5c0tt J. Brenden
Casas Global Outreach
Commissioning Bible Fellowship Members For
Short-Term Trips
For Bible Fellowship Directors
Why do we commission class members?
Sending out members from your Bible Fellowship as short-term missionaries is a special event for those being sent out and for the rest of the class. It makes those staying home feel part of this beautiful experience. It helps the class members value their own role as senders – giving prayer, emotional, logistical, and/or financial support.
Paul says, “How will anyone go and tell them without being sent?” (Romans 10:15).
King David ordered that “The share of the person who stays with the supplies is to be the same as the one who goes to battle.” (1 Samuel 30:24).
Paul says “The whole body…grows … as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16).
Communities of faith have been sending out their members for cross-cultural, short-term trips for 2000 years.
“In the church at Antioch . . .while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:1-3; 14:26,27).
When the short-term missionaries return and share their report, the senders feel like they were part of what God did:
“They sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:26,27)
How do we commission class members?
Step One
Plan the date and time for during Bible Fellowship on one of the last Sundays before the short-term missionary(ies) leaves on the trip. It is important to be in class so that it is part of the normal life of the class.
Step Two
Invite the short-term missionary(ies) to come to the front of the room.
Step Three
Summarize what the short-term team will do or ask the short-term missionary(ies) to summarize what the trip is going to do. (To save time, if the class member will be summarizing, tell him or her ahead of time and ask him or her to please say only 1-6 sentences, 30 seconds or less.)
Step Four
Read aloud one or more of the Scriptures above or below (or use the alternative Step Three at the bottom of this page):
“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. … Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:9-10,13b
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4
“That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10
“…my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
Step Five
Ask the rest of the class members to come to the front of the room. Suggest that they place a hand on the shoulder, head, back, etc. of one of the Team Members. If they cannot reach a team member, suggest they rest a hand on the shoulder of someone who can touch the/a short-term missionary(ies). Physical touch while praying may be new to some people, but it is an ancient practice that New Testament churches did when they sent out their members. "In the church at Antioch they placed their hands on [Paul and Barnabas] and sent them off." Acts 13:1-3.
Step Six
Invite Bible Fellowship friends to pray for the short-term missionary(ies) and allow time for people to pray.
Step Seven
Speak a word of blessing over the short-term missionary(ies). For example,
“May the Lord bless you as you serve Him in ____ (the area of the world).”
(Approximate length of time: 10 minutes)
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Alternative Step Four
Leader: We have come together today to thank God that He has chosen to set apart ___ (name(s) of short-term missionary(ies)) to work in partnership with Casas and the long-term workers in _____ (part of the world) . We come believing that they are taking a step of obedience. We want to surround them with our love and prayers as they prepare to go. They are going to ______________ (say what the job is) and to show the love of the Lord with the people of _______ (part of the world).
Leader (turns to look at short-term missionary(ies): I’m going to ask you some questions and if you agree, please answer, “I do”. Do you believe that Jesus is calling you and all believers everywhere with the words “Follow me?”
Short-term Missionary(ies): I do.
Leader: Jesus told his followers, 'Go to all peoples every where and make them my disciples’. On your trip will you try to connect any new believers in Jesus with people who can follow up with them in discipleship?
Short-term Missionary(ies): I do.
Leader: Do you willingly go to ____ (place) to give to receive, to teach and to be taught?
Short-term Missionary(ies): I do.
Leader to Bible Fellowship: You have come together to express your belief that these friends are called to work in ____ (place). You have come to express your prayers as they prepare to leave, Do you commit yourselves to continue to pray for them, to support them and to express that pray and support in practical ways?
Bible Fellowship: I do.
Leader: Lord of all the world, bless your children. Go in peace. Love and serve the lord. Rejoice in the power of the Holy Spirit.