Assessing Modern Missions: Should Your Church Cancel Its Missions Program

Is it time to cancel the church’s missions program? The emphasis on programs and the rise of missions organizations is influencing the function of missions. This influence has provoked some positive outcomes. Yet, like anything man-generated, it also forces us to contend with some unintended consequences. Therefore, the questions raised by some about canceling the missions program of the church is valid.

Legitimate does not mean appropriate in every circumstance. Previously, I reviewed some of the reasons why we need to consider this option genuinely. Because some of the thoughts build from that previous article, I urge you to read it here if you have not already done so. I must reiterate, though, I am not suggesting we cancel missions, nor do I consider this drastic step necessary in all circumstances. Instead, I am only recommending that our churches need to be open to the possibility that we may need to redefine how we engage with the Great Commission. That leaves church leadership with a genuine question: how does a church know if or when it is time to cancel the missions program or at least redirect it?

To adequately answer this question, church leadership must willfully, humbly, and submissively (to God) look at the church’s missions engagement through the lens of God’s revealed will in Scripture. Reinforced by those attitudes, we undertake a practical assessment with three steps to help guide us.

Critical Evaluation
Assessment always begins with an intentional evaluation. Evaluation means understanding God's call for the church and assessing the church's effectiveness in fulfilling that call. If we believe that God has equipped us to fulfill that calling (and He has!), then we must recognize several key factors:

• God’s Word
• God’s Resources
• God’s People

Those aspects make up some of the considerations (which I'll deal with in more detail in the following article) and form the beginning point of our evaluation. If you aren't sure where to start, I would begin by asking, "If every missions ‘program’ looked like ours, would the Great Commission ever be completed?”

Critical Decision
One of the most challenging aspects of evaluation is interpreting the assessment. It's at this point that one must make some decisions about proceeding. Based on what the review reveals, it is time for leadership to determine: (a) does the missions program need canceling and overhauled, simply remade, or maybe no change is necessary? (b) what is the goal? and (c) what steps are essential for working towards that goal?

One of my consistent suggestions to churches is to evaluate the church's corporate gift. What is it that you as a body of Christ does well? Knowing that is the first step in determining how best one can undertake outreach, evangelism, and missions.
At this point, the church can begin to create a plan. Planning is a biblical concept, as long as it is flexible according to God’s will (cf. Proverbs 16:9; Romans 12:2).

Critical Resolution
When we undertake something for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), we should never simply be ‘content to be complacent.’ Instead, there is a need to do, evaluate, and adjust. This concept is crucial as we implement new ideas and experiment. Sometimes it takes adjusting and learning to know what works best. We don't simply make plans and implement them, but we must always be willing to follow up and ensure we maintain accountability.

While startling, perhaps we need to consider those calls to cancel the missions program seriously. Not for the sake of canceling missions or the Great Commission, but for the purposes of reevaluating our fidelity to God's plans and intentions. In upcoming articles, I’ll discuss more deeply each of these concepts. In the meantime, perhaps the best thing to do is pray that the Lord would reveal His work and align us towards that work.