Short Term Ministry Trips: Matthew 10:5-7
“5) These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: “Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; 6) but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7) And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 10:5-7
Jesus set an interesting pattern with the twelve. He called them, modeled ministry for them, gave them some basic training and then sent them out to preach. He wanted them to learn ministry by doing ministry.
In the next section we will look at His instruction to them, but for now I want to emphasize the principle of learning ministry by doing ministry. God wants to put His people on the front lines.
In the context, He sent them on a short term ministry trip. What a novel idea. I strongly believe in His approach.
I often hear the critics say; “wouldn’t it be cheaper to just stay home and send money?” Maybe, but in Matthew 9:37-38 Jesus didn’t entreat the disciples to ask the Lord of the harvest to send money, He asked them to pray for workers. It’s not about the money, it’s about people touching people. It’s about experiencing God and learning ministry skills.
This is why GoServ Global sends people on short term ministry trips. They are transformed in the process and a fire within them is ignited. They experience God working through them and often discover gifts and abilities they never imagined they had. The Christian life doesn’t work in a vacuum; it flourishes on the front lines.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
