Outreach success hinges on everyone being involved. It's time for all hands on deck. Prayerfully ponder this question. Do you think you, as a layperson, are as obligated to tell the Gospel as I, a Pastor, am? Your answer makes all the difference in the world. We need to return to obeying Bible requirements regarding the mission obligations of laypeople.
The early success of Christian missions was due not only to the Twelve or to Paul and Barnabas or to other leaders. It spread because it flew on networks established by lay people, who considered themselves as much on mission as ministers were.
Professor Kenneth Latourette's history of the Christian faith is one of history's greatest works. Of its seven volumes, three are dedicated to the 19th century (1792 to 1918 to be precise), the mission century, what he called "the Great Century".
The mission success of the 1800s was made possible by voluntary involvement of lay people in active missions and in their wholehearted support of mission efforts. People in the pews considered themselves on mission: no debates, no discussions. Everyone was in. At Second we have a 95-year-old stained glass window from this era that honors the Women's Mission Circle.
Posts
