What is a Missionary? 

A missionary simply put is one who is sent on a “mission”. I define missionary as a Christ pursuer who is “Doing Life where the Lord puts them”. A missionary is one who goes for the primary purpose of making disciples of any and all people groups. 

The ultimate call for a missionary is to partner with God in His plan to redeem the world. God is not willing that any should perish but all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This is not some inclusive salvific teaching. This is the heart of God. According to John 3:16, God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes (put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone) should not perish but have eternal life. 

The ultimate goal for a missionary is to see people from every language, people groups, tribes, and nations come to know and serve the Lord Jesus (Revelation 7:9).  

What is Mission? 

Mission is the activity of God’s people, the church, declaring and demonstrating the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world who has been blinded by the Devil and cannot see the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The church under the authority of Jesus Christ cooperates with God to send out missionaries. Missionaries are set apart by God and the church to cross natural and/or cultural barriers with the gospel. It is the responsibility of pastors to ensure that the people in the local church they lead are equipped to live their lives missionally. The goal is not only to teach the local church about holiness but how to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every pastor in the world has the same responsibility…Equip the saints to live missionally and I would add create opportunities for them to do so through partnerships in your city as well. 

What is an International Missionary? 

When specifically speaking about an International missionary, they often are placed in an area of the world where most people have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. This means leaving their country and culture to go to another country and live among the people. This takes much self-denial and humbleness because most international missionaries give up most of their possession to go on the mission field. There are many types of International missionaries. An International missionary can be on what is called Long-Term (3+ years), Mid-Term (1 - 3 years),  Short-Term (1 week - 1 year).

What is an Urban Missionary? 

An Urban missionary is a Christ pursuer who incarnates the gospel in the general area/community that they live in. They become a part of the people, learn the language and culture so that they know how to impact it. This allows them to plant long term roots and invest their lives for the long haul. All of this helps build love, sympathy, and empathy for the people they are called to reach. All of this is not accidental, but intentional. 

What does this mission stuff have to do with You (the reader)? 

All born again Christ pursuers (Christians) are missionaries and should live their lives as such. You are either an Urban missionary or an International missionary. All missionaries are Urban missionaries but not all missionaries will become International missionaries. You must begin to view yourself as an Urban missionary until you feel the Lord Jesus calling you to become an International missionary. I can help your church process this there by making your church more missional.