Pastor Niyi Osomo
Founder/Lead
Mission Enablers International
In Nigeria’s vibrant and diverse ministry landscape, the effectiveness of pastors and missionaries in fulfilling the Great Commission is deeply intertwined with their understanding of missiology and solid theological education. Through my travels to nearly 400 mission fields, I discovered that many missionaries working in remote or unreached areas face challenges due to a lack of robust theological grounding. This gap impacts their teachings and the depth of discipleship they offer, hindering the biblical mandate of raising disciples who make disciples.
For some gospel ministers in Nigeria, especially Pentecostal pastors who lack a mission-oriented perspective, a solid grasp of missiology is essential. It provides the biblical foundation for their mission efforts, reinforcing that the church’s calling is to reach those who have yet to hear the gospel. A well-rounded understanding of missiology equips pastors to engage effectively with both local and global missions, encouraging collaboration with mission organizations, local churches, and community initiatives. By understanding their vital role in God’s larger mission, pastors can better support missionaries, creating a unified effort to reach the unreached in our context.
Similarly, I advocate for missionaries to receive thorough theological education before embarking on their mission work. Many are deployed with limited theological training, which affects the quality of their teachings and basic doctrine, leading to a mix of traditional cultural practices with their messages, resulting in syncretism. This can obscure the gospel and complicate their mission efforts. A solid theological foundation allows missionaries to engage with complex cultural dynamics, articulating a clear and biblically grounded faith that fosters true transformation and discipleship. There is a necessity of theological education for Missionaries.
Bridging the Gap: Collaboration Between Pastors and Missionaries
Pastors and missionaries must have mutual respect for one another and understand the roles each plays in fulfilling the Great Commission assigned to us by Christ, post-resurrection and pre-ascension.
The enemy has created a dichotomy between the church and missionaries, leading to strained relationships instead of the necessary collaboration and partnership for kingdom advancement. Missionaries are not more consecrated or sacrificial than pastors, and pastors should not see themselves as more economically empowered or spiritually mature than missionaries.
The relationship between pastors and missionaries in Nigeria often suffers from misunderstandings and competition rather than collaboration. Both are essential for fulfilling the Great Commission, yet they frequently work in isolation, missing opportunities for partnership. Pastors can support missionaries through prayer, encouragement, and community engagement, while missionaries can educate churches about the realities of mission work through workshops, seminars, and short-term trips. This collaboration can strengthen both local churches and mission efforts. There is a need for pastors to integrate mission into their conferences and for mission organizations to invite pastors to their anchor programs.
Integrating Missiology into Theological Education:
To address these challenges, Nigerian theological institutions must prioritize missiology in their curriculum. Rather than treating it as a separate or secondary subject, missiology should be integrated with systematic theology, biblical studies, and church history. This comprehensive approach ensures that future pastors and missionaries are well-equipped to understand their roles within God’s mission, adapting to the unique challenges faced in Nigeria. There must be an integration of missiology into our seminary and Theology schools curriculum as core courses, and not elective.
Conclusion:
The need for a deeper missiological understanding among pastors and sound theological education for missionaries in Nigeria is crucial for advancing the church’s mission. By fostering mutual respect and collaboration between these two groups, we can bridge existing divides. This approach empowers both pastors and missionaries to fulfill their roles effectively, leading to a richer discipleship experience and a more significant impact on the unreached. Addressing these educational gaps will enhance the church’s ability to carry out the Great Commission faithfully and effectively in Nigeria’s diverse contexts.
Reposted with permission
GlobalCAST Resources 