What steps can churches take to send preachers, as Romans 10:14 indicates? Seeing the Mandate in Romans 10:14–15 “How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14-15a) The Biblical Basis for Sending - Matthew 9:37-38: Jesus commands, “Ask the Lord of the harvest… to send out workers.” - Acts 13:2-3: The church at Antioch fasted, prayed, and laid hands on Barnabas and Saul, then “sent them off.” - 1 Corinthians 9:14: “The Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” These passages show that sending preachers is a normal, Spirit-directed duty of every local congregation. Identifying and Nurturing the Called - Teach regularly on God’s call to ministry so believers recognize and respond (Jeremiah 1:4-8; 1 Timothy 3:1). - Observe proven character and gifting (Acts 6:3; 2 Timothy 2:2). - Provide mentoring opportunities—small-group teaching, evangelism outings, pulpit supply—so gifts mature under oversight. - Encourage theological training that upholds biblical authority (2 Timothy 2:15). Prayerful Discernment and Commissioning - Set seasons of congregational fasting and prayer, seeking the Spirit’s confirmation (Acts 13:2). - Use elders to interview and examine doctrine and life (Titus 1:5-9). - Lay hands on candidates publicly, symbolizing corporate blessing and accountability (1 Timothy 4:14). - Send them out with clear ministry objectives and lines of communication. Equipping Through Ongoing Support - Financial: Commit a budget line or faith promise giving so preachers can focus on the Word (Philippians 4:15-16; 3 John 6-8). - Relational: Assign an elder or missions team to maintain monthly contact, offering counsel and encouragement (Acts 14:26-27). - Resources: Supply study tools, sermon helps, and where needed, language or cultural training. Accountability and Care - Require regular ministry reports; celebrate fruit and address challenges (Acts 15:4). - Organize periodic return visits for rest, refreshment, and testimony to the church (Mark 6:30-31). - Provide pastoral counseling and, when necessary, medical or crisis relief (2 Timothy 4:11). Multiplying the Effort Through Partnership - Cooperate with like-minded churches or biblical mission agencies for larger projects (Philippians 1:5). - Host missionary conferences to stir vision and share best practices (Romans 1:11-12). - Encourage each preacher to disciple and train others, keeping the sending cycle alive (2 Timothy 2:2). Cultivating a Sending Culture at Home - Integrate missionary testimonies and updates into worship services. - Lead the congregation in regular intercession for unreached peoples. - Celebrate God’s faithfulness whenever a new worker is commissioned, reminding the body that obedience to Romans 10:14-15 is a privilege as well as a responsibility. When a church embraces these steps—identifying, equipping, commissioning, supporting, and holding accountable—it answers the apostolic question, “How can they preach unless they are sent?” and becomes a faithful participant in God’s plan to spread the gospel to every nation. |
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