What is the Missions Pipeline? It might get “M.E.S.S.E”.

GlobalCAST Resources is dedicated to connecting, equipping, and resourcing dynamic leaders who will effectively inspire and mobilize God’s people to engage in Jesus’s Great Commission. This crucial process, also known as missions mobilization, is the initial stage of what we refer to as the “missions pipeline”. It’s important to keep in mind that missions mobilization is just the beginning, as the journey of sending a missionary to bring the gospel to another nation and culture involves several subsequent stages, which can be remembered with the acronym “M.E.S.S.E”: Mobilization, Equipping, Sending, Sustaining, and Ongoing Evaluation.

Here’s a brief overview of the “M.E.S.S.E Missions Pipeline”:

Mobilization:

The mobilization stage encompasses the crucial process of calling and preparing a missionary to embark on a mission to another nation and culture. This stage involves discerning the divine call to missions, receiving comprehensive training and education, and nurturing a heart and passion for the target culture. In addition, the missionary candidate may seek guidance from experienced leaders who can serve as mentors and coaches, akin to the role of Barnabas in the New Testament, providing ongoing support throughout the journey.

Equipping:

During this stage, the missionary undergoes comprehensive training and equipping to adeptly share the gospel within the target culture. This may encompass acquiring proficiency in the local language, delving into the intricacies of the culture and customs of the people, and developing cross-cultural communication skills. Furthermore, the missionary may receive specialized training tailored to the specific context, such as contextualization, missiology, or discipleship strategies, to further enhance their effectiveness in their mission.

Sending:

After thorough preparation, the missionary is ready to embark on their journey to the target nation and culture. This stage encompasses obtaining essential visas and permits, making travel arrangements, and coordinating logistics with the sending organization and church. Upon arrival in the target culture, the missionary may undergo an orientation and acclimation period, which may involve building relationships with local leaders and communities to better understand and adapt to the local culture.

Sustaining:

Upon reaching the target culture, the sending church and sending organization transition into the crucial stage of sustaining their mission workers. This entails establishing a enduring presence, cultivating meaningful relationships with local communities, and sharing the gospel in culturally relevant ways. The missionary may be involved in a variety of ministry activities, while navigating challenges along the way. However, their resilience can be fortified through consistent practical, prayerful, and financial support from the sending organization and churches.

Evaluation:

During the entire process, the sending organization and sending church maintain regular communication, reporting, and evaluation to ensure the well-being, progress, and effectiveness of the missionary in the mission field. The timeline for each stage may vary based on the unique circumstances of the individual missionary, the target culture, and the nature of the ministry. However, the overarching objective is to bring the gospel to another nation and culture in a sustainable and culturally relevant manner.

Resource Recommendation:

For so much more on this topic don’t miss the William Cary Publishing book entitled:

Pipeline: Engaging The Church In Missionary Mobilization

Purchase your copy here: https://missionbooks.org/products/pipeline

or visit the Pipeline Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/missionarypipeline/

Photo by JJ Ying on Unsplash