Frequently Asked Questions about Missions

Why do we do Missions?
How do I find out about what missions efforts we have?
What are the qualifications to serve in missions?
I feel like God is leading me to do some kind of mission work. What do I do?
What are short-term missions?

Why do we do Missions?

There are at least seven basic reasons of why we are involved so heavily in mission work.

Biblical Basis

There are numerous scriptures in the Bible that make it crystal clear that our purpose is to be a missional people. Everything we do drives us to live as Jesus showed us and to be his disciples in all the world. Acts 1:8 is the essential passage from the Bible for the church being involved in missions.

Jesus said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
Our natural response

Part of the motivation that drives our people to be missional is the fact that when we worship God our natural response is to serve. When worship takes place we desire to be obedient to God, to give of our selves in gratitude of grace, and to become more Christ-like in all areas of our life
Jesus modeled the missional life

Everywhere Jesus went he did good deeds and told the people about the Kingdom of God. His parables, his teaching, his instructions, and his sacrifices give a clear picture of how we are to live our lives. This life is our service, our love, our sharing, and our caring for all people.
It builds the body of Christ

There is nothing like the experience of serving God. Whether it is in our daily tasks, in our town or across the world the blessings each of us receive by being a servant of God are very fulfilling. Serving God helps us mature in our walk in Christ, contributes greatly to the mission of the church, and brings glory to God.
It builds unity in the church

When the people in the church are focused on serving God on earth it brings like-mindedness in work and spirit.
Gratitude to God

When we begin to understand all that God has done for us it is natural to give back to God and serve Him.
Personal experiences

The benefits of mission work allow us to love people on a one-to-one basis. We receive a tremendous amount of joy when we love people and try to meet needs as we share the good news of God.

How do I find out about what missions efforts we have?

We try to make known what missions are ongoing and what missions are short-term through many different ways. Our newsletter called the Messenger is our main news piece will announce all of the short-term missions and from time to time the ongoing efforts. The Messenger will have information about interest meetings, upcoming mission opportunities, and details about mission trips. This web site will be helpful as well and will list all current activity. The TV monitors in the halls of the church will also have updates on mission activity.

If there is a specific area you are interested in such as the student ministries missions or some other age group activities contact the minister connected with that group for the latest information.

There are many areas in missions to volunteer for in both local and global missions. You will see some of them listed under the other headings in this mission web site.

Mike Pearce, Minister of Missions and Outreach will be glad to talk to you about any area related to missions. Contact Mike for ideas for missions for your group or for the latest in all areas of missions.

What are the qualifications to serve in missions?

That is the best part. The only qualifications are a desire to be used by God and a heart to serve. Yes, there are many positions that will need qualified leaders, skilled workers, and other requirements. But, we try to offer a full variety of missions and ministry opportunities so anyone can find something they will enjoy. Many tasks in the church are best filled by someone who has a certain spiritual gift that matches that task. The good news is that every Christian has at least one spiritual gift. To find out more about your spiritual gifts we've provided some more information here.

I feel like God is leading me to do some kind of mission work. What do I do?

God will guide you toward some area, whether it is to become a career missionary, or a short-term volunteer, or God is leading you to begin a new mission work. In the right column on the missions front page you will see a topic titled, "Instructions on how to develop a mission or ministry." This paper will give you some guidance in your journey and in your passion. If you are feeling God calling you to some specific mission work or ministry be sure to talk with a minister. They can give you plenty of resources and encouragement as you seek God's will.

What are short-term missions?

We are placing a lot of emphasis on short-term volunteering in some type of mission work. Both at the local level and global level people who volunteer for short term is the focus of creating mission opportunities to meet needs and to enhance our mission and purpose. Our global and state side missionaries depend heavily on volunteers who can give a week or two to serve on the mission field. We have many ongoing efforts such as Perry County, Canada, West Africa, Haiti, East Asia, Guatemala, and others. These are dependent on volunteers who can take the time to serve others. One of the challenges of First Baptist Church is to encourage every member to participate in one mission work (local or away from the church) each year. We hope you will consider volunteering for a short-term work. We can promise you that your life will never be the same if you ever decide to go and serve on a short-term mission work. Don't forget to involve your family on some of the missions that are favorable for families.

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