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MissionsEdgewood is a worldwide mission center
The responsibility and privilege of fulfilling the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20) belongs to every believer, not just a select few.
Our Missions department seeks to provide opportunities for all our members to extend His Kingdom and plant churches wherever we go by:
We offer local and global opportunities to pray, give and go as we fulfill Acts 1:8…
“But you will receive power when the Holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
How do I get started?
We are glad you asked! Here are some suggestions to help you get started. Also, please feel free to contact us for any personal assistance you might need. Our commitment is to do all we can to help you find the opportunity in missions that’s right for you…
1. PRAY In his classic book Quiet Talks on Prayer, S. D. Gordon says this: “You can do a lot after you have prayed but you can’t do anything until you have prayed.” We agree – so take time to ask for the Lord’s guidance before you begin. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead you to a place of service where you can be productive in His kingdom and bear fruit for His glory.
2. PRAY – AND DECIDE TO GET INVOLVED The ancient Chinese proverb is still true: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Make up your mind that missions will be a priority in your life from now on, that you’ll no longer be content to “sit and soak” but will join the ranks of those who will bear the Good News wherever He sends you.
3. PRAY - AND GET MORE INFORMATION The surest way to get answers is to ask a lot of questions! Once you‘ve decided to begin, talk to the leader of the ministry that interests you. Beyond that, talk to other church members who serve there too and find out what they feel about it. They once faced the same decision you’re facing now, so draw on their experience.
4. PRAY – AND ATTEND TRAINING SESSIONS Every ministry listed here will provide you with whatever training is needed for you to succeed – but none of it will do you any good if you don’t participate! So make these training sessions a priority in your schedule, and if you have difficulty making a session be sure to let the ministry leader know so they can help you individually. AND FOR SHORT TERM MISSION TRIPS…
5. GET A PASSPORT IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE You can pick up an application form at the Main Post Office on Milgen Road or here at Edgewood in the Missions Office – and if you need help completing it, we’ll assist you with that too. Even if you don’t currently plan to take a short term mission trip, go ahead and get a passport as an expression of your willingness to go. Some opportunities arise on short notice, with last minute openings on a team – but you’ll need to already have a passport to take advantage of it. Be ready!
6. FILL OUT A TEAM APPLICATION FORM If you’re interested in a particular short term mission trip, get an application form from the team leader, fill it out completely and return it to them for consideration. There’s a lot of information that must be gathered for us to properly field a team, so the sooner you fill out the application, the easier you’ll make things for your team leader.
7. ATTEND TEAM TRAINING MEETINGS Training sessions to prepare for short term missions are absolutely vital to their success – so make them a priority. Blessed are those who show up! In addition to the normal details of travel – itinerary, packing, health issues, etc. – there’s training for the specific ministry to be done by the team. Beyond that, there’s the team building that only takes place when people spend time together – and pray together - in preparation for the journey.
8. SEEK SUPPORT Share the opportunity with your Sunday School class, small group and close friends. Their emotional, prayer and financial support for your mission is a necessary – and vital – part of the process. Short term missions are a team effort and the success of those that “go” depends in large part on those who stay behind to “pray” and “give” – so make sure they have the opportunity!
9. GO – AND TELL Go and do the work that God has placed on your heart – and do it with all your heart. Remember that it’s not just the destination that has God’s interest – it’s the journey, as you go with Him on mission. Watch for His work in your life as you go. Watch for opportunities to extend your faith beyond where you’ve ever gone before. Watch for His faithfulness as He responds to your obedience!
10. COME HOME - AND SHARE Your stories and enthusiasm will be the instrument God uses to encourage others to go in the future. Make sure you report back to those who invested in your trip with their prayers and finances – let them know that together God accomplished great things on your journey. 2 Corinthians 1:11 puts it this way:
“…thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed upon us through the prayers of many.”
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