Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 1/18/2005

Question
Hi Pastor Don,

Does a missionary going overseas have to be sent by a local church? If so, why and where in the Bible does it say that? Can't missionaries be sent by Christian organizations that are not local churches if those organizations are funding the missionary?  

Answer
Hi Stewart,

Jesus only built one organization, the local church.

Matthew 16:18
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

He did not say upon this rock I build my mission board, Bible College, or any other thing but I build my church - ekklesia which literally means "called out assembly".  Some would embrace the Catholic teaching that "church" means universal body, but that is contrary to the Greek definition and the Biblical use of the word.  The local church is the Body commissioned by Christ to do His work.  With that in mind let us see the Bible example of missionaries going to the field:

Acts 13:1-4


Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.  2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

The missionaries were called from the CHURCH at Antioch...this is the Bible example of how it is to be done.

I hope that this is a help to you.

In Christ,
Pastor Don