The Apostolic Pattern of World Missions

For the past two Lord's Days we have been considering the Great Commission of our Lord to make disciples of all nations, to baptize disciples, and to teach disciples. But some very important questions need to be asked: "How did the Apostles understand and obey the Great Commission in their own generation?", and "What can we learn from them in our own day?" Surveying the Book of Acts and the epistles we glean six basic principles:

1. Missionaries were recognized and sent out by the local church.
2. Missionaries were sent to preach Christ where He never had been named before.
3. Missionaries baptized converts and established local churches.
4. Missionaries labored to establish indigenous elders in each local church they planted.
5. Missionaries maintained contact with their sending church.
6. Missionaries were financially supported by numerous local churches.

This Biblical pattern is a model for us to follow today as we seek to obey the Lord in advancing His kingdom and the glory of His Name throughout the entire earth.