If you listen to missionaries describe their work in another country, you may hear them use the term “person of peace.” A person of peace is a key part of church planting strategies, but it’s not well-known phrase outside of missions circles. For those with a heart for reaching people in different cultures, especially unreached people, it’s important to know the biblical significance of a person of peace.
Defining a Person of Peace
What is a person of peace? A person of peace is someone in a village or community who is open to those sharing the gospel. This person will happily receive a visitor who is a stranger and often desires to serve them in some way, especially through hospitality. Likely, the person recognizes the missionary as God’s emissary.
They are also open to Jesus and hearing the gospel message. Although a person of peace may not believe right away, they are willing to meet with the one sharing the gospel to learn more. A person of peace is someone whom God has prepared for the message ahead of time and who will be willing to spread it to their friends and family.
Biblical Foundation of the Person of Peace
Where does the term “person of peace” come from? When looking to multiply disciples and churches, missionaries will often refer to Luke 10 as a starting point for strategy.
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.’” –Luke 10:1–4
This passage describes Jesus sending 72 believers in pairs to towns where He was about to go to prepare the way. Look at what He said before sending them out:
“‘When you enter a house, first say, “Peace to this house.” If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.’” –Luke 10:5–7
This passage shows that a person of peace is hospitable, open to the gospel, and the key to opening doors in a new place.
The Person of Peace in Church Planting
How does it fit into church planting? Church planting is not really about buildings. It’s about people. It is the Holy Spirit’s work through people that goes as well as the people who receive the gospel. The person of peace is the first part of the church planting chain.
When an evangelist or church planter finds a person of peace, they spend some time with them—eating, drinking, and sleeping in their home while sharing about Jesus Christ. This person then believes or is open to more discussion and information, but either way, they are the true catalyst for a movement of the gospel in their area. It is through them that others come to hear the good news, which then leads to lives changed and churches planted.
Missions Strategy
Strategy is an important part of reaching the nations with the gospel. Strategy is not just about logistics; it’s a way to show care for those who do not yet know Jesus. Discover East-West’s strategy for reaching the unreached around the world.
