Faithful Men Conference Handout

Doctrinal Alignment in Global Missions

Texts: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 13:1–3; 1 Timothy 3:15; Et al.

Introduction

  • Missions is not only about “going” and “sending,” it is centered around doctrine.
  • The key question: Do we share the same doctrine?
  • Doctrinal alignment = lifeline of missions.

1. Mandate: The Great Commission

  • Authority belongs to Christ (Matt. 28:18–20).
  • Mission responsibility belongs to the local church.
  • Example: Church at Antioch sends Paul & Barnabas (Acts 13).
  • Key principles:
    • Missions is local church-centered.
    • Missionaries are church representatives, not freelancers.
    • The church is the “pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15).
  • Illustration: Soldier charging without orders = vulnerable.

2. Safeguard: Doctrinal Alignment

  • Doctrine is the score that keeps missions in harmony.
  • Safeguards through:
    • Local leadership (Acts 14:23).
    • Generational transfer (2 Tim. 2:2).
    • Guarding against false gospels (Gal. 1:6–9).
  • Nationalization must preserve doctrine, not just independence.
  • Illustration: Orchestra with different scores = chaos.

3. Framework: Biblical Order

  • Picture a wagon wheel:
    • Hub = sending church.
    • Spokes = missionaries, supporting churches, ministries.
    • Rim = planted mission churches.
  • Order breaks when doctrine is compromised.
  • Support ministries serve the church; they never replace it.
  • Accountability keeps the “wheel” rolling smoothly.

4. Fruit: Visible Results of Alignment

  • Credibility – Confidence throughout the mission process & witness before the world.
  • Multiplication – Reproduction of churches, leaders, ministries in truth.
  • Endurance – Strength across generations; the gospel outlives the missionary.
  • Illustrations:
    • Healthy tree → good fruit.
    • Relay race → clean handoff of the gospel.

Conclusion

  • Doctrinal alignment is not optional.
  • Without it: confusion, division, compromise.
  • With it: credibility, multiplication, endurance.
  • Guard the truth. Pass the baton faithfully.

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