Role of Missionaries

Most of us know about missionaries. We may even support some of them. But what do missionaries do? What is their purpose? If our church sends them out, or God just calls them, what mission are they on?

It seems to me that a missionary has to accomplish some specific things:

1. Sensitively expose sin and point people toward Christ.
2. Help persuade people about the Gospel and help them understand the consequences of their choices.
3. Help the church obey the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-24).
4. Teach people how to effectively relate to God (and not just know of Him).

So when I financially support a missionary or pray for them or serve and support them otherwise, I need to have these objectives in mind. They represent the body of Christ (of which I am part) - engaged in these specific objectives.