Missionary Deputation

[nightbusheretic14]

I saw this question on another forum but I'd like to ask it here to get some opinions.

Does modern day missionary deputation square with the bible? Did Paul go around asking for support before he made his journeys? He was a tent maker and worked when he had to, right. Why should missionaries expect to get fully supported while plenty of preachers have started a church somewhere while working full or part time?

 

[bgwilkinson]

Paul did the whole modern missionary giving model backwards, he collected money from the mission churches to bring to the mother church in Jerusalem.

Why Don't we practice his methodology today?

 

[Tennessean]

In a letter to a church that had supported him, then stopped for a while, then resumed again Paul said, "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity...Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity."

Paul didn't go on deputation as we do in 21st century America. He was sent by a church (Antioch) and started churches and those churches then supported him. When he needed funds he worked. See Corinth, making tents.

Remember when Paul was sent as a missionary there weren't a lot of churches.

 

[Tennessean]

Paul did the whole modern missionary giving model backwards, he collected money from the mission churches to bring to the mother church in Jerusalem.

Why Don't we practice his methodology today?

Perhaps because Paul wasn't able to "buy" the Apostles off, after all.

Again here's Paul, "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed."

No Paul wasn't one to mince words.

 

[Smellin Coffee]

In a letter to a church that had supported him, then stopped for a while, then resumed again Paul said, "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity...Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity."

Paul didn't go on deputation as we do in 21st century America. He was sent by a church (Antioch) and started churches and those churches then supported him. When he needed funds he worked. See Corinth, making tents.

Remember when Paul was sent as a missionary there weren't a lot of churches.

Perhaps Paul wasn't into making tents. Perhaps he was into theatre. Either is a possibility.

http://www.postost.net/2010/07/paul-maker-theatrical-scenery

 

[sword]

The basic problem with missionaries working to support themselves is it’s not allowed.  Most countries do not allow missionaries to work.

I would also comment that most missionaries live a lifestyle far below what we live here in the U.S & Canada.
The few missionaries home I have visited & the many I have seen pictures are very modest. Most have a standard of living we would not be comfortable with.

Take a look at the website for any BBFI, BWM, FBMI or BIMI missionary to Africa, the Middle east, Eastern Europe or 3rd world Asia & then complain about their funding. Even the missionaries to Mexico & Central America live below our standards. 

 

[praise_yeshua]

What about American citizens moving throughout the US and receiving deputation?

Its a rather common occurrence these days.

 

[ItinerantPreacher]

What American citizens moving throughout the US and receiving deputation?

Its a rather common occurrence these days.

One of the counterpoints is that Paul was single, his time was not divided into three allotments, (ministry, work, family) he only had two of those to fulfil (work and ministry).

 

[praise_yeshua]

What American citizens moving throughout the US and receiving deputation?

Its a rather common occurrence these days.

One of the counterpoints is that Paul was single, his time was not divided into three allotments, (ministry, work, family) he only had two of those to fulfil (work and ministry).

Then ask the question should missionaries have families.....

Each person has his own gift from God. People generally find time for what they want to do. Not saying it's not a challenge the more irons you have in the fire... but the mission field is a sacrifice.

 

[prophet]

I saw this question on another forum but I'd like to ask it here to get some opinions.

Does modern day missionary deputation square with the bible? Did Paul go around asking for support before he made his journeys? He was a tent maker and worked when he had to, right. Why should missionaries expect to get fully supported while plenty of preachers have started a church somewhere while working full or part time?

We are in the U.S., planting churches.
So, we didn't go on deputation.
I can legally work, have a trade, and take no support.

Several churches have offered, ive turned them down.
I asked only that they be willing to take up a collection, should I call with a specific need.
Haven't ever called.

People send me money every week.

God arranges it all.

We aren't poor.  We aren't rich.
Our needs are met, and we are content.

 

[Sherryh]

prophet I'm glad God is caring for you....because you think of others!! Thank you!!