Focus 2020 – The Great Commission: Perspectives from LeadersSample

Partnership of Sent Ones and Supporting Churches: Mutual, I’m Sure 

Bible passage: 

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:10-19 

Devotional: 

Remember the moment in the film “White Christmas” when Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) first introduces Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) to a young dancer named Doris? Eyes roll to her clueless reply, “Mutual, I’m sure.” 

Mutuality takes time, effort, and intentionality to develop. And mature, truly mutual relationships bless not only those in them, but those touched through them. 

So, what about the relationship of the missionary and the church that sends and supports? Let’s be honest. It might not always feel like mutuality. Sure, there are some letters and an occasional video, but it seems the need, while legitimate, is a bottomless pit and hard-to-come-by resources flow in just one direction. Is this the way it is meant to be?   

Today’s reading from Philippians is really a missionary support letter. Paul is writing a thank-you card for a recent gift delivered through Epaphroditus Express. If we look closely, we see in it the kind of mutual relationship that blesses the missionary, the church, and people lacking gospel access. God’s intent, really. 

Paul recalls their “concern” now renewed after a time when, despite a record of recurring gifts from the early days of this church plant, they hit a skid in giving. And yet he reports that God has given him a heart that’s “content.” He’s seen ups of joy and downs of suffering but isn’t ruled by extreme experiences. This is a partnership in which they’ve endured and matured. 

And it’s one of mutuality. I love the self-awareness and other-awareness evident in the picture we’re given. Paul knows the church went through a dry spell. He’s in touch with whatever crisis they’ve been through. The Philippians are truly worked up about Paul’s imprisonment and the priority of spreading the gospel. Even when cash could not flow, Paul says they “shared in my affliction.” But it’s not just that they’ve been through a lot. It’s that they both understand, and it’s okay. 

What undergirds such a healthy relationship across the distance? And what are the fruits of this “concern and contentment” mutuality? 

· The missionary content with little is one who can “rejoice greatly” when blessings come. 

· Such a missionary learns the “secret:” Christ is the true, unfailing source of enough. 

· True concern leads churches to be faithful in “matters of giving and receiving,” and not only that. 

· Such churches find their “own accounts increased” by the God who supplies all needs. 

· From this relationship, true “profit” is to those who gain access to the “preaching of the gospel.” 

Quote: Truly mutual partnerships bless not only those in them, but those touched through them. 

Question: If I’m a missionary or church leader, what healthy “contentment” or “concern” characterizes my relationship with partners?  And what “profit” is resulting? 

Timothy Crouch 

Vice President, Alliance Missions