It’s a question that frequently arises with the topic of international missions and often proceeds from a well-intentioned resistance to cross-cultural ministry.
“Why should we send missionaries overseas when there are so many people here who need the gospel?”
The question is valid. In 1972, NORC found that 90% of Americans identified as Christian. Fifty years later, that number dropped to 69%. Over that same time period, the percentage of Americans who identified as religiously unaffiliated rose from 5% to 29%.
Biblical Foundations to Care about Global Missions
First, let’s see where the idea for international missions originated. It wasn’t a pastor, a theologian, or a seminary professor who suggested going to different places to share the gospel. Rather, it was the Author and Perfecter of the faith who mandated missions.
Why We Must Care about Global Missions Today
Since God intends for the gospel to go to all peoples, what progress has the Church made in reaching all nations?
Today, more than 3 billion people remain unreached with the gospel. This means they have little to no access to a Bible, church, or believing friend to tell them about Jesus.
Many factors contribute to the lack of access to the gospel. Some governments restrict Christianity or evangelism. Many cultures are hostile to the faith and will attack or harass Christians and churches. In some countries, geographical barriers make it physically difficult to reach villages.
How to Care about Global Missions While Serving Locally
The clear need for international missions does not negate the need for local outreach. The two should not be seen as competing efforts but as complementary ministries. As believers make disciples at home, they should help give those new believers a global vision, guiding them to see God’s heart for the nations and, perhaps, preparing them for international ministry.
Jesus even told the disciples to do both local and international missions when he said to be “‘witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,'” as well as to the ends of the Earth.
People in America absolutely need Jesus, but so do the 3 billion people worldwide who have no chance of hearing about Him unless laborers are sent into the harvest. So share the gospel at home, and actively seek out opportunities to either go to the nations yourself or send others. Only then will the “‘gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations … .'”