Spiritual Gifts and Filling of the Spirit

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Page 9 — Spiritual Gifts and Filling of the Spirit

Any strategy for the development of the missionary must include both personal growth in discipleship & the ability to help others to progress in discipleship. A growing disciple, maturing in likeness to Christ and leading others to be the same, is an essential characteristic of a missionary.

"One cannot follow Jesus and become like Him and not make disciples. This is the most basic characteristic and role of a missionary and his supreme task--disciple making.

"The Holy Spirit is the power dynamic for all christian living and serving. (Eph 3:14-19; 5:18)

Murray: "The one thing needful for the church...is to be filled with the Spirit of God...without being filled with the Spirit, it is utterly impossible that an individual christian or a church can ever live or work as God desires".

"Every believer is under command to make sure of the fullness of God in her of his life before going into service. Fruit that will abide must be born by the life-giving Spirit. The power to move people is a power given by God.

A.T. Pierson: "Be assured, the greatest lack of missions, both at home and abroad is the wantof this anointing"

"The gifting of the body of Christ for ministry is the strategy of the Father for mobilizing the entire family for useful kingdom service. This is especially true for the missionary. Missionaries must have discovered their gifts, enhanced them by study and faithful use, and made these gifts forever available to their Lord".

"The missionary gift, Peter Wagner maintains, 'is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ, to minister whatever other gifts they may have in a second culture. It is the specific gift of cross cultural ministry.' This is what makes the missionary call and gift unique. It is victoriously enabling for the sent one to have this divine presence and power".

4. Missions Awareness

vital message
Perspectives or equivalent--theology of missions
cross cultural experience
supports other missionaries
Understands the issues involved in contextualization
Cultural Anthropology
Understands World Views

� Vital Message "As ambassadors of Christ, what wonderful news we have the privilege of announcing. Rom 1:16

Both the message and the messenger must be biblical. A high view of scripture as the specific revelation of God to all people everywhere is required. Every missionary should do the work of an evangelist. Let the love of Christ mold you into being an effective communicator of this most vital of all messages. 2 Cor 4:1-7, 5:9-21

5. Character Development

servant heart
unobtrusive lifestyle
besetting sins-can articulate and understand, is accountable w/ discipler, friends

� Servant Heart Matt 11:28-29, Mark 10:45 "A humble mind and a servant heart will go a long way toward assuring the called missionary of a successful entry among other people and into their culture".

"This characteristic has with it the loving and sensitive spirit, also a learning and flexible mindset, as well as a desire to identify. A willingness to work hard and be a team person is part of this element. Without a servant heart, it is impossible for the missionary to be an effective team person either with his peers or the nationals".

� Unobtrusive Lifestyle "When something is obtrusive, it stands out or pushes itself forward. Your lifestyle, because of your cultural background, will be different from that of the nationals in your field. The effective missionary seeks to maintain a lifestyle that fits into his host culture. Try to live so your lifestyle does not call undue attention to itself. The specific context, as well as your purpose for being there will help you make lifestyle decisions. To a degree you will always be a foreigner, but you should seek a lifestyle that 'fits'. This type of cultural adaptation will help people see your Jesus and not your accumulation of things.

Bishop Stephen Neill: "We want missionaries who will lay their bones here. 1. the missionaries should be the servants of the church, not it's boss; 2. they should identify with the church and the people whom she or he serves; 3. they should have no doubt as to the purpose for which they have come; 4. they should be persons in whom we can see Jesus.

6. Physical and Emotional Characteristics

healthy body and vigorous mind
deals with stress
energy/endurance/stamina
emotional stability
not generally depressed, irritated or moody
not overly fearful or anxious
patience and control over temper
sense of humor
has dealt with family of origin issues

� Health (from Curt) "Health, both emotionally and physically is very important. Getting enough sleep, eating right and getting exercise and recreation contributes to longevity on the field."

How can they function in a stressful & polluted environment, ie asthma, heart problems etc.?

"A strong energetic body with an alert and informed mind are admirable qualities for the missionary. You need these as you go, and they should be maintained while on the field."

(Need for some training on staying healthy in difficult environments)

Strategies�

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