All of the missionaries in Acts come from local churches.

Antioch is the first clear case. The Holy Spirit selects, summons and sends out the missionaries. Their fellow leaders set them apart and release them. The Holy Spirit is the Mission Director of the church Jesus builds.

But where do mission agencies come in? What is the relationship between local churches and mission agencies?

Antioch is the answer to both questions. Take a closer look:

• The local church was born in Jerusalem through prayer and the work of the Spirit. Luke tells the story of the local church in Acts 1-12. This is the prototype for all local churches thereafter.
• The mobile church or mission agency was born in Antioch through prayer and the work of the Spirit. Luke tells the story of the mobile church in Acts 13-20. This is the prototype for all mission agencies thereafter.
• The Book of Acts showcases a seamless synergy between the local church and the mobile church. Paul gave his blood, sweat and tears to build up the local church. And in return, he received both money and manpower from them. All of his co-workers came from local churches.

Mission agencies, therefore, are not a sign of a weak church but the fruit of a healthy church (Paul Pierson). Both the local church and the mission agency are vital parts of the Body of Christ. They need each other like hands need feet. The greatest missionary movements in history have occurred when local churches and mission agencies set aside their differences and worked together to reach the lost.

But here in Singapore, we’ve had a long history of tensions between local churches and mission agencies.

Some churches complain that mission agencies siphon off their money and manpower, giving back little in return. And some mission agencies feel that local churches have written them off as irrelevant and unnecessary. There are many other gripes on both sides. Can you see how Satan is working overtime to derail Singapore’s destiny as an Antioch for Asia?

Unless and until we resolve these tensions and make peace and reconciliation, we will never fulfil the Antioch mandate. But if we fast and pray until the Spirit moves again as he did in Acts 13, restoring unity and synergy between local church and mobile church, we will see a mighty move of God out of Singapore to the ends of the earth. Antioch arise!

Fast and pray

• Ideas have consequences. There are times when an idea takes hold in a nation in a way that becomes almost prophetic. It does not require complete agreement, or even acknowledgement as an absolute reality, but the idea is strong enough to rally a vision and to raise a standard. This is so with the title, “the Antioch of Asia” … While some question the relevance and validity of the Antioch of Asia title, others read in it a prophetic intent from the Lord. One church leader, Colin, pointed out that the tremendous blessing received by the church in Singapore has laid upon us a great responsibility: Because of the phenomenal success of Singapore as a nation, the verse of Scripture that weighs heavily on our hearts is the one which says, “To whom much is given, much is required.” We have been the benefactors of missionaries who came to establish schools and raise disciples … and planted the seed of the gospel, which took root and bore fruit. How much more should we be giving that kind of blessing to another nation? (WM Syn, “On Being the Antioch of Asia“).
  How do we pay it forward? Quieten your heart. Talk it over with the Lord. What is the Spirit saying to you? Share with your pastors and your peers. Why not get an Acts 13 prayer circle going in school or at work? God speaks. Hear and obey.

• Leadership is influence. Research shows that in Singapore the notion of being a “career missionary” is virtually non-existent … many churches have simply ceased to challenge people for long-term service (WM Syn). Who will take the lead to influence change and reverse this trend? Is God calling your denomination? Is He already nudging your local church? Within a seven-hour flight radius of Singapore are 66 major cities teeming with millions who have never heard the Gospel, not even once! We owe these a debt of love: long-term incarnational ministry. May we seek to glorify Christ by living and serving among the unreached. Love is spelt, “Presence”.

• Vision is contagious. Singapore is the headquarters of many international and homegrown mission organisations. Collectively, they represent a world-class institution of specialised skills, cultural intelligence, field contacts and time-tested best practices for mobilisation, training and placement. Pray that local churches will recognise this and willingly partner with mission agencies to fulfil Singapore’s Antioch call. Where there have been misgivings and conflicts, pray that churches and agencies will forgive each other and reconcile. May they affirm each other’s gifts, anointing and unique roles in the Kingdom. Welcome a new day of better and greater partnerships to synergise efforts. Take it a step further: Ask God for a new Antioch vision so big and so fresh that it compels us to get out of our silos and move us beyond our own goals and plans. May Singapore be a global example of how local churches and mission agencies can work together — joyfully, creatively, strategically, effectively!