Lessons from Spurgeon

In the 1800s, C. H. Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher and leader wrote to his students concerning engagement in world mission with these words, “Each student entering the college should consider this matter, and surrender himself to the work unless there are conclusive reasons for his not doing so…. Surely there is some self-sacrifice among us yet, and some among us are willing to be exiled for Jesus.  The Mission languishes for the want of men…”  Spurgeon provoked his students (all men at that time) to consider a calling to world mission, not as an afterthought, but rather as a prime calling upon their lives.  He went on to refer to the Moravians with these words, “Look at the Moravians! How every man and woman becomes a missionary, and how much they do in consequence”. 

These words ring true today in terms of the challenge to those pursuing calls into Christian ministry and leadership to be open to service overseas.  As an island people our vision for serving God can too frequently be restricted by the seas that surround us.  These seas need to be viewed more as travel ways for service rather than as barriers that confine and restrict.  This certainly seems to be how the Apostle Paul viewed the sea!

The second challenge is for all Christians to view themselves as missionaries.  The history of overseas mission is packed with people that are frequently held up as heroes.  Spurgeon himself was a friend of one such hero in Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission.  While it is good to respect people such as Hudson Taylor, there is a danger in so elevating the missionary that the role becomes unobtainable to others.  Surely we are all called to be witnesses to Jesus in our lives and words wherever he has placed us (see previous blog post)? 

Travelling in India with one of our church planting partners some time ago I visited a village where a crowd gathered to hear the gospel.  I asked my friend who was speaking to the gathered crowd, to be told that he was from the village across the river and had come to faith in the preceding year.  Right from the outset of faith he was encouraged to go and to be a missionary, sharing the Good News with others.

All called to be missionaries.  All called to go.