Our local communities have so many needs; many are still lost and unchurched. How can we respond to the objection, “Why do we need to send our loved ones to far away places when there is still so much local ministry to be done here?”

First, we must be clear that the local ministry of a church is essential! The church does a myriad of ministries locally that no other institution but the church can do. The local church is the hands and feet of Christ in every place. This is why every people group needs a church of their own!

In our last two toolboxes, we have shared two of Rick’s videos to look at the distinction between people and peoples and lostness and access. 

In today’s toolbox, we are sharing one of Rick’s online videos to help you and others understand the distinction between “lostness” and “access”. Watch this video along with the following discussion with a small group of others.

Discussion Questions (Download in PDF format here)

1. Have you heard the thinking that “everything is missions and everyone is a missionary”? If so, how has that thinking impacted yours and others’ views on missions and being a missionary? 

2. How have you seen the good, bad and ugly of the thinking, “This is your mission field”? 

3. How does this thinking affect our ability to prioritize our missions going and sending? 

4. How does this thinking reduce the urgency of the gospel globally?

5. How does defining evangelism and missions help you answer the question, “Why should we send missionaries around the world when we have lost people across the street?” 

6. How can you help prioritize missions without minimizing the importance of evangelism?

7. What work do you and your church have left to do in your region?
   

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