Encouraging Words: The Antioch Vision
Acts 13:1-3-In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers… While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
Paul pastored many churches but one of the most significant ones was the church in Antioch. The church in Antioch was actually started by Stephen and others from Cyprus and Cyrene. The church grew under Paul’s teaching. He spent a whole year there teaching great numbers of people (Acts 11:26). Antioch was the first place that followers of Jesus were called Christians.
What’s most unique and special about the church at Antioch, however, is that it was Paul’s sending church. The church set Paul apart for the spread of the gospel and sent him off. They weren’t jealous for Paul’s ministry and kept him to themselves, but they released him and let him go. In this way, not only did they support missions, but they sent Paul into missions.
You may ask, what does this have to do with 1st Byron? The answer is that we just approved something called “The Antioch Vision.” Just as the Antioch church was both a missions supporting and sending church, the Antioch Vision challenges us to be the same. We support missions to the tune of over $70,000 a year. But wouldn’t it be exciting if we also became a sending church? If God would raise up members of our own congregation for missions and we could send them out? That’s what the Antioch Vision calls for and puts resources to. Our congregation approved $4,000 for this year as seed money to help defer the costs of those who feel called to serve in missions, short term. The mission fields we especially want to target are those we already support as a church. For example, maybe you could serve for a week in Turkey helping put on a kids camp, or minister in Uganda for a couple of weeks assisting the Slied-rechts, or join Pastor Ken in teaching for a week in China? You’ll never be the same after you experience missions first hand. Your prayers for God’s kingdom will be more passionate and your heart for evangelism will be set on fire. As you’re changed, our church will be changed too.
How can you get some of the funds? Approach the Missions Committee with your vision and apply for assistance. The committee is putting together guidelines for what kinds of trips qualifiy and how much money will be available. Lonnie Vis is the chairman.
Dream about where God might use you. Let this be your prayer, “Here am I, Lord. Send me.”
Pastor Tom
P.S. There is money available for young people from our church for similar kinds of missions experiences through the Laninga Missions Scholarship Fund. The Missions Committee handles this fund too. Contact them.