Zambia Hunt

A missionary’s task is to raise up godly, competent leaders for God’s work and then hand them off to them. This core task begins with gospel proclamation, leading to repentance and faith, followed by teaching them the Word of God so that they obey it. We are called to invest our lives into others—the literal “rubbing of our life off on another.”

Missionary, beware lest you think yourself indispensable to God’s work. Thinking of yourself as indispensable will result in you making yourself indispensable. As quickly as you can, invest in leaders, and prepare to be removed by God – at some point, you will not be involved, and the mission will move on.

“A work originated by God and conducted on spiritual principles will surmount the shock of a change of leadership and indeed will probably thrive better as a result.” – J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, p.132

‘Moses, my servant, is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan’. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. (Joshua 1:1,2,5)

The work of God is in nowise hindered by the decease of His servants, no matter how eminent they be in office nor how much used in blessing to His people. Though the workmen be removed, His work goes forward to its ordained completion. “God will change hands to show that whatever instruments He uses, He is not tied to any” (Matthew Henry). Pink, A. W. (1964). Gleanings in Joshua (p. 24). Moody Press.

In the end, our success as missionaries is not measured by our indispensability, but by our replaceability. When we see local leaders taking ownership, making decisions, and carrying the mission forward without our guidance, we have truly succeeded.

This is the beautiful paradox of missionary work: our goal is to work ourselves out of a job. So labor diligently, invest wisely in others, and prepare your heart for the day when God will say, “Well done, faithful servant,” and move you to a new field, or perhaps call you home.  His work will continue unhindered through those you’ve equipped. For the mission has never been about us—it has always been, and will always be, God’s mission, for God’s glory alone.