Partnering in Missions – Why Should We Do It?

Since I returned from the Philippines, I have joined a Bible study the Navigators run for 20-somethings in the Pikes Peak area. The “fall semester” Bible study is an inductive study on Philippians. So far, I have really enjoyed it, I like exploring the intellectual side the study brings out, as well as spiritually applying it to my life. Reading commentaries and exploring Greek vocabulary has been enlightening and intriguing. In each section of the study I have found something I pull out and try to understand on a deeper level.

This week we looked at Philippians 2:19-30. Initially, I didn’t really understand what I was supposed to “get” out of this passage. Honestly, I gave up on the steps this week because I decided to focus on one aspect of the passage – sending a messenger.

What I took from the passage comes from that fact that I grew up in missions and still work in that world – if missions can be found in DNA, it’s in mine. Reading Paul’s words struck me with the notion of being sent for a purpose but also supporting those who are sent. In the passage, Paul tells the church at Philippi that he wants to send Timothy to them soon in order for Timothy to represent Paul’s love to them and also for Timothy to return and bring news of the church back to Paul. He also mentions that he is sending his brother in Christ, Epaphroditus, who the church sent to aid Paul, back to them.

Most commentators on this passage reflect on the idea that both Timothy and Epaphroditus are examples of men who follow the interests of Jesus Christ above their own. This is true and an incredibly important piece of this passage. Indeed, it might be the reason why it is included in the letter, but, yet, it is not the reason I am writing.

Reading the passage, I am taken aback by the idea that some of us are “sent,” while others are called to support those sent. Yes, we are all called to be witnesses for the gospels in every facet of life, whether it’s to a neighbor or unreached people group in Central Africa. That’s not what I’m talking about; we should always proclaim salvation gifted to us by Christ’s death on the cross. What I mean is that just as Timothy and Epaphroditus were messengers for Paul and the church at Philippi, some Christians are called to leave their homes for Christ and face dangers and hardships of moving to a different country or place. But here’s the thing, that doesn’t mean the rest of us are off the hook. You might not be called to be a “missionary,” but there is a service that you do need to provide – support. The church at Philippi is an example of this. Obviously, every believer in the church couldn’t journey to help Paul in his need. That would be impractical and the church would cease to function. So, they sent Epaphroditus. Verse 30 says, “… for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.” (ESV) This sounds negative, “lacking” never paints a good image. Yet, Paul is not criticizing, he is merely stating the fact that the church, as a whole, could not offer the service that Epaphroditus was able to accomplish. Not for lack of desire, but he was the messenger – the one sent.  In sending Epaphroditus, the church at Philippi supported him in his mission. In what ways – prayerfully, financially, I don’t know – but, nevertheless, they supported him. What Paul is saying to the church here is continue supporting him for he risked his life.

You might think: what does this have to do with me? We are not all called to “go,” so what we can do is help to facilitate ministry throughout the world? We can partner in missions through prayer, financial support or volunteering time. The reason for this entire, rambling blog is that we need to be senders. We might never leave our hometowns or the U.S. We might share the gospel with every person we meet. But we can’t say that’s enough. Being witnesses is important and should never be placed aside, but we are also called to be supporters of those that God does call to go. Let me ask this: how many missionaries do you pray for? How many do you support financially? How many blogs, prayer letters, or Facebook-posts do you read on a daily basis? Yes, be a “missionary” in your community. Do what God has called you to do. Be a light in a depraved and corrupt world. But also remember to pray for, support and think about those who were “sent,” like Epaphroditus was sent on behalf of the church at Philippi.