The concept that all Christians are called to be missionaries is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. This idea is not limited to those who travel to distant lands but extends to every believer, emphasizing the responsibility to share the Gospel and live out the teachings of Christ in daily life. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, serves as a foundational mandate: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" .

Biblical Examples of Missionary Work

1. The Apostles: The early apostles, particularly Peter and Paul, exemplify the missionary spirit. Peter's sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2) and Paul's extensive missionary journeys (Acts 13-28) highlight their commitment to spreading the Gospel. Paul, in particular, is noted for his adaptability and dedication, becoming "all things to all people" to win some for Christ (1 Corinthians 9:22).

2. Philip the Evangelist: Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40) illustrates the role of divine guidance in missionary work. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Philip explains the Scriptures and baptizes the eunuch, demonstrating the importance of being prepared to share the Gospel at any moment.

3. Priscilla and Aquila: This husband-and-wife team worked alongside Paul and played a crucial role in the early church. They are noted for their hospitality and teaching, as seen in their instruction of Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). Their example shows that missionary work can occur within the context of everyday life and relationships.

4. Timothy and Titus: As protégés of Paul, Timothy and Titus were entrusted with significant responsibilities in the early church. Paul's letters to them (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus) emphasize the importance of sound doctrine, leadership, and perseverance in the face of challenges, underscoring the missionary task of nurturing and guiding new believers.

The Role of Every Believer

The New Testament encourages all believers to participate in the mission of the church. In 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are instructed to "always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you" . This readiness to share one's faith is a hallmark of the missionary calling.

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, underscores the necessity of preaching the Gospel: "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?" (Romans 10:14). This passage highlights the essential role of every believer in making the message of Christ known.

Practical Expressions of Missionary Work

1. Witnessing in Daily Life: Christians are called to be witnesses in their communities, workplaces, and families. This involves living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ and being open to opportunities to share the Gospel.

2. Supporting Missionary Efforts: Not all are called to travel abroad, but all can support missionary work through prayer, financial contributions, and encouragement. The early church's support of Paul and other missionaries serves as a model for contemporary believers.

3. Engaging in Local Outreach: Many opportunities exist for local missionary work, such as volunteering in community service, participating in church outreach programs, and engaging in conversations about faith with neighbors and friends.

In summary, the call to be a missionary is a universal aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and exemplified by the early church. Every believer is invited to participate in this mission, whether through direct evangelism, support of missionary efforts, or living a life that bears witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.Romans 16:1-27
I commend to you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Native Christians (Continued).
... of the Christianity of the Malagash was "purely nominal and utterly worthless."
I should not at all wonder if ... [Sidenote: THE SUPPORT OF NATIVE CHRISTIANS.]. ...
/.../chapter xxvii native christians continued.htm

The Object of Missions, and Various Modes of Operation.
... undesirable that literary ability and industry should be the ... aim has been to assail
Christianity and Christians. ... missionaries come into contact with all classes ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xi the object of.htm

Laymen Called to the Field of Missions.
... objection; for if it must be admitted, the lawful inference will not necessarily
be, that Christians of all classes and in great numbers should not go ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter v laymen called to.htm

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... "Suppose a company of serious Christians, ministers and ... Joseph Timms; whose
subscriptions in all amounted to ... Birmingham and other places, they should join the ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

The General Conference of 1832
... permitted that the various sects of Christians should act upon ... the best and wisest
of all sects liable ... union of the various denominations of Christians, for the ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence.
... honestly be pleaded, the command in all its force is ... some pastors of influence and
talent should become missionaries ... enough in the hands of Christians"no one ...
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Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration.
... in the administration of a parish, and, above all, the successful ... But this moderate
figure should not be taken as ... There are not a few honest Christians who are ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chatter xviii the great immigration.htm

Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America
... that little book to excite in all Christians a passion for ... and so enforced it that
it should effectually operate ... will persevere in the use of all peaceful and ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiii careys immediate influence.htm

A Wise Minister Will be Successful.
... convert sinners, and who cannot win souls, should not be ... They are not wise Christians;
only "he that winneth ... I appeal to all experience, whether our young men ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xi a wise minister.htm

Church Union.
... and have for ages looked upon them all as barbarians ... Of course the views of the native
Christians are entirely ... We should be very careful not to use any terms by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/viii church union.htm

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