How Independent Baptists Go About Missionary Work

Independent Baptists, known for their decentralized and congregationalist structure, have a unique approach to missionary work. These churches, which may have loose ties to certain organizations, follow a grassroots method of supporting missionaries and spreading their message.

Support Through Individual Churches

Independent Baptist churches often provide support for missionaries based on individual needs and wishes. When a missionary approaches a church, they typically share their plans for ministry, the funding they require, and the duration of their mission. The church then decides, through a business meeting, whether to support the missionary and, if so, the amount of funding to provide. This system is voluntary and community-oriented, which influences the level of support a missionary can receive.

For example, a small rural church may support a few missionaries, with each receiving less than $100 per month. The selection process can be influenced by personal connections and shared values. For instance, a missionary who gives up a stable job to venture into Mexico in a patched-up Jeep might find greater support from church members who have a similar background or values. Conversely, a missionary planning to become a bush pilot in Africa might struggle to secure funds from a congregation unfamiliar with aviation and perhaps skeptical of such a venture.

No Central Missions Bureaucracy

Unlike organized denominations, independent Baptist groups avoid centralized missions bureaucracies. This decentralized approach allows for flexibility and the ability to form support groups for mutually beneficial activities between churches. However, it also means that missionaries must navigate a network of individual churches, which can present challenges.

The support system works through itineration, where missionaries visit different churches during their "furlough" years to seek support. This method is not without problems, as smaller churches may be hesitant to refuse support but may not have the financial means to provide it. As a result, a "missionary wall" has emerged, featuring photos and descriptions alongside fundraising goals as low as $5 per month. However, larger churches help to bridge these gaps and ensure that missionaries can continue their work.

Bible Colleges: A Central Hub

While independent Baptist missions lack a centralized structure, Bible colleges often play a crucial role in supporting these efforts. These educational institutions function as a de facto clearinghouse for various needs of the independent Baptist movement. By providing education, these colleges help to unify the movement and ensure that they can continue to grow and multiply.

Education in these colleges also helps to prepare future ministers for the unique needs of existing churches. Additionally, it helps to propagate the distinctives of governmental polity and beliefs about piety specific to independent Baptists. The missionaries not only spread the message of Christ but also replicate these distinctive traditions, ensuring that the churches supporting them maintain their doctrinal integrity.

Conclusion

The independent Baptist approach to missionary work is deeply rooted in a voluntary, decentralized system that involves individual churches. While this approach fosters a sense of community and shared values, it also presents challenges. By leveraging the resources of Bible colleges and forming supportive networks, independent Baptists are able to continue their mission and spread their message across the globe.