Why do churches send missionaries? | Acts 17:1-15 (Part 2) | Join The Journey Podcast

All right. All right. Join the Journey All right. All right. Join the Journey family, friends, and guests. You're family, friends, and guests. You're family, friends, and guests. You're listening to Join the [music] Journey listening to Join the [music] Journey listening to Join the [music] Journey podcast with your host, Emma Daughter. podcast with your host, Emma Daughter. podcast with your host, Emma Daughter. >> Thanks for joining. This week we are >> Thanks for joining. This week we are >> Thanks for joining. This week we are reading Acts 17:ES [music] reading Acts 17:ES [music] reading Acts 17:ES [music] 1-15. And I am in the podcast studio 1-15. And I am in the podcast studio 1-15. And I am in the podcast studio with Bruce Kendrick, Watermark's with Bruce Kendrick, Watermark's with Bruce Kendrick, Watermark's International Missions Director. International Missions Director. International Missions Director. >> Hey friends. >> Hey friends. >> Hey friends. >> Good to have you here, Bruce. >> Good to have you here, Bruce. >> Good to have you here, Bruce. >> Thanks. Uh let me read for us Acts 17:14 >> Thanks. Uh let me read for us Acts 17:14 >> Thanks. Uh let me read for us Acts 17:14 and 15 specifically and then we'll we'll and 15 specifically and then we'll we'll and 15 specifically and then we'll we'll jump in with some questions starting in jump in with some questions starting in jump in with some questions starting in verse 14. We read, "Then the brothers verse 14. We read, "Then the brothers verse 14. We read, "Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to immediately sent Paul off on his way to immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. Those who conducted Paul brought there. Those who conducted Paul brought there. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after him as far as Athens, and after him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and receiving a command for Silas and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as Timothy to come to him as soon as Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed." And the phrase possible, they departed." And the phrase possible, they departed." And the phrase that really jumped off jumped off the that really jumped off jumped off the that really jumped off jumped off the page for me was that the brothers sent page for me was that the brothers sent page for me was that the brothers sent Paul off. And we've been seeing that Paul off. And we've been seeing that Paul off. And we've been seeing that pattern of Paul or other other pattern of Paul or other other pattern of Paul or other other individuals being sent by a local body. individuals being sent by a local body. individuals being sent by a local body. And so the first question, Bruce, And so the first question, Bruce, And so the first question, Bruce, >> that I'd love for us to discuss and >> that I'd love for us to discuss and >> that I'd love for us to discuss and really hear you teach us is what does it really hear you teach us is what does it really hear you teach us is what does it mean to be a sending church? What is mean to be a sending church? What is mean to be a sending church? What is what does that actually mean?

what does that actually mean? what does that actually mean? >> Yeah. [snorts] So when we look at uh the >> Yeah. [snorts] So when we look at uh the >> Yeah. [snorts] So when we look at uh the New Testament and we look at even some New Testament and we look at even some New Testament and we look at even some of uh the Old Testament, we see God is a of uh the Old Testament, we see God is a of uh the Old Testament, we see God is a sending God like uh even God's word is sending God like uh even God's word is sending God like uh even God's word is uh a scent resource to us representing uh a scent resource to us representing uh a scent resource to us representing the father um giving us truth because the father um giving us truth because the father um giving us truth because God is reaching his people. And so as we God is reaching his people. And so as we God is reaching his people. And so as we the church are an embassy in his the church are an embassy in his the church are an embassy in his kingdom, in his creation, uh he is using kingdom, in his creation, uh he is using kingdom, in his creation, uh he is using us to send out ambassadors that are us to send out ambassadors that are us to send out ambassadors that are going to bring about the ministry of going to bring about the ministry of going to bring about the ministry of reconciliation. Uh to not just share the reconciliation. Uh to not just share the reconciliation. Uh to not just share the gospel and not just make disciples, but gospel and not just make disciples, but gospel and not just make disciples, but to plant churches, to train up pastors to plant churches, to train up pastors to plant churches, to train up pastors that we would continue that pattern that we would continue that pattern that we would continue that pattern forward. Um, and so when we talk about forward. Um, and so when we talk about forward. Um, and so when we talk about being a sending church, uh, you know, being a sending church, uh, you know, being a sending church, uh, you know, it's not just kind of a optional like it's not just kind of a optional like it's not just kind of a optional like thing that we could do if we have the thing that we could do if we have the thing that we could do if we have the time. Um, it's really grounded in God's time. Um, it's really grounded in God's time. Um, it's really grounded in God's mission as we're all leading up to mission as we're all leading up to mission as we're all leading up to Revelation where God brings together Revelation where God brings together Revelation where God brings together every tribe, tongue, and nation. Um, every tribe, tongue, and nation. Um, every tribe, tongue, and nation. Um, praising him and exalting him and praising him and exalting him and praising him and exalting him and getting to enjoy God forever together.

getting to enjoy God forever together. getting to enjoy God forever together. >> Uh, what about in the local church >> Uh, what about in the local church >> Uh, what about in the local church specifically? Why why is being a sending specifically? Why why is being a sending specifically? Why why is being a sending church important for any local church? church important for any local church? church important for any local church? Maybe specifically Watermark, but in Maybe specifically Watermark, but in Maybe specifically Watermark, but in general, what's what's the difference general, what's what's the difference general, what's what's the difference there with the big C church and there's there with the big C church and there's there with the big C church and there's missions organizations, but the local missions organizations, but the local missions organizations, but the local church specifically? church specifically? church specifically? >> Yeah, I would say that that what we've >> Yeah, I would say that that what we've >> Yeah, I would say that that what we've seen happen historically is when a seen happen historically is when a seen happen historically is when a church is not a sending church, church is not a sending church, church is not a sending church, >> uh then a couple things. One is you tend >> uh then a couple things. One is you tend >> uh then a couple things. One is you tend to be more of a come and see church and to be more of a come and see church and to be more of a come and see church and uh it becomes kind of institutional or uh it becomes kind of institutional or uh it becomes kind of institutional or insular and then simultaneously your insular and then simultaneously your insular and then simultaneously your people are losing um just the the skill people are losing um just the the skill people are losing um just the the skill of making disciples that is meant for of making disciples that is meant for of making disciples that is meant for all of us. Like that's the great all of us. Like that's the great all of us. Like that's the great commission for everybody. Uh and so on commission for everybody. Uh and so on commission for everybody. Uh and so on top of that, what I've found is that top of that, what I've found is that top of that, what I've found is that churches um will actually miss God's churches um will actually miss God's churches um will actually miss God's mission. they'll miss the nations mission. they'll miss the nations mission. they'll miss the nations altogether and they'll start focusing on altogether and they'll start focusing on altogether and they'll start focusing on sharing the gospel which is absolutely sharing the gospel which is absolutely sharing the gospel which is absolutely central uh helping be people become central uh helping be people become central uh helping be people become Christlike again like we're not Christlike again like we're not Christlike again like we're not necessarily off course there yet um but necessarily off course there yet um but necessarily off course there yet um but when it starts to shift towards okay when it starts to shift towards okay when it starts to shift towards okay we're just trying to raise good husbands we're just trying to raise good husbands we're just trying to raise good husbands to be good fathers to lead good families to be good fathers to lead good families to be good fathers to lead good families to make sure that their kids show up to to make sure that their kids show up to to make sure that their kids show up to church um we start to miss out and we church um we start to miss out and we church um we start to miss out and we end up in this like moral therapeutic end up in this like moral therapeutic end up in this like moral therapeutic deism land of our ecclesiology rather deism land of our ecclesiology rather deism land of our ecclesiology rather than God's mission, God's vision for the than God's mission, God's vision for the than God's mission, God's vision for the nations, for unreached peoples. And um nations, for unreached peoples. And um nations, for unreached peoples. And um just our sense of what God's purpose is just our sense of what God's purpose is just our sense of what God's purpose is becomes more about us than it becomes

becomes more about us than it becomes becomes more about us than it becomes about God's glory. about God's glory. about God's glory. >> Yeah, that's that's what I was hearing >> Yeah, that's that's what I was hearing >> Yeah, that's that's what I was hearing hearing you say when we lose the sending hearing you say when we lose the sending hearing you say when we lose the sending value. Yeah. value. Yeah. value. Yeah. >> Or the marker, as we say here at >> Or the marker, as we say here at >> Or the marker, as we say here at Watermark, we become a lot more Watermark, we become a lot more Watermark, we become a lot more self-focused on what we want, what we self-focused on what we want, what we self-focused on what we want, what we want to do, how we want to live, rather want to do, how we want to live, rather want to do, how we want to live, rather than focusing on God's call on on our than focusing on God's call on on our than focusing on God's call on on our lives. lives. lives. >> Yeah. So you end up becoming more of a >> Yeah. So you end up becoming more of a >> Yeah. So you end up becoming more of a come and see church and less of a go and come and see church and less of a go and come and see church and less of a go and tell church. And it's not that we want tell church. And it's not that we want tell church. And it's not that we want to lose the come and see piece. Uh so to lose the come and see piece. Uh so to lose the come and see piece. Uh so there's another uh kind of there's another uh kind of there's another uh kind of overcorrection on that where you lose overcorrection on that where you lose overcorrection on that where you lose the come and see by devaluing the church the come and see by devaluing the church the come and see by devaluing the church alto together and just going we're going alto together and just going we're going alto together and just going we're going just going to go and tell. We're just just going to go and tell. We're just just going to go and tell. We're just going to go make disciples. And it's going to go make disciples. And it's going to go make disciples. And it's like well what are you going to go make like well what are you going to go make like well what are you going to go make disciples to do? Um ultimately the disciples to do? Um ultimately the disciples to do? Um ultimately the church is God's plan A through Z. church is God's plan A through Z. church is God's plan A through Z. There's not another plan. So, uh, we There's not another plan. So, uh, we There's not another plan. So, uh, we want to be a part of that. And, um, want to be a part of that. And, um, want to be a part of that. And, um, what's significant historically is as what's significant historically is as what's significant historically is as missions has taken place over the last missions has taken place over the last missions has taken place over the last 2,000 years, um, we've seen missions 2,000 years, um, we've seen missions 2,000 years, um, we've seen missions organizations really take the place of organizations really take the place of organizations really take the place of the local church and its authority to the local church and its authority to the local church and its authority to send its responsibility to discover, send its responsibility to discover, send its responsibility to discover, develop, and deploy missionaries, to develop, and deploy missionaries, to develop, and deploy missionaries, to train up missionaries. And admittedly, train up missionaries. And admittedly, train up missionaries. And admittedly, not every church has the same amount of not every church has the same amount of not every church has the same amount of resources or the same amount of people resources or the same amount of people resources or the same amount of people to send. It's not that everybody is to send. It's not that everybody is to send. It's not that everybody is sent. Um there is a specific role to sent. Um there is a specific role to sent. Um there is a specific role to send missionaries. And um and so when send missionaries. And um and so when send missionaries. And um and so when you think about that uh there there you think about that uh there there you think about that uh there there needs to be really a uh a reclamation needs to be really a uh a reclamation needs to be really a uh a reclamation maybe is the word to to call it of the

maybe is the word to to call it of the maybe is the word to to call it of the local church reclaiming its authority to local church reclaiming its authority to local church reclaiming its authority to send. We have outsourced so much to send. We have outsourced so much to send. We have outsourced so much to sending agencies to mission partners and sending agencies to mission partners and sending agencies to mission partners and organizations um that we've really organizations um that we've really organizations um that we've really become irresponsible and we've got become irresponsible and we've got become irresponsible and we've got missionaries out in the field who are missionaries out in the field who are missionaries out in the field who are not known by their churches, not not known by their churches, not not known by their churches, not supported by their churches or cared for supported by their churches or cared for supported by their churches or cared for by their churches because that just got by their churches because that just got by their churches because that just got outsourced to a sending agency. And I've outsourced to a sending agency. And I've outsourced to a sending agency. And I've talked to dozens of sending agencies talked to dozens of sending agencies talked to dozens of sending agencies that have uh echoed that sentiment who that have uh echoed that sentiment who that have uh echoed that sentiment who have desired not to have the church have desired not to have the church have desired not to have the church outsource its responsibility to them and outsource its responsibility to them and outsource its responsibility to them and yet are kind of stuck holding the the yet are kind of stuck holding the the yet are kind of stuck holding the the rope when the local church is who should rope when the local church is who should rope when the local church is who should be doing that. And so that's another be doing that. And so that's another be doing that. And so that's another significant part of this is not that the significant part of this is not that the significant part of this is not that the sending agency's role is diminished or sending agency's role is diminished or sending agency's role is diminished or needs to go away, but that the local needs to go away, but that the local needs to go away, but that the local church's role needs to be reestablished church's role needs to be reestablished church's role needs to be reestablished as we embrace our missionaries and the as we embrace our missionaries and the as we embrace our missionaries and the task at hand so that it's churches task at hand so that it's churches task at hand so that it's churches sending missionaries to plant churches, sending missionaries to plant churches, sending missionaries to plant churches, not churches outsourcing missionaries to not churches outsourcing missionaries to not churches outsourcing missionaries to sending agencies to potentially plant sending agencies to potentially plant sending agencies to potentially plant churches. Uh, a lot of our myology and churches. Uh, a lot of our myology and churches. Uh, a lot of our myology and ecclesiology has gotten lost in the mix ecclesiology has gotten lost in the mix ecclesiology has gotten lost in the mix of all of that. So, what would you say of all of that. So, what would you say of all of that. So, what would you say to somebody who's listening and they're to somebody who's listening and they're to somebody who's listening and they're thinking, "But wait a second, like I've thinking, "But wait a second, like I've thinking, "But wait a second, like I've given money to fill in the blank sending given money to fill in the blank sending given money to fill in the blank sending organization." Is that is that bad? Is organization." Is that is that bad? Is organization." Is that is that bad? Is there a middle ground somewhere? Are are there a middle ground somewhere? Are are there a middle ground somewhere? Are are sending organizations themselves sending organizations themselves sending organizations themselves not good?

not good? not good? >> No, I would I would just um I would want >> No, I would I would just um I would want >> No, I would I would just um I would want to educate people that are giving to educate people that are giving to educate people that are giving generously about what they're giving to. generously about what they're giving to. generously about what they're giving to. Um, a great question to ask any sending Um, a great question to ask any sending Um, a great question to ask any sending organization, any mission organization organization, any mission organization organization, any mission organization is how do you define the church? is how do you define the church? is how do you define the church? >> And if you define the church in a way >> And if you define the church in a way >> And if you define the church in a way that there aren't really elders that are that there aren't really elders that are that there aren't really elders that are required, um, that we're just trying to required, um, that we're just trying to required, um, that we're just trying to make as many disciples as we possibly make as many disciples as we possibly make as many disciples as we possibly can, but there's no real plan to help can, but there's no real plan to help can, but there's no real plan to help them mature or, um, them mature or, um, them mature or, um, >> gather them together in a region or >> gather them together in a region or >> gather them together in a region or something like that. uh then that's something like that. uh then that's something like that. uh then that's where I think you should have pause. And where I think you should have pause. And where I think you should have pause. And admittedly, most of us aren't doing that admittedly, most of us aren't doing that admittedly, most of us aren't doing that homework. Uh you know, we're just we homework. Uh you know, we're just we homework. Uh you know, we're just we know somebody who knows us and and know somebody who knows us and and know somebody who knows us and and they're asking and there's a great they're asking and there's a great they're asking and there's a great opportunity, but man, numbers are opportunity, but man, numbers are opportunity, but man, numbers are getting thrown around irresponsibly. Uh getting thrown around irresponsibly. Uh getting thrown around irresponsibly. Uh I've talked to way too many people that I've talked to way too many people that I've talked to way too many people that are talking about the billions or the are talking about the billions or the are talking about the billions or the hundreds of thousands or the millions hundreds of thousands or the millions hundreds of thousands or the millions that they've reached or the churches that they've reached or the churches that they've reached or the churches that they've planted. And and again, that they've planted. And and again, that they've planted. And and again, just asking that question of how does just asking that question of how does just asking that question of how does your organization define the church, I your organization define the church, I your organization define the church, I think will bring clarity to what kind of think will bring clarity to what kind of think will bring clarity to what kind of work they're actually doing and work they're actually doing and work they're actually doing and sustaining. Um we're really sensitive to sustaining. Um we're really sensitive to sustaining. Um we're really sensitive to the reality that we don't want to ever the reality that we don't want to ever the reality that we don't want to ever have to plant a church in the same place have to plant a church in the same place have to plant a church in the same place twice. So, if we're going to go among twice. So, if we're going to go among twice. So, if we're going to go among the unreached and we're going to go and the unreached and we're going to go and the unreached and we're going to go and invest in that location to make sure invest in that location to make sure invest in that location to make sure that there's a healthy, maturing church that there's a healthy, maturing church that there's a healthy, maturing church that's going to care for those people, that's going to care for those people, that's going to care for those people, that's going to bring the gospel to bear that's going to bring the gospel to bear that's going to bring the gospel to bear on the lives of the people that live on the lives of the people that live on the lives of the people that live there and then continue to reproduce there and then continue to reproduce there and then continue to reproduce itself as is, itself as is, itself as is, >> you know, essential to what the church

>> you know, essential to what the church >> you know, essential to what the church actually does, actually does, actually does, >> um, then we want to make sure that we do >> um, then we want to make sure that we do >> um, then we want to make sure that we do that responsibly and not just, man, that responsibly and not just, man, that responsibly and not just, man, we're we're trying to just crank out we're we're trying to just crank out we're we're trying to just crank out believers as fast as we can. We don't believers as fast as we can. We don't believers as fast as we can. We don't necessarily care if they develop roots necessarily care if they develop roots necessarily care if they develop roots in their faith. Um, and I I think again in their faith. Um, and I I think again in their faith. Um, and I I think again that's where we're seeing places that that's where we're seeing places that that's where we're seeing places that were once Christian strongholds like were once Christian strongholds like were once Christian strongholds like North Africa now have been um really North Africa now have been um really North Africa now have been um really taken and maintained by Islam for taken and maintained by Islam for taken and maintained by Islam for hundreds of years u where there just hundreds of years u where there just hundreds of years u where there just isn't the health that there needs to be isn't the health that there needs to be isn't the health that there needs to be in in in >> for stability and not to be sustained >> for stability and not to be sustained >> for stability and not to be sustained over years. over years. over years. >> Yes. And it's not that there aren't >> Yes. And it's not that there aren't >> Yes. And it's not that there aren't missionaries there doing great work uh missionaries there doing great work uh missionaries there doing great work uh that we're wanting to continue to be a that we're wanting to continue to be a that we're wanting to continue to be a part of uh so much as the strategy and part of uh so much as the strategy and part of uh so much as the strategy and the myology uh has lost some of its the myology uh has lost some of its the myology uh has lost some of its church distinctiveness and the core church distinctiveness and the core church distinctiveness and the core missionary task of church planning. Uh missionary task of church planning. Uh missionary task of church planning. Uh we've also seen things just kind of lose we've also seen things just kind of lose we've also seen things just kind of lose their way as uh post World War II their way as uh post World War II their way as uh post World War II humanitarian aid really took over the humanitarian aid really took over the humanitarian aid really took over the forefront of the mission's task. And um forefront of the mission's task. And um forefront of the mission's task. And um we're seeing a shift since the 1970s uh we're seeing a shift since the 1970s uh we're seeing a shift since the 1970s uh back to church planning, pastor training back to church planning, pastor training back to church planning, pastor training being the core.

being the core. being the core. >> Uh and certainly there are other things >> Uh and certainly there are other things >> Uh and certainly there are other things tied into that like Bible translation tied into that like Bible translation tied into that like Bible translation and so on, but um that's got to be and so on, but um that's got to be and so on, but um that's got to be central to the work that we're doing. central to the work that we're doing. central to the work that we're doing. I want to I want to go one click deeper I want to I want to go one click deeper I want to I want to go one click deeper on that. on that. on that. >> Why which I I have one more question in >> Why which I I have one more question in >> Why which I I have one more question in addition to this I need to ask you so addition to this I need to ask you so addition to this I need to ask you so briefly. briefly. briefly. >> Why can you say with confidence planting >> Why can you say with confidence planting >> Why can you say with confidence planting churches should be central to missional churches should be central to missional churches should be central to missional efforts efforts efforts >> biblically? Why do we know that? Why do >> biblically? Why do we know that? Why do >> biblically? Why do we know that? Why do we know that to be true? we know that to be true? we know that to be true? >> Yeah. Yeah. I would go back to Acts 13 >> Yeah. Yeah. I would go back to Acts 13 >> Yeah. Yeah. I would go back to Acts 13 and Acts 14. Uh specifically we see Paul and Acts 14. Uh specifically we see Paul and Acts 14. Uh specifically we see Paul and Barnabas uh sent out from the church and Barnabas uh sent out from the church and Barnabas uh sent out from the church at Antioch. And then uh when Paul and at Antioch. And then uh when Paul and at Antioch. And then uh when Paul and Barnabas are going through the cities in Barnabas are going through the cities in Barnabas are going through the cities in Asia Minor uh the the Turkey area of the Asia Minor uh the the Turkey area of the Asia Minor uh the the Turkey area of the world today um we see them making world today um we see them making world today um we see them making disciples and over a course of of what disciples and over a course of of what disciples and over a course of of what is guessed about 2 years um and then is guessed about 2 years um and then is guessed about 2 years um and then they start to work their way back they start to work their way back they start to work their way back through the places that they went and through the places that they went and through the places that they went and the word says verse 21- 23 in chapter 14 the word says verse 21- 23 in chapter 14 the word says verse 21- 23 in chapter 14 um that they appointed elders in every um that they appointed elders in every um that they appointed elders in every church. So that's the first place. Prior church. So that's the first place. Prior church. So that's the first place. Prior to that, they were groups of disciples.

to that, they were groups of disciples. to that, they were groups of disciples. Y um but but after that they were Y um but but after that they were Y um but but after that they were appointing elders at every church. So appointing elders at every church. So appointing elders at every church. So that's where we see a pattern begin and that's where we see a pattern begin and that's where we see a pattern begin and continue on as um then again just back continue on as um then again just back continue on as um then again just back to like God's plan A through Z is the to like God's plan A through Z is the to like God's plan A through Z is the local church. So uh where we start to local church. So uh where we start to local church. So uh where we start to outsource that to nonprofits and outsource that to nonprofits and outsource that to nonprofits and organizations. We start to see mission organizations. We start to see mission organizations. We start to see mission drift. uh we start to see um some of the drift. uh we start to see um some of the drift. uh we start to see um some of the just and some of that happens with just and some of that happens with just and some of that happens with really good intentions. It's not that really good intentions. It's not that really good intentions. It's not that anybody just wakes up one morning and anybody just wakes up one morning and anybody just wakes up one morning and decides, oh, we don't want to do this decides, oh, we don't want to do this decides, oh, we don't want to do this anymore. Um but you end up with like anymore. Um but you end up with like anymore. Um but you end up with like businesses mission strategies. you end businesses mission strategies. you end businesses mission strategies. you end up with humanitarian aid and medical up with humanitarian aid and medical up with humanitarian aid and medical mission strategies that help people get mission strategies that help people get mission strategies that help people get physically healthy or address their physically healthy or address their physically healthy or address their poverty needs but completely missed poverty needs but completely missed poverty needs but completely missed sometimes on their spiritual needs cuz sometimes on their spiritual needs cuz sometimes on their spiritual needs cuz you're just consumed um with displaced you're just consumed um with displaced you're just consumed um with displaced peoples and some of the humanitarian aid peoples and some of the humanitarian aid peoples and some of the humanitarian aid crises that are happening. So we can do crises that are happening. So we can do crises that are happening. So we can do those things. uh it can be a little bit those things. uh it can be a little bit those things. uh it can be a little bit of a both and but if we're we're just of a both and but if we're we're just of a both and but if we're we're just doing the humanitarian aid side, we're doing the humanitarian aid side, we're doing the humanitarian aid side, we're really missing on the core missionary really missing on the core missionary really missing on the core missionary task and um that has to maintain our task and um that has to maintain our task and um that has to maintain our central focus of making disciples that central focus of making disciples that central focus of making disciples that are going to plant churches.

are going to plant churches. are going to plant churches. >> Now, if you're listening to this podcast >> Now, if you're listening to this podcast >> Now, if you're listening to this podcast and you're not in Texas, you should know and you're not in Texas, you should know and you're not in Texas, you should know that Join the Journey is a ministry of that Join the Journey is a ministry of that Join the Journey is a ministry of Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas. So my question for you, Bruce, Texas. So my question for you, Bruce, Texas. So my question for you, Bruce, yeah, is then how do we do this here at yeah, is then how do we do this here at yeah, is then how do we do this here at Watermark? What does it look like for Watermark? What does it look like for Watermark? What does it look like for Watermark to be ascending church? What's Watermark to be ascending church? What's Watermark to be ascending church? What's the process? If I raise my hand and say, the process? If I raise my hand and say, the process? If I raise my hand and say, "I think God's calling me to go." "I think God's calling me to go." "I think God's calling me to go." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Now, what? >> Now, what? >> Now, what? >> Yeah. So, um, we've identified really I >> Yeah. So, um, we've identified really I >> Yeah. So, um, we've identified really I would we've got a handful of partners, would we've got a handful of partners, would we've got a handful of partners, but there are three that I would I would but there are three that I would I would but there are three that I would I would focus in on just to kind of get us focus in on just to kind of get us focus in on just to kind of get us started. So, uh, one is our partnership started. So, uh, one is our partnership started. So, uh, one is our partnership with Reaching and Teaching. Second is with Reaching and Teaching. Second is with Reaching and Teaching. Second is with Chrisar. Those are both sending with Chrisar. Those are both sending with Chrisar. Those are both sending agencies that, uh, we've just aligned agencies that, uh, we've just aligned agencies that, uh, we've just aligned with in regards to what our missiology with in regards to what our missiology with in regards to what our missiology is. So how we're going to do missions in is. So how we're going to do missions in is. So how we're going to do missions in the field and prepare people, what we're the field and prepare people, what we're the field and prepare people, what we're going to emphasize as the core going to emphasize as the core going to emphasize as the core missionary task. missionary task. missionary task. >> And what is missology? >> And what is missology? >> And what is missology? >> So it's the study of missions. It's and >> So it's the study of missions. It's and >> So it's the study of missions. It's and your practices. It's your strategy. How your practices. It's your strategy. How your practices. It's your strategy. How are you going to go about uh fulfilling are you going to go about uh fulfilling are you going to go about uh fulfilling God's mission as you get people into the God's mission as you get people into the God's mission as you get people into the field? What kind of accountability are field? What kind of accountability are field? What kind of accountability are you going to do and and what's inbounds you going to do and and what's inbounds you going to do and and what's inbounds and what's out of bounds? What's and what's out of bounds? What's and what's out of bounds? What's negotiable? Those things.

negotiable? Those things. negotiable? Those things. >> Um >> Um >> Um >> so you've got these part we've got these >> so you've got these part we've got these >> so you've got these part we've got these partners. partners. partners. >> Yeah, those two partners. And then >> Yeah, those two partners. And then >> Yeah, those two partners. And then another one that I'd mention is Launch another one that I'd mention is Launch another one that I'd mention is Launch Global. Um, Launch Global is really our Global. Um, Launch Global is really our Global. Um, Launch Global is really our mobilization kind of training and mobilization kind of training and mobilization kind of training and preparation offense, if you will, to get preparation offense, if you will, to get preparation offense, if you will, to get missionaries to the field. missionaries to the field. missionaries to the field. >> And um, they're just world class in uh, >> And um, they're just world class in uh, >> And um, they're just world class in uh, what they do. Uh, and that really gives what they do. Uh, and that really gives what they do. Uh, and that really gives us three steps leading up to. So, uh, we us three steps leading up to. So, uh, we us three steps leading up to. So, uh, we lead a missions class every fall called lead a missions class every fall called lead a missions class every fall called Discover Missions. It's 10 weeks long, Discover Missions. It's 10 weeks long, Discover Missions. It's 10 weeks long, which is like just long enough to really which is like just long enough to really which is like just long enough to really figure out, is somebody really bought figure out, is somebody really bought figure out, is somebody really bought into this? And at the end of that class, into this? And at the end of that class, into this? And at the end of that class, uh, I stand up and I kind of spell out, uh, I stand up and I kind of spell out, uh, I stand up and I kind of spell out, um, what the next steps could um, what the next steps could um, what the next steps could potentially be. Uh, there's a John Piper potentially be. Uh, there's a John Piper potentially be. Uh, there's a John Piper quote that says that there are three quote that says that there are three quote that says that there are three kinds of Christians. Those who sin, kinds of Christians. Those who sin, kinds of Christians. Those who sin, those who go, and those who are those who go, and those who are those who go, and those who are disobedient. And so we talk about disobedient. And so we talk about disobedient. And so we talk about avoiding disobedience. And then we talk avoiding disobedience. And then we talk avoiding disobedience. And then we talk about sending well because it can be so about sending well because it can be so about sending well because it can be so easy as the church to say that you're easy as the church to say that you're easy as the church to say that you're going to be a sending church and then uh going to be a sending church and then uh going to be a sending church and then uh once those people are gone once those people are gone once those people are gone >> uh to not send well to not support them >> uh to not send well to not support them >> uh to not send well to not support them long term whether that's financially long term whether that's financially long term whether that's financially prayerfully going and visiting them prayerfully going and visiting them prayerfully going and visiting them sending mission trips to support the sending mission trips to support the sending mission trips to support the work that they're doing in the field.

work that they're doing in the field. work that they're doing in the field. All those things are really critical. Um All those things are really critical. Um All those things are really critical. Um and so we talk about sending well and and so we talk about sending well and and so we talk about sending well and then we talk about going well. And at then we talk about going well. And at then we talk about going well. And at the end we just divide the room. and we the end we just divide the room. and we the end we just divide the room. and we say, "Hey, who's who's staying and who's say, "Hey, who's who's staying and who's say, "Hey, who's who's staying and who's going?" And um for those that raise going?" And um for those that raise going?" And um for those that raise their hand and say, "Man, I feel like their hand and say, "Man, I feel like their hand and say, "Man, I feel like God's convicted me to go." We're looking God's convicted me to go." We're looking God's convicted me to go." We're looking at them to see, "Have you stewarded your at them to see, "Have you stewarded your at them to see, "Have you stewarded your life in such a way that you've developed life in such a way that you've developed life in such a way that you've developed skills and maturity that we do want to skills and maturity that we do want to skills and maturity that we do want to send you?" So, it's not just a I feel send you?" So, it's not just a I feel send you?" So, it's not just a I feel called. It's also is the church going to called. It's also is the church going to called. It's also is the church going to a point. Like when we look at Acts 13 a point. Like when we look at Acts 13 a point. Like when we look at Acts 13 and we see the church at Antioch and the and we see the church at Antioch and the and we see the church at Antioch and the prophets and teachers that were there, prophets and teachers that were there, prophets and teachers that were there, it's not like Paul and Barnabas just it's not like Paul and Barnabas just it's not like Paul and Barnabas just went, we just feel really called to go went, we just feel really called to go went, we just feel really called to go and we we are emotionally driven for the and we we are emotionally driven for the and we we are emotionally driven for the unreached. Uh it is a acknowledgement of unreached. Uh it is a acknowledgement of unreached. Uh it is a acknowledgement of the skills that they have developed. the skills that they have developed. the skills that they have developed. Like they're probably in their late 30s, Like they're probably in their late 30s, Like they're probably in their late 30s, early 40s when they go. early 40s when they go. early 40s when they go. >> So >> So >> So >> yeah, which that late 30s, early 40s, >> yeah, which that late 30s, early 40s, >> yeah, which that late 30s, early 40s, they're not 21 year olds. Yeah. Fresh they're not 21 year olds. Yeah. Fresh they're not 21 year olds. Yeah. Fresh out of undergrad, out of undergrad, out of undergrad, >> right? They've developed some skills >> right? They've developed some skills >> right? They've developed some skills that can be useful in the field. And so that can be useful in the field. And so that can be useful in the field. And so we want to make sure that people have we want to make sure that people have we want to make sure that people have stewarded their lives that way. So stewarded their lives that way. So stewarded their lives that way. So that's the first step that discover that's the first step that discover that's the first step that discover missions class. The second step is a missions class. The second step is a missions class. The second step is a disciple.

disciple. disciple. >> Before you move on, I want to clarify. >> Before you move on, I want to clarify. >> Before you move on, I want to clarify. If a 21-year-old who just graduated from If a 21-year-old who just graduated from If a 21-year-old who just graduated from SMU or DBU came forward and said, I want SMU or DBU came forward and said, I want SMU or DBU came forward and said, I want to go, we wouldn't say no just because to go, we wouldn't say no just because to go, we wouldn't say no just because they're 21. they're 21. they're 21. >> No. No. Okay. We would say, great. Let's >> No. No. Okay. We would say, great. Let's >> No. No. Okay. We would say, great. Let's let's help develop you. Yeah. Uh and so let's help develop you. Yeah. Uh and so let's help develop you. Yeah. Uh and so that's where the second piece comes in that's where the second piece comes in that's where the second piece comes in of our disciplem intensive and it's of our disciplem intensive and it's of our disciplem intensive and it's really helping people. Uh we call it leg really helping people. Uh we call it leg really helping people. Uh we call it leg day. Like so much of what we call day. Like so much of what we call day. Like so much of what we call disciplehip is really just information disciplehip is really just information disciplehip is really just information transfer and so you're getting more transfer and so you're getting more transfer and so you're getting more knowledge but you're not necessarily knowledge but you're not necessarily knowledge but you're not necessarily learning how to pract Yes. So, we want learning how to pract Yes. So, we want learning how to pract Yes. So, we want to get practical experience uh where to get practical experience uh where to get practical experience uh where you're proficient in sharing the gospel you're proficient in sharing the gospel you're proficient in sharing the gospel and you know how to make a disciple and and you know how to make a disciple and and you know how to make a disciple and not just sort of a okay, they know how not just sort of a okay, they know how not just sort of a okay, they know how to read the Bible now, but they know how to read the Bible now, but they know how to read the Bible now, but they know how to practice and live out and you're to practice and live out and you're to practice and live out and you're seeing them live out the spiritual seeing them live out the spiritual seeing them live out the spiritual disciplines of following Jesus. And disciplines of following Jesus. And disciplines of following Jesus. And they're actually starting to turn around they're actually starting to turn around they're actually starting to turn around and make disciples. So, it's where Jesus and make disciples. So, it's where Jesus and make disciples. So, it's where Jesus says, "Come follow me and I will make says, "Come follow me and I will make says, "Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men." So, many of us have you fishers of men." So, many of us have you fishers of men." So, many of us have stopped in that like follow me part stopped in that like follow me part stopped in that like follow me part where we abide in Jesus. We love Jesus.

where we abide in Jesus. We love Jesus. where we abide in Jesus. We love Jesus. We love that Jesus loves us, but we've We love that Jesus loves us, but we've We love that Jesus loves us, but we've gone insular. gone insular. gone insular. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> And this is that we need to help you >> And this is that we need to help you >> And this is that we need to help you become a fisher of men. become a fisher of men. become a fisher of men. >> So, that's the second piece. And if you >> So, that's the second piece. And if you >> So, that's the second piece. And if you come out of that disciplem intensive and come out of that disciplem intensive and come out of that disciplem intensive and you're like a seven out of 10 on a you're like a seven out of 10 on a you're like a seven out of 10 on a maturity scale, we're just like, you're maturity scale, we're just like, you're maturity scale, we're just like, you're crushing it. [clears throat] crushing it. [clears throat] crushing it. [clears throat] >> Um, we're seeing you faithfully exercise >> Um, we're seeing you faithfully exercise >> Um, we're seeing you faithfully exercise the practices of disciplem and you've the practices of disciplem and you've the practices of disciplem and you've got a heart for the nations. Then we're got a heart for the nations. Then we're got a heart for the nations. Then we're going to invite them into our nine-month going to invite them into our nine-month going to invite them into our nine-month group where we're going to do those same group where we're going to do those same group where we're going to do those same practices in an international community practices in an international community practices in an international community here in Dallas. um really galvanizing here in Dallas. um really galvanizing here in Dallas. um really galvanizing those skills, those proficiencies and those skills, those proficiencies and those skills, those proficiencies and help you not just make disciples but help you not just make disciples but help you not just make disciples but become a uh maker of disciplemakers cuz become a uh maker of disciplemakers cuz become a uh maker of disciplemakers cuz you're going to be leading a team among you're going to be leading a team among you're going to be leading a team among international people overseas that have international people overseas that have international people overseas that have a Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu background. Um a Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu background. Um a Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu background. Um and it's not just going to be enough for and it's not just going to be enough for and it's not just going to be enough for you to love Jesus and share the gospel you to love Jesus and share the gospel you to love Jesus and share the gospel with somebody. You're going to have to with somebody. You're going to have to with somebody. You're going to have to multiply yourself many times over in multiply yourself many times over in multiply yourself many times over in order for us to plant churches. So, we order for us to plant churches. So, we order for us to plant churches. So, we want to help you work on a team and want to help you work on a team and want to help you work on a team and become self-aware. We want to see become self-aware. We want to see become self-aware. We want to see spiritual depth and then we want to see spiritual depth and then we want to see spiritual depth and then we want to see that mission strategy start to get that mission strategy start to get that mission strategy start to get developed in you as they start leading developed in you as they start leading developed in you as they start leading teams while they're still here with us.

teams while they're still here with us. teams while they're still here with us. >> Great. >> Great. >> Great. >> So, um it's a really robust process. Uh >> So, um it's a really robust process. Uh >> So, um it's a really robust process. Uh it requires some patience. There are it requires some patience. There are it requires some patience. There are lots of people that just in zeal want to lots of people that just in zeal want to lots of people that just in zeal want to go like send me there are unreached go like send me there are unreached go like send me there are unreached people. I have an urgency. So we want to people. I have an urgency. So we want to people. I have an urgency. So we want to see that see that see that >> and at the same time we need to >> and at the same time we need to >> and at the same time we need to recognize that that requires more recognize that that requires more recognize that that requires more development, more maturity, more development, more maturity, more development, more maturity, more leadership skills. Um leadership skills. Um leadership skills. Um >> so we do all that. Um and you know we >> so we do all that. Um and you know we >> so we do all that. Um and you know we assess, we appoint uh there's a a assess, we appoint uh there's a a assess, we appoint uh there's a a sending plan involved in that that fills sending plan involved in that that fills sending plan involved in that that fills in some of the theological and uh in some of the theological and uh in some of the theological and uh sometimes marriage gaps or even just sometimes marriage gaps or even just sometimes marriage gaps or even just like sin struggles. We want to make sure like sin struggles. We want to make sure like sin struggles. We want to make sure all that's addressed. You're healthy. all that's addressed. You're healthy. all that's addressed. You're healthy. >> Yes. So um >> Yes. So um >> Yes. So um >> and then there's the monetary >> and then there's the monetary >> and then there's the monetary >> Sure. stuff they at some point when do >> Sure. stuff they at some point when do >> Sure. stuff they at some point when do they start fundraising? they start fundraising? they start fundraising? >> Yeah, so usually uh either in the second >> Yeah, so usually uh either in the second >> Yeah, so usually uh either in the second half of that nine-month [clears throat] half of that nine-month [clears throat] half of that nine-month [clears throat] group or after they've finished the group or after they've finished the group or after they've finished the ninemonth group, we're having them ninemonth group, we're having them ninemonth group, we're having them identify one of our two sending agency identify one of our two sending agency identify one of our two sending agency partners and um and that's when that partners and um and that's when that partners and um and that's when that that tends to start. So it also gives us that tends to start. So it also gives us that tends to start. So it also gives us an opportunity to bring those people an opportunity to bring those people an opportunity to bring those people back in the fall at the end of our back in the fall at the end of our back in the fall at the end of our Discover Missions class. um as we're Discover Missions class. um as we're Discover Missions class. um as we're dividing the room into who's staying and dividing the room into who's staying and dividing the room into who's staying and who's going, the people who are staying.

who's going, the people who are staying. who's going, the people who are staying. We then bring our missionary prospects We then bring our missionary prospects We then bring our missionary prospects up and we go, "Hey, these are the people up and we go, "Hey, these are the people up and we go, "Hey, these are the people who are going." And so, if you're ready who are going." And so, if you're ready who are going." And so, if you're ready to send, let's get you partnered up. We to send, let's get you partnered up. We to send, let's get you partnered up. We want every Watermark member to be want every Watermark member to be want every Watermark member to be invested in one of our missionaries, invested in one of our missionaries, invested in one of our missionaries, both prayerfully and financially. And both prayerfully and financially. And both prayerfully and financially. And so, we think that's a meaningful so, we think that's a meaningful so, we think that's a meaningful contribution and opportunity for people contribution and opportunity for people contribution and opportunity for people to get a glimpse and for parents to to get a glimpse and for parents to to get a glimpse and for parents to disciple their kids so that they're disciple their kids so that they're disciple their kids so that they're praying for our missionaries every praying for our missionaries every praying for our missionaries every single day, if not every single week. single day, if not every single week. single day, if not every single week. Um, and making it personal where Yeah, I Um, and making it personal where Yeah, I Um, and making it personal where Yeah, I know those people. It's not just, you know those people. It's not just, you know those people. It's not just, you know, somebody we selected off of a know, somebody we selected off of a know, somebody we selected off of a website or, you know, we kind of send website or, you know, we kind of send website or, you know, we kind of send some money to a general fund type of some money to a general fund type of some money to a general fund type of deal. deal. deal. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> I love it, Bruce. Well, thank you for >> I love it, Bruce. Well, thank you for >> I love it, Bruce. Well, thank you for being here. Thanks for sharing. We'll being here. Thanks for sharing. We'll being here. Thanks for sharing. We'll have you back. Well, have you back. Well, have you back. Well, >> there's so much in Acts we could talk >> there's so much in Acts we could talk >> there's so much in Acts we could talk about that's missions related. So, I about that's missions related. So, I about that's missions related. So, I appreciate you. appreciate you. appreciate you. >> Thanks, Emma. >> Thanks, Emma. >> Thanks, Emma. >> And as always, I'm so glad we're all on >> And as always, I'm so glad we're all on >> And as always, I'm so glad we're all on this journey abiding in Jesus together. this journey abiding in Jesus together. this journey abiding in Jesus together. [music]