Are missionaries doing their job if they never work themselves out of one?

In part three of the Defining the Missionary Task series, Alex and Scott turn to a vital part of church planting: equipping local leaders. Healthy churches need qualified men who can shepherd, teach, and lead God’s people. Drawing from Jesus’ example with the disciples and Paul’s investment in leaders like Timothy and Titus, they discuss why missionaries must do more than carry out ministry themselves. They must prepare others to carry it forward.

Alex and Scott explore how missionaries can identify, train, and gradually entrust responsibility to local leaders without abandoning them or holding on to control. They discuss the importance of biblical and theological training, character, mentorship, teamwork, and giving developing leaders room to grow and make mistakes. Ultimately, equipping leaders is about preparing faithful believers who can shepherd healthy churches, raise up more leaders, and help the gospel continue to spread.

• Why healthy churches need equipped local leaders
• Analysis of Jesus’ and Paul’s models for developing leaders
• Knowing when to release responsibility to local leaders
• Training leaders without paternalism or condescension
• Prioritizing biblical knowledge, character, and hands-on mentorship
• Preparing leaders to equip the next generation

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Why must missionaries seek to establish churches?

In part two of a four-part series on the missionary task, Alex and Scott move from evangelism to the next step: establishing healthy local churches. They explore why the church is not a Western institution or an optional addition to missions, but central to God’s plan for his people. Those who trust in Christ are saved into a community where believers gather to hear God’s word, observe baptism and the Lord’s Supper, care for one another, and grow together in faith.

Alex and Scott also discuss what a biblical church can look like across cultures and why missionaries should focus on more than seeing individuals come to faith. Without healthy churches, new believers can lack the teaching, leadership, fellowship, and accountability they need to mature and reach others with the gospel. And while not every missionary will serve as a church planter or pastor, every missionary can use his or her gifts to help establish and strengthen local churches that worship God and make disciples.

• Why establishing churches is central to the missionary task
• What Scripture teaches about the nature and purpose of the church
• The biblical marks of a healthy local church
• Adapting church forms across cultures without losing biblical foundations
• The dangers of making disciples without establishing healthy churches
• How every missionary can play a role in church planting and growth

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What is at the heart of the missionary task?

In the first episode of a four-part series, Alex and Scott explore why essential to the missionary calling is that they must clearly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and call people to repent and believe. While mercy ministries, relationships, and other forms of service have an important place in missions, they cannot replace sharing the gospel in words.

Alex and Scott also discuss what faithful evangelism looks like across cultures. Missionaries must learn the language, understand how people view God and sin, ask good questions, and patiently help people understand the story of Scripture. Yet cultural sensitivity should never become an excuse for silence. Whether the fruit comes quickly or takes years, missionaries are called to faithfully make Christ known and trust God with the results.

• Why evangelism is essential to the missionary task
• Proclaiming the gospel through both words and actions
• Calling people to repent and believe in Jesus Christ
• Overcoming fear, rejection, and distractions in evangelism
• Sharing the gospel clearly across languages and cultures
• Using the story of Scripture to build a foundation for understanding the gospel

Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!

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The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.