Missions Education

I had the privilege this week to be part of the WMU report at the South Carolina Baptist Convention. My small part was entitled, "Why I Believe in Missions Education." For some time I've been greatly concerned about Southern Baptist's commitment to missions education. Many churches have dropped RAs, GAs, Mission Friends, and the WMU struggles to gain support among many pastors.

I've been tempted by AWANA and other children's programs too, but my support for our traditional missions education is stronger than ever for two reasons. Biblically, it is clear that knowledge undergirds behavior. Paul's letters, for example, are often divided by commentators between the theological and the practical, with the theological coming first. The Apostle obviously knew that good theology undergirds good behavior.

Some today say that Christians can get all the missions education they need through trips. While not minimizing the importance of hands-on missions, I would disagree. Missions education consistently challenges us to reflect upon important theological themes, such as the sinfulness of all human beings, the person and work of Christ, and His mandate to take the Gospel to the whole world. While these themes are taught elsewhere in church-life, of course, they are at the forefront of missions education. Our personal experiences must have a theological foundation for proper reflection and mature discipleship. Missions education offers that foundation.

Practically, missions education is important because the more people are exposed to what God is doing in the world, the more likely it is that they will hear His clear call in their lives. It is true that believers respond to a call to missions while on a trip, but it is also true that they hear his call while in GAs or RAs or some other small-group. Doesn't it make sense to give people every possible opportunity to hear God's voice? Give people that once-a-year hands-on experience, but reinforce that experience throughout the year through missions education.

Jesus said that we were to make disciples of all nations [Matt 28:19]. We have our marching orders. How can we afford to leave out the area of church life that keeps those marching orders ever before us?