Commissioning Coming

“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  Acts 13:2

Early in the history of the New Testament Church, God asked the church at Antioch to “set apart” Saul and Barnabas.  He had already called the two men to do something for Him, now He asked the church leaders to confirm their support and send the two men off to do as God had requested.  This picture of sending in Acts sets the stage for commissioning of missionaries in today’s evangelical churches. 

Our pastor has compared baptism to commissioning.  In baptisim the baptized gives a public testimony to his faith in Christ.  In commissioning the leadership of the church gives a public testimony to the commissioned one’s faith in Christ.   Because the leadership has watched his life and service, they recognize God’s calling on him into a particular area of ministry and send him out.

On March 5, 2011 our church leadership will commission us. This marks another major step in our move to Black Forest Academy.   However, having the deacons and pastors of our home church lay hands on us and send us out with their blessing speaks more to our hearts than to a check off list in our heads.  We love this community of believers we are leaving.  Our hearts are knit with these with whom we have served and worshipped.  Knowing that we will have three hundred brothers and sisters standing behind us when we minister in Kandern gives us greater courage.  Knowing that the leadership sees in us the call that God has put on our heart affirms that calling.

Commissioning is the final spiritual step before we leave for Germany.  We rejoice in our Father who has called us, and await His bringing it to pass.