Starting Out

Not long ago, I read a 19th century Baptist historian who chronicled the development of the modern missions movement. By this I mean the parachurch system of missions agencies, deputation, and the professional missionary class. This relatively unknown historian criticized the missions movement's deviation from traditional methods for starting and building new churches.

He contends that, prior to the 18th century, the churches advanced with one simple approach that worked just fine for 1,700 years. Namely:

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Consider, for a moment, how there happened to arise groups of duly baptized believers throughout Europe, North Africa, Central Asia, and who knows where else, for so long before the need for deputation, specialized educational degrees, and furloughs was recognized. Was it not so simple as believers, finding themselves wherever they were, bearing faithful witness -- advancing the Gospel as the Lord allowed?

Epsilon 2 is motivated severally: that repentance and remission of sins be preached among all nations, including my nation; that the industrial / commercial church structure en vogue today opposes true fellowship and evangelism; and that only biblical models are worth implementing.

So, we are starting with two or three and the Lord in the midst as He promised. Having been scattered abroad, we pray we will be faithful to preach the Word in these new highways and hedges, and that the Lord will give increase. I hope to record some of it here on this blog.