What's Wrong With the American Perception of Missions | David Platt

In this video from Gospel Above All with Pastor J.D. Greear, pastor and former president of the International Mission Board, David Platt, explains the misconceptions American Christians tend to have whenever they think about missions and missionaries.

The entire video is above, and the transcript is below.
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J.D. GREEAR:
David, I've heard you often say this, that there is a kind of a fundamental perspective about the life that needs to change, especially for the American Christian. What do you mean when you say that?

DAVID PLATT:
I would point primarily to Scripture and to a point in my life where I saw this in Scripture: That from cover to cover in the Bible God has created us, crafted us, saved us, blessed us, ultimately for the spread of His glory in the world. Specifically among all the nations. And every Christian is created with that purpose. 

So when we think mission, the spread of the glory of God, that's not a compartmentalized program in the church for a select few people who are like called to that. That's actually the purpose every one of us has breath. That's why we're here on this earth, for the spread of God's glory. 

I just think that when that perspective really takes root in our heart it changes everything about the way we think about our life, marriage, family, future, job, resources. It shapes everything.

J.D. GREEAR:
So you think every Christian is called to missions?

DAVID PLATT:
In one sense, yes. So every Christian has the spirit of Christ in them for the spread of the gospel through them. So yes in that sense.

I do get a little bit hesitant when I hear people say every Christian's a missionary or called to be a missionary. So in the sense that we're all called to be sent on mission, yes. And oftentimes the way that comes across is you just live on mission right where you are. Which, yes, yes, yes. We all need to be on mission right where we are. 

The problem is there's 2.8 billion people in the world who don't have anybody who's a Christian around them living on mission right where they are. So at some point somebody's got to leave where they are to go where the gospel has not yet gone. And I think that's oftentimes the way we use the term missionary that I don't want to lose.

So, yes, every Christian is supposed to be on mission where we live and then be open to going wherever God might lead.

[MissionViewfinder]

Thank you for this affirmation of missions where we are, but also missions to the unreached. Every Christian is to be a representative for Christ where they are and God wants representatives among those who haven't yet experienced the sunrise of understanding God's grace.

[AndyZiesemer]

Good final though — “be open to where God might lead them”. 🔥

[crestonhardcastle]

As crestons wife I don't understand why missionaries have nice vehicles nice everything nothing like apostle Paul when it comes to missionary. They remind of the pastors in America.

[marksievert]

I wish people would stop seeing missionaries as business professionals trying to get paid. We're going into the world to teach the gospel and when we present our ministry to churches or individuals it's our hope that they will pray and see how God will lead them so go with us. There's millions of ways to support missionaries and financially is only one way. The best way to support them is thru prayer. Saying"no, we can't support you financially, " before they tell you what their doing and where is limiting how God can use you.

[scottmcgregor]

I think that many christian missionaries fail because that most are based on socioeconomics. Possibly because they don't discern what fertile soil is or they base needs on economics. Or possibly they put very little thoughts on building bible believe churches. Christians have implemented billions of dollars in Africa and India and parts of south America. With as much attention that has been given to these countries they should be sending tons missionaries to the US and the west. (Some of them are). After WWII Joseph MacArthur begged for churches to send missionaries to Japan. How many came?? Answer:0. Japan has the highest divorce, sexual assault, (rape) and suicide rates in the free democratic countries. Sounds like a country that needs Jesus to me. What percentage of Japan are christians??? Less than 1%.

[ILoveOldTWC]

Platt, YOUR perception of missions is warped. You have a warped view of the Great Commission. You think every single Christian should leave America, get on a plane a serve in a 3rd world country.

I guess you don't believe Ephesians 4:11 do you? 🤷‍♂️