I think we would have to begin by asking the question, "Why aren't the leaders in our churches focused on missions?" - Lack of information? (They just don't know much about missions.) - Lack of theological conviction? - Involvement in many other things? (Distraction; fatigue)

Have you had a long chat with your pastor(s) on this issue? Is there a mission committee in your church? - It would be very difficult for you as a layperson (if you are one) to make many changes if the pastor was not right behind you or up in front leading. - If he (or she) is committed and convinced, it would be interesting to know what precedent there has been in the church in this area. = Is there a missions committee? Active? = Is there an annual missionary conference? Does the church support missionaries? = If so, are there individuals who know these missionaries and care about their work? = Does the pastor pray for the missionaries from the pulpit? = Do the missionaries write to the congregation or individuals in the congregation? = Do they visit? If so, what does the church do with them, use them to promote their work? I would encourage you to visit churches that ARE more mission focused. - Talk to the movers and shakers. How did they get this way? - If they have a missionary conference, take some of your friends and attend. What did you like? What would fly at your church? Does the church do missions trips? Most of all, Carol, pray! Fundamentally promoting missions is a spiritual battle. Satan's greatest tactic seems to be not attack but apathy. Missions is God's agenda. But it also means hard work, sacrifice, and financial involvement. But these will all come if the Lord is at work.

Now share with me your thoughts and reactions to these concepts. Let's have a dialogue.

Blessings on you, Carol.