts us on a collision course with the enemy.”
We are prepared to fight this enemy with you.
There are also specialized needs that a church may not be fully equipped to handle, such as technical knowledge, crisis care, and security. We are building a network of people with the knowledge, experience, and passion for this work who can come alongside the Church.
Again, our goal is not to take the place of the church. Our goal is to help churches fully embrace and accomplish the Great Commission with excellence.
Who Is Responsible for Member Care?
From time to time, I get asked, “Who is responsible for caring for the missionary?” My answer is simple: their sending church.
- Who is responsible for ensuring good and adequate communication? The church.
- Who is responsible for moral support? The church.
- Who is responsible for financial support? The church.
- Who is responsible for spiritual care? The church.
As the church embraces this role, it provides a biblical structure of authority and accountability for a missionary to work under. This is essential as missionaries chart a course through church planting, spiritual growth, leadership challenges, and conflict resolution.
The church is called to care for its members spiritually, physically, and emotionally. For many of us, when we think about supporting missionaries, the first thing that comes to mind is finances. That is certainly important and must be considered. However, there are many other areas that need attention as well.
Sending churches should be thinking about:
- Prayer support
- Moral support
- Logistics
- Communication
- Crisis care
- Reentry care
To learn more about supporting missionaries well in these areas, I would encourage you to read Serving as Senders Today by Neal Pirolo.
When a church is healthy, has a vision for missions, and is actively engaged in supporting its missionaries with excellence, it provides a springboard for long-term effectiveness. Missionaries are then able to do more than simply survive on the field – they can thrive.
A Shared Commitment
Several times over the past few weeks I have heard people say, “We are so glad All-Nations is putting energy into Member Care.”
We are too.
We are committed to partnering with churches to send and care for long-term missionaries. We are working hard to learn what it takes to support missionaries, not just for two years, but for twenty years, forty years, or even a lifetime of faithfully taking God’s Word to the nations.
God bless you, missionaries, as you pour out your souls for those in need.
And God bless you, churches, as you develop, maintain, and carry out God’s vision of caring for those He has called to serve.
If you have questions or feel the need for more training or resources in caring for your missionaries, please reach out to us. We are here to help.