Go and Make Disciples of All Nations

Last night I attended the Missionary Sending Service where eleven Nazarene global missionary candidates were commissioned. I had met several of five of them in classes during my first year at NTS when they were in training here in Kansas City. For the past three years, they have been serving as missionary interns around the world. I have their pictures by my desk and receive ministry and prayer updates from some of them. Their lives remind me of where I hope to be in the not-so-distant future.

Two things stood out from last night’s service.

During the service, after a presentation to the two retiring missionary couples and before the commissioning of the global candidates, we sang the promise, “O God, our Help in ages past, Our Hope for years to come.” It was as though the retiring missionaries were passing their mantle on to those about to be commissioned, recognizing God’s faithfulness throughout their lives and ministry and trusting God to remain faithful in the lives of those about to be commissioned.

Secondly, as part of the commissioning service, the General Superintendents, Regional Directors, Headquarters Directors, and entire General Board gathered around the candidates to lay hands on them and pray for them before sending them out. Not just a formal ceremony, this act demonstrated that those at the highest offices in the Church of the Nazarene are committed to supporting missionaries in prayer, action, and finances.