Martha studied the letter from the young man in her congregation. He explained his call to participate in a short-term medical mission trip and had written to ask for her support – both financially and spiritually. As Martha prayed, a financial amount came to mind. It was more than she felt comfortable giving, but she sensed the unmistakable leading of God. Then Martha pulled out her prayer list. She added the young man’s name to it.
Martha was a Sender – a person who provides support and encouragement for others who go and share the gospel.
These folks, along with Go-ers and Converts, play one of three important roles in the Great Commission Equation. There are at least three ways Senders fulfill their role.
- Practical support: Senders provide resources so that Goers can fulfill God’s call to share the gospel.
- Encouragement: Senders are cheerleaders. Their prayers, care packages, visits, and encouragement motivate and inspire Goers who face challenges and resistance in the field.
- Intercession: Senders provide a powerful ministry of prayer for those being served. As Senders pray for those who go, people hear the gospel, become Converts, and grow in their relationship with God.
Senders work behind the scenes, but that only underscores their need to be spiritually healthy. Their responsibility can best be described as “active listening.” God calls Senders from complacency and passive observation, speaking to them through His Word and prayer. Senders are at their best when they are alert to God’s voice – when they sense a burden for another person’s call and act on it.
Check your hearing. By listening carefully to God and then obeying as He leads, you might play a key role in cheering on a Goer and supporting a Convert who finds new life in Christ.
