Nowadays it is increasingly likely that missionaries will be sent from African and Asian churches to Europe, Britain and Australia. CMS Australia has a bunch of missionaries in various places in Europe. So the question “Who needs missionaries?” has changed.
Everywhere needs missionaries because everyone needs to hear the transforming message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Parris’ comment that whole belief systems need to be supplanted is a good way to describe the impact of the gospel. “Being transformed by having your mind renewed” is one way Paul said it. Supplanting some belief systems is quite difficult, especially ones that superficially resemble Christian beliefs.
But is it missionaries that are needed? “Missionary” is not a word we find in the New Testament. We find a word like it – “apostle” – someone who is sent. You get the impression that in the NT apostles are like church planters. However there are plenty of others who carry the gospel or assist in its proclamation. Disciples is the general term.
Supplanting belief systems requires more than church planters. It requires dedicated disciples who will allow their minds to be transformed and renewed, and in turn will teach others. And they are needed both in Africa and in Willetton - and everywhere else. Are you one of them?
Dale