Go: A 40-Day Journey To The Never ReachedSample

Beyond the Clubhouse

By: Dan Betzer, Pastor

I’ve pastored over fifty years. At first, I knew nothing about missions. I didn’t understand my role in the Great Commission. Our small church, less than 100, came with a cute building and bills we couldn’t pay. Our annual budget was $16,000 for mortgage, salary, utilities, everything.

Notice I didn’t mention missions. We didn’t give to missions. We couldn’t get $300 a week. How could we support missionaries? Soon we racked up a deficit of thousands. Those who cut missions when budgets get tight find their financial crises worsen. We aren’t called to stop; we’re called to go further. 

I cried, “God, why don’t you help us?” He responded, “Dan, we’re not in the same business. You are in the church business but I’m in the redemption business. When you get involved in my business, I’ll take care of your church business.”

I was shocked. Were we not obeying God? Precisely! We were a glorified club, using God’s house as our clubhouse. We repented and immediately scheduled a missionary convention. 

In our first convention, our missions offering was $32,000! What happened to the general fund? It doubled. In six months, it doubled again. Within one year, we grew to 300.

Understand: we don’t give to get. We give, go, and pray because Jesus told us to. We take care of his interest…and he takes care of us. It’s simple.

Every believer must resolve to go further. John 3:16 “God so loved the world.” Jesus’ commanded, “Go into all the world.” Many believers protest, “We’re reaching our town for the Lord.” Great, go further! Set your sights on the world. 

Every miracle of provision I’ve witnessed has been in response to our obedience to God’s command to go into all the world.

Pastors and church leaders often inquire why our church is so blessed, why thousands attend and why money never seems to be a great challenge. I always respond with one word: Missions! It’s a supernatural supply. There’s no other reason for our growth and stability. It’s Missions! 

Go Further

Take stock of where you are right now as far as fulfilling the Great Commission. What would going further look like for you? 

Pray for Never Reached People Group: The Hakka Chinese

Pray for miracles, signs, and wonders among the Hakka Chinese that will point them to our powerful God who loves them.