The Commitment of Commissioning: We're All Involved!

By Pastor John Schmidt and Phyllis DeSmit

"Commission" means to authorize, delegate, or send on a mission. The practice of the church having special moments to commission people to service goes to the very founding days of the church.

As spiritual leaders were waiting before the Lord in Antioch, "the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off." (Acts 13:2-3) The public word from God and the commissioning event that followed in Acts 13 were a confirmation of the call Paul and Barnabas were already open to in their lives. The leaders did not send Paul and Barnabas on their mission lightly. They took time for fasting and prayer. The sending out of these two people was completed by the laying on of hands by church leaders.

The Bible teaches us a pattern of calling to service where the individual hears from God, but that call is also recognized by the whole body. The one sent has responsibilities, but so do those who are used by God to send them!

Today we are taking on these responsibilities for those who are being sent this summer:

The responsibilities of the congregation~

1. Encourage those who go;
2. Become aware of the personal concerns of the travelers;
3. Gain knowledge of travel and ministry details;
4. Pray during preparation, trip experiences and days after return;
5. Listen and learn about outcomes;
6. Ask questions that stimulate expression of heart-change insights; and
7. Support them financially, as you are able.

The responsibilities of the go-er~

1. Remember you are a learner and a servant;
2. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit;
3. Share your fears and personal challenges;
4. Give itinerary details to those interested;
5. List specific prayer requests for pray-ers;
6. Inform the congregation about ministry outcomes; and
7. Pray about the personal impact of your experiences and what is God's next step for you.