Blessings of Deputation
May 19, 2009 – 3:38 pmDeputation. For some this word conjures up thoughts of missionaries in minivans pulling into the church parking lot; others recall the missionary slides/videos that they showed; still others think back to the friendships that they forged with missionary families over the years.
For missionaries themselves, deputation can be tiring, draining, and discouraging. For the encouragement of missionaries and the education of church members I commend to you the following article by Ernest Pickering.
Dr. Pickering, former Vice-President and deputation director for Baptist World Mission, wrote an article entitled “The Blessings of Deputation.” Here is the intro and main points:
Missionary deputation is often looked upon as “the pits,” a horrible experience through which fledgling missionaries must pass in order to become “real missionaries.” “If only we could avoid deputation,” say some who claim that otherwise they would consider missionary service. But what they do not realize is deputation is missionary work! It is a ministry! A missionary on deputation is not merely a trainee, an apprentice, or a “wannabee” missionary. A deputation missionary is an actual, God-called and appointed missionary!
A “deputy” is one appointed to represent another person or group. Newly-appointed missionaries travel across the country presenting the challenge of their field and seeking churches who will “deputize” them, send them as their representatives to the field.
Rather than concentrate on the problems of a missionary on deputation, let us consider the many blessings and benefits.
1. Learning personal discipline
2. Enlarging our faith
3. Practicing frugal living
4. Developing the ministry of prayer
5. Trusting God for daily needs
6. Patiently waiting on God
7. Ministering to pastors
8. Ministering to individual believers
9. Challenging people to full-time service
10. Challenging local churches
11. Motivating churches to give
12. Sharing vital information
13. Learning about vital issues
14. Learning the good and the bad
15. Learning to care for one’s health
16. Developing inter-personal skills
17. Developing ministry skills
18. Preparing children
19. Experiencing testing
20. Developing social graces
21. Engaging in Evangelism
Read the entire article for complete descriptions.
