Over the last 20 years, there has been a significant shift that seems to be happening in global missions. Because the gospel has spread throughout the world and discipleship has taken place, many native/indigenous people are serving their nations with the gospel. In my mind, it’s changing the face of missiology (the work of missions). Since the mid-1800s, the US and Britain have sent missionaries to places around the globe to start gospel work. That is still happening, but the face of missions is changing because in many places, churches are being planted, and churches are growing with faithful men in those nations.
Indeed, the idea of a foreigner going to another land is biblical. We see it in Paul and Barnabas’ missions in Acts. And we see it in history. But that is pioneering work. They are going where the gospel has not gone before, preaching it and planting new churches. But what happens when there’s a church established or disciples are made? What happens when people of THAT nation trust in Jesus and start churches? Well, in my mind, that’s the goal!
So, when it comes to Sovereign Grace Churches’ missiology and even CLF’s missiology, that last part is where we find ourselves in global missions. We believe that God has been at work in the world through pioneering works, spreading the gospel, and discipling people, and there are key leaders in various nations who are building and planting biblical churches. And these men are nationals.
This does not mean that westerners or people from other parts of the world are not called to do mission work. Hardly. But it does mean that there seems to be a shift in some areas of the world from pioneering work to planting, building, and caring for biblical churches.
The fruit of this is found in our relationship with Jeffrey Jo, who preached to us on Sunday. Jeff is from Manila. He was saved at 13 from a life of gang activity and was called to vocational ministry a few years later. He planted Cross of Christ Salvation Gospel Ministries Church 30 years ago (https://ccs-gm.com) and believed that God designed local churches to be connected to other like-minded churches. In 2018, he met some friends from SGC and started a conversation about biblical theology and ministry philosophy. In the proverbial saying, it was “like hand meet glove.”
When I met Jeff in 2019, I was astounded by the wisdom of his leadership and his intentional desire to build a church that equipped Christians to serve Jesus in their world and build solid, godly lives/homes centered on the gospel of Christ (sound familiar??). Jeff believed (rightfully so) that his convictions were biblical, even though he didn’t see many churches being built the same way. So, for 30 years, he’s labored, trusting God to build His church through the preaching of God’s word, centered on the gospel.
Our job in missions work like this is to befriend, build partnerships, and serve. We don’t see ourselves as those who have the answers, and we don’t see ourselves as the experts in gospel ministry. Instead, Jeff and his church are leading the way where they want us to partner with them. They are leading in building Filipino relationships. They are leading in equipping new leaders and church planters. They lead in developing conferences (pastors, marriage, singles, etc.). And, where there is a need, we are there to help.
CLF, it is a joy for us to be part of a globally active denomination. In the coming months/years, there will be opportunities for us to connect with other international churches. SGC is working on a partnership program that asks US churches to commit to partner with a global church for two years. The US churches serve at the discretion and oversight of the international churches and in partnership. We will likely look to partner with churches in Mexico or Latin America because of their proximity. We will keep working with the Filipinos, but it’s very challenging to do short-term mission projects due to the distance.
This Coming Week and Sunday:
Good Friday…come early because we’re having one service. Easter Sunday…come early because we’re having two services:). We’re assuming that we’ll have big crowds on both days. Please pray for the gospel to be clear. Pray for people to trust in Jesus. Pray that our church will be edified, encouraged, and built by the gospel.
From the Cheap Seats:
- This is good stuff, Freddie Freeman: https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/dodgers-rockies-freddie-freeman-consoled-colorados-jose-iglesias.
- So, the Rangers outscored the Blue Jays 23-20, lost the series 1-2 games, and all the National media can talk about is how good the Blue Jays’ offense is?? Yeah, they’re good, but they got OUTSCORED by a better offense! Now…Rangers…about that pitching?? When will Jack Leiter be ready for a call-up?
- As Clarence Keller said, the Man City-Liverpool match could’ve ended in a 10-10 draw! That was some sublime soccer (to quote the Brits). Unreal game. Action-packed. Here are the 14-minute highlights…you’ll thank me later: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDCrMm2P6hM.
Enjoy your week.
In Christ,
Dave York
