Missionary Preparation and Dispatch: Lessons from God's Word

Barbara Burns article.

Abstract

This article deals with missionary training and practice, based on lessons learned from the Word of God, and on the author's experience as a missionary and teacher in Brazil for about 50 years. In this concern, it discusses the examples of Barnabas and Paul from the biblical narrative on the activities performed by the two apostles as missionaries, plus examples from the author’s practices. It discusses six aspects to characterize both the preparation and sending of the apostles. The first is the individual experience with God and highlights the differences identified in each one's life. The second presents details of how the missionary call was given to bring the gospel to other peoples. The third concerns questions about how each of them was prepared for missionary work, with highlights of the church's role in this process. The fourth comprises the questions that define the character of Barnabas and Paul. The fifth describes the missionary practices developed by the two apostles. Finally, the aptitude of each of them for conflict resolution is presented. By way of conclusion, it highlights the importance of the Great Commission left by Jesus and the consequent need to base the formal preparation (teaching and practice) of missionaries on the Word of God.