by Alan Howell

Director of Church Relations

In a conversation recently with someone interested in long-term foreign missions, one of the things we talked about was the power of commitment. We explored how important it was in shaping this person individually and we considered what that commitment means for others as well.

For kingdom workers to form as a team, there will need to be a moment when a decision to go and serve together has been made.  The group needs to be clear about who has dedicated themselves - who is in and who is out.  And there needs to be a common understanding of what has actually been committed to.  While we certainly are not equating this with a marriage commitment (!), there is something major and even monumental about taking a stand like this.  It is not a small thing for a group to agree together and say, “Alright, by the grace of God, this team is committing to go and make disciples of Jesus in ______________ country among the ________________ for at least ________ years.” That type of commitment is crucial, and it is worth celebrating!

One surprising thing that we often don’t consider though, is the power that their dedication can have on others who are not part of the group launching to live elsewhere.  The truth is, it is important to name and honor this commitment for the sake of both the goers AND the senders.  Let’s not forget the ways that the weight of decisions like this can and should be shared by others.

An inspiring story comes to mind that I think is important to mention here.  William Carey (often referred to as the “Father of Modern Missions”) served in India for many, many years and he and his team were part of some incredible kingdom initiatives. The overall story of that mission endeavor is so rich and interesting that it is worthy of multiple case studies (see https://missiodeijournal.com/issues/md-14/authors/md-14-howell)! But Carey and his ministry team’s commitment and dedication to God’s call was not the only promise that mattered. 

One of William Carey’s biggest supporters, Andrew Fuller, is a personal hero of mine.  I love talking about him as I speak to church missions committees about how to care for kingdom workers well.  Fuller is a fantastic example of what a great mission supporter looks like!  As Fuller reflected on the  commitment to mission work, here’s how he understood it from his perspective on the sending/supporting side.

It was as if we were planning to penetrate a deep mine which had never been explored and had no one to guide us. And then Carey stepped up and said, “Well, I will go down, if you will hold the rope.” And we committed then and there to do just that – as long as we lived, we would never let go of the rope.

Andrew Fuller’s leadership and drive to support the work in India was impressive. He mobilized others and raised the necessary funds.  Fuller even wrote letters of encouragement to Carey’s kids. His commitment to hold the rope for Carey extended to Carey’s children, whom he had never met!

When kingdom workers demonstrate clear dedication and commitment, it can call forth a strong degree of dedication on behalf of their senders as well.  It is a beautiful thing for people on both sides of the rope to appreciate the role they must play in God’s mission.  May God honor the call and commitment made to mission by those who go and strengthen the hands of those who hold the rope for them.