Local Churches as “Key Ports” for Missions
Port cities have a long history of providing shelter and supplies for weary travelers. It’s not uncommon to see a beacon of light emanating from a lighthouse, guiding one into safe harbor.
As strategic launching points for travel, port towns are vital for international trade and diplomacy. And during wartime, they prove themselves to be invaluable to the cause.
In many ways, local churches, in their own respect, can be viewed as “key ports” for Christian missions.
As lighthouses in their communities, they are to show weary sinners where to find safe harbor in Jesus Christ, who calls the weary to Himself for rest (Matt. 11:28–30). As outposts of the Kingdom, they declare the rule and reign of Jesus through their words and witness (Matt. 5:14–16). As ports for missions, they stand ready to send and receive missionaries from around the world (Rom. 10:13–15; 3 John 5–8).
When the Holy Spirit set Paul and Barnabas aside for the work of bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles, their local church in Antioch became one of the first “ports” for cross-cultural missions (Acts 13:1–3). The church prayed, fasted, laid hands on them, and sent them out. Upon completing their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch and reported all that God had done through them (Acts 14:26–28). Without the prayers, support, and accountability the church at Antioch was able to provide, it’s hard to imagine how fruitful and effective Paul and Barnabas’ ministry would have been.
Sadly, many missionaries today go to the field without this same kind of support and accountability. They wander somewhat aimlessly when they are gone, and therefore, feel invisible when they are back. In some cases, missionaries actively avoid the local church on the field and when they come home, citing lack of support or lack of trust and integrity. Yet Scripture calls churches to recognize, support, and partner with faithful Gospel workers (Phil. 4:14–18).
The Church needs to recapture a localized vision for global missions and evangelism. In other words, local churches need to see how their congregations, through primarily serving their local communities, can serve and assist missionaries in their God-given endeavors (Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:18–20).
First, they must prioritize the sending of missionaries. They must train up godly men and women who are eager and equipped to carry the Gospel to the nations (2 Tim. 2:2). And like Antioch in sending Paul and Barnabas, we should send out those whom the Holy Spirit has set apart and whom the church has prayerfully affirmed. We should send our best, not because those who remain are less valuable, but because the work of the Gospel deserves our wholehearted devotion and sacrifice (Phil. 2:25–30).
Second, local churches must receive missionaries, providing necessary services and support for faithful Gospel workers. Missionaries on furlough are often tired, weary, and discouraged. A healthy local church can act as a safe and healing place for those who have been weathering intense storms. Scripture commends believers who show hospitality to traveling Gospel workers and send them on their way in a manner worthy of God (3 John 5–8; Rom. 12:13).
Third, similar to how port cities cooperate with one another, local churches should cooperate with one another in the task of carrying out the Great Commission (Phil. 1:3–5). Additionally, our resources are limited and our expertise focused, therefore we need to foster strong relationships with mission agencies and parachurch organizations. But ultimately, the responsibility for carrying the good news to the world rests with the Church, which Christ has commissioned to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18–20).
Our heart’s desire here at KBC is to live up to our name. We want to be a strategic outpost—a “key port” for missions. By God’s grace, we have been in the past. And by His grace and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we will continue to do so moving forward (Acts 1:8; Eph. 3:20–21).
We know that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few, therefore we must pray that the Lord of the harvest would send out more laborers (Matt. 9:37–38).
We have the greatest “good” to offer the world in the person and work of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1–4). It is the duty of every local church, no matter how large or small, to be about the business of exporting this good news to the four corners of the earth (Rom. 10:13–15).
So here’s the question: Is your church shining its light? Is your local church playing its part (Matt. 5:14–16)?
Remember: Jesus, the greatest missionary, is coming soon! When He comes to port, may He find a faithful people, watchful and ready for His return (Luke 12:35–40).
Written by Jesse Mitchum