Fall is missionary conference time. We have been in some great conferences in the past and are looking forward to several conferences this fall that will be a big blessing. One difficulty though for us on pre-field was the competition that comes with Missions Conferences. I know that it should not feel that way, but with most conferences comes the unspoken reality that the missionaries the church likes the most will be supported. The other ones will be kicked off the island.
In order to receive support the missionary must put on the best show possible. But the truth is, one should not feel as though he has to elevate the importance of his ministry above that of the other missionaries. That is just wrong. We are all on the same team with the same goal of making disciples to the glory of God.
There are ways to prevent this competition thought from even entering the missionaries’ head. Churches, take note! Do your homework first. Decide beforehand if you as a church would like to support a missionary before inviting him to a conference. Then let the missionary know that they have made the cut.
Tell the missionary that he can relax and have a good time. Check with him on the comfortability of the kids and make a comment about not needing to have perfectly behaved children. Most missionaries know this, yet reality tells them that they could lose support if their two year old throws a fit because they are tired from long nights at conferences.
As a missionary visiting new churches, it is hard not to feel like you must perform, but churches can take creative steps to prevent this feeling.
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