Why some missions programs are doomed to fail

Churches missions programs usually fall into two categories; namely, policy or purpose. There is generally speaking no middle ground. Let me explain.

A policy driven missions program is like the proverbial tail wagging the dog. Policy dictates all. Usually these programs are easily identified by the standard pledge amount proudly displayed with the name and picture of the missionary and the country on the little certificated mailed out from headquarters.
Never mind the 10/40 Window of opportunity. They never heard of it. Their concept is a flat earth graphically charted on a foldout map with little pins stuck in it with a string attached to a line of pictures of smiling missionaries.

Most times, the pastor is too busy to take missionary calls. That’s the secretaries job. And, she does a good job too. Wish I could play you the hundreds of monotone responses that I have heard down through the years. Blunt, but true.

These congregations are generally dead and haven’t the foggiest clue as to why. Well, if they would listen—which they usually don’t—the answer is a very simple one: they are victims of a convenient policy.

Even in good times, these policy churches whine over the bad economy. I pray for and respect these congregations and pastors; however, I can not allow them to discourage or hinder me from advocating a better way.

Now, on the other hand, churches with purpose find a way to make a difference where there is conceivably no way. Not surprisingly, some of these churches are mega-churches, but certainly no all. You can usually pick their pastor out in a crowd, too. He’s vibrant. Full of life. Not always necessarily young, but always young in spirit. Make it a point to talk to these men, or women. Get to know them. Not for what you can get out of them financially, but to find out what makes them tick.

The answer is, they have responded to a call, they have a purpose, and most of all their enthusiasm is contagious. It effects their congregations. Cranky board members are a thing of the past. Why? Because, they either got with the program or moved on.

What motivates these pastors is not a program but a person. That person is Jesus Christ. He is their focus. He is their purpose. He drives them and their church. And, they listen to Him to establish His purposes, using His plan, and His priorities. Therefore, for them one size does not fit all. Policy takes a backseat to the priorities of His purpose.
Policy would have sent Paul to Asia. Instead purpose sent him to Macedonia. Policy would have sent the 5 thousand home. Instead Christ purposed to feed them. Policy would have kept Philip in Samaria where there was revival; instead purpose sent him to the desert in Gaza to share the love of Christ with, of all persons, a eunuch! And, (I can't resist this dig!) policy would have retired John The Revelator on the Isle of Patmos; but God had something else in mind.

Such are the purposes and plans of God. May His purposes motivate and drive us into a brighter future not only as missionaries, but as a body of purpose driven believers.

Friends, let’s face it. We put our money and energy where our heart is. Any old tag along can write out a policy, get it voted on and use it as a hammer to knock missions in the head.