Qualities of a Sending Church:
It teaches the responsibility of each believer to hear and obey God's will for his or her life.
It maintains a life of community, sanctification and filled with the Holy Spirit.
It teaches its members a personal vision, within God's vision: "To all nations."
It defines the "framework of action" to implement and develop the vision.
It recognizes that there will be trials that must be overcome (2 Corinthians 8:1-7).
It has a generous membership (2 Corinthians 9:6-15).
It has a membership with an attitude of service (Philippians 2: 22-30).
A Sending Church should not be:
An emotionalist church where interest rises or falls depending on the time of year.
A church that only offers money. Missions is more than just money.
A church with an exclusively local vision. We must have the expectation of extending ourselves to the ends of the earth.
Recognizing ourselves as a sent church, we must provide cross-cultural missionaries with moral, logistical, financial, prayer and communication support. Therefore, a sent church:
Is one that has balance in each area of action (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth).
Gives dignity to each area of work and none remains as “Cinderella”.
Has “servant pastors” who set the course in the commitment to “all nations”.
Has its congregation offering time, effort and money so that the Gospel is available to “all”.
Equips its congregation and candidates. Helps in their training so that they reach the goal.
Is willing to stay in God's vision (being a blessing to all nations), is faithful, pays the cost and continues its work motivated by love until the Lord returns.
By Roberto Pérez, pastor in Chile
