In the Great Commission, Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). However, this mission comes with challenges that can affect the well-being of missionaries. Member Care is a vital ministry that supports missionaries, enabling them to remain healthy and effective in their work. In this article, we will explore the power of Member Care, its biblical roots, and its comprehensive approach to supporting missionaries.
While the concept of Member Care is not new, what’s innovative is the recent effort to develop a more systematic and sustainable approach to supporting missionaries, both those serving cross-culturally and those working in home contexts. This fresh approach aims to provide comprehensive care that addresses the unique challenges faced by missionaries, enabling them to thrive in their vital work.
Rooted in Biblical Admonition
The concept of Member Care has its foundation in the Biblical admonition:
“So now I am giving you a new commandment; Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciple…”
(John 13:34-35)
This fundamental principle is also echoed in Galatians 6:2,
“Bear ye one another’s burden, and so fulfil the law of Christ…”
Galatians 6:2
Member Care is founded on the principle of building and nurturing relationships. Firstly, it starts with a deepening relationship between the care giver and God, recognizing that one cannot offer love and support if they haven’t experienced it themselves. Secondly, it involves cultivating a meaningful connection between the care giver and the missionary, fostering a sense of belonging and care. Through this, the missionary develops a profound feeling of being supported and valued, protecting them from the perils of loneliness and isolation, and instead, integrating them into a vibrant community of care and support.
The Purpose of Member Care
The primary objective of Member Care is to support the success of global missions by ensuring the well-being and effectiveness of missionary personnel. This is accomplished by intentionally focusing on the missionary’s overall health, encompassing their spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental states. If any of these aspects are out of balance, missionaries may experience distraction, worry, depression, and even abandonment of their duties or the mission field altogether. Therefore, a comprehensive and balanced approach to Member Care is crucial to mission strategy.
In addition to training, emotional stability, and spiritual maturity, missionaries require ongoing financial support from families, friends, partners, church communities, and other supporters. This support enables missionaries to meet their basic needs, such as educating their children, providing for their families, and fulfilling responsibilities within their larger communities.
Doing Member Care
Member Care is not just a nice idea, it’s a necessity for effective missionary work. By prioritizing the care and support of missionaries, we can:
- Reduce burnout and attrition
- Increase effectiveness and productivity
- Enhance overall well-being and resilience
- Strengthen relationships and community
- Glorify God through our love and support for one another
The church, missions agencies and other missions supporters have a vital role to play in supporting missionaries through Member Care. Here are some ways to get involved:
- Prayer: Support missionaries through regular prayer, covering them with spiritual protection and guidance.
- Financial Support: Provide financial resources for missionaries, enabling them to focus on their work without financial burdens.
- Emotional Support: Offer emotional support through counseling, mentoring, and community building.
- Training and Development: Equip missionaries with skills and knowledge through training and development opportunities.
- Community Engagement: Build a supportive community among missionaries and their families, fostering connection and belonging.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that the state of the Labourer will determine the quality of the Labour done. Therefore for the Labour to stand the test of time, Member Care endeavors pay more attention to the Labourer than the labour itself. Undergirding all these efforts however is sustained intercession for the labour work force covering all areas of life and concern, as in the final analysis, God’s servant are sustained only by the power and provisions of the Holy Spirit.
Article by Olajumoke Oladoyinbo
