Expanding Ministry Through Missions

By Gene Cunningham

Gene Cunningham graduated from Arizona Bible College in Phoenix with a diploma. He then attended Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas, taking three years of Greek and Hebrew. He is the founder and director of Basic Training Bible Ministries and pastors Cross Road Bible Church in Perth, Western Australia. A major emphasis of his ministry is hand’s-on mission work in Africa, India, and Asia. His Web page is www.BasicTraining.org; email is basictrainingbm@hotmail.com; and Gene’s postal addresses are P.O. Box 594, Kalamunda, Western Australia 6076, Australia, or P.O. Box 21773, Hot Springs, AR 71903, USA.

The Decision that Changed History

Acts 16:6–10 tells how the Apostle Paul encountered a wall in his ministry. The story includes elements familiar to all who minister God’s word. It also depicts what is probably the most significant decision in the history of Christian missions.

Prior to the vision and the call to Macedonia, Paul’s ministry seemed dead-in-the-water. Twice prohibited by the Spirit from reaching out with the gospel Paul came to Troas at a dead end against the sea. The apostle to the Gentiles with the most crucial message in the world could not find an open door of ministry to receptive souls. This situation may be all too familiar to pastors and teachers of the word of God today. No doubt Paul sensed frustration, as he writes in 2 Corinthians 4:8, perplexed, but not in despair. [1]

However, God used this lack of success to prepare for Paul’s greatest ministry opportunity ever. In a night vision he recognized a man to be from Macedonia, and heard the cry, Come over and help us (Acts 16:9). Anyone who has labored in unproductive or apathetic fields can imagine the thrill of receiving a call from a place where people are hungering and thirsting for the instruction of God’s word.

In response to this vision, Paul and his team conclude that God is calling and decide to enter Macedonia. [2] With the crossing of the Aegean Sea and the conversion of Lydia, the gospel came to Europe. Paul’s ministry flourished in Philippi, Thessalonica,

Berea, and Corinth. As always when great doors open to teaching the word of God, many adversaries also arise (1 Corinthians 16:9). Here Paul’s greatest persecutions began.

All believers in the western world are beneficiaries of Paul’s strategic missionary decision. From Macedonia God’s word spread through Europe, and eventually on to America. Our rich spiritual heritage is the on-going fruit of Paul’s momentous decision so long ago. But are we today willing to perpetuate that impact elsewhere?

What If You Had Been There?

Imagine for a moment being part of Paul’s missionary team. Was any decision other than crossing the sea conceivable? Who, having labored long and weary months or years, could turn a deaf ear to those crying out for even the crumbs that fall from the table of those richly blessed with the bread of life?

My proposition is that this cry is still very much a reality as literally hundreds of pastors, whose congregations number in the tens of thousands, would attest. As difficult as it is for some to believe, places where multitudes flock to hear the gospel exist. In these places churches are growing and spreading at an amazing rate. Pastors are reproducing themselves in young men who go out without support and who build new congregations in untouched areas purely by winning the lost to Christ. These things are happening in places where some churches possess only one Bible and where pastors have no benefit of any formal training. In this climate false doctrine prevails simply because no form of systematic Bible teaching opposes it.

See the following diagrams.

Today, at least five of every six believers are in third-world countries. In places mostly forgotten by the Church in the Western world, 85–90% of growth in the Church is taking place. [3] In addition, this is occurring in the face of constant persecution, and where pastors are often killed for the word of God they preach.


Distribution of Believers

In the Royal Family of God today, less than one-sixth of the family has all the wealth (not only in money, but also in teaching resources). Meanwhile, the other five-sixths are doing the majority of evangelism and edification of the saints. [4] It is easy to condemn some of the garbled gospel presentations and the prevalent strange teachings. However, we are accountable to the degree that we have the answers, and do not heed their cry for help.


The Royal Family of God

A statement by a Baptist pastor who was the featured speaker at a prominent theological seminary recently came to my attention. He had become aware that “something was missing” in his ministry. He gathered a large number of leaders in his church once a week to study the book of Acts seeking the answer in the early church. After four months they concluded that what was missing was the missionary zeal of the early church. Since then, their mission program has increased 700%.

We should all entertain the possibility that God may want us to expand our ministry dramatically by extending a helping hand to those crying out for it. It may prove one of the most important decisions of our ministry.

A Suggested Starting Point

All action in the ministry should begin with effective prayer. Jesus Christ set this precedent in His earthly ministry. As an example, consider a prayer that may seem a bit controversial. This is the prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9–10). The book written by Bruce Wilkinson [5] has familiarized people with this prayer. Unfortunately, both friends and foes of that book miss the key lesson of this portion of Scripture.

On the one hand, the book offers this as “a daring prayer that God always answers,” [6] a prayer that will “release God’s power” [7] in life if prayed daily! A prayer that is at the same time “selfish” and “supremely spiritual.” [8] The back cover of the book estimates that 7,000 or more teachers worldwide are spreading this message. And we wonder why the third-world church is often so confused? If you were a pastor living on offerings of a few bowls of rice and a handful of fruit, would you in desperation accept such an interpretation from a prosperous American author?

On the other hand some who recognize such a message as deceptive have also missed the point. One retorts that “in fact Jabez asked for purely physical blessings” and that the “evil” Jabez sought deliverance from was only “personal disaster” and as far as “moral wickedness … Jabez’s prayer has no concern for that.” [9] Others have suggested that the prayer of Jabez is obscure and insignificant.

However, this controversial little passage perfectly illustrates the problem facing world missions today. In this age of quick returns, some approach missions as a spiritual get-rich-quick scheme. They expect immediate blessing on their investment. The idea is: “How will this profit my church?” Others, knowing that things just do not work that way, dismiss missionary endeavor as “irrelevant” to their church ministry!

C.S. Lewis refers to a Martin Luther illustration of the danger of imbalance. He says,

For my own part I hate and distrust reactions not only in religion but in everything. Luther surely spoke very good sense when he compared humanity to a drunkard who, after falling off his horse on the right, falls off it next time on the left…. But a thing does not vanish—it is not even discredited—because someone has spoken of it with exaggeration. It remains exactly where it was. The only difference is that if it has recently been exaggerated, we must now take special care not to overlook it; for that is the side on which the drunk man is now most likely to fall off. [10]

The Latin maxim “Abasus non tollit usum” (Misuse does not take away right use) applies.

Instead of following a method of eisegesis to impose a purely selfish and material prosperity into the text, consider how the contextual meaning of enlarged borders changes the nature of the prayer. God says four things about this man, while Jabez himself states one primary motive behind his requests. These apply directly to our attitude toward the ministry and the motive behind missions. God does not promise to answer those who recite daily this prayer word-for-word, but it contains principles as unchanging today as when Jabez first offered the prayer.

Principles are eternal, and like good soldiers, they stand fast.—Thomas Carlyle

Four Things God Notes about Jabez

1. He is a man of honor.
2. A man with a sense of need.
3. A man of faith.
4. The kind of man God always hears.

A Man of Honor

God saw Jabez to be more honorable than his brothers (1 Chronicles 4:9). God does not honor selfish, self-seeking men. He honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30). The Lord always bases His evaluation on the condition of the heart. [11] As we will see, this prayer will glorify God. Anyone seeking to be more honorable in ministry should by all means begin with missions. Could anything be more honorable than praying to be more useful and effective in proclaiming the gospel of God’s grace to hungering souls? [12]

A Man in Need

Jabez had a very real sense of need. His mother, due to a severe childbirth, named him “He causes pain.” Ancient peoples viewed names as indicating one’s character or predicting his future. [13] This underlies name changes in the Bible (Abram to Abraham, Ben-Oni to Benjamin, Jacob to Israel). Three things in this text emphasize a sense of need in Jabez: the narrative of his birth, the direction of his prayer, and the play on his name at the end of his request. Some rightly assert that if we are not attempting the impossible we are not living by faith. Nothing will make us more conscious of our insufficiency than seeking to meet the overwhelming task of feeding the spiritual hunger of the world with sound Biblical teaching. [14]

A Man of Faith

Jabez called on the God of Israel. He called on Him who transformed Jacob (a cunning Canaanite) into Israel (the prince of God who prevailed). [15] His own closing statement shows that Jabez asks for transformation. We must never forget that God called Abram with a missionary calling. The Lord founded the nation of Israel upon the principle of personal regeneration. Following the cross and Pentecost, the Church became the agency for spreading the message of redemption and reconciliation with God. Do we have faith that God is both willing and able to reproduce in us the kind of spiritual heroics contained in the book of Acts?

A Man God Hears

God answered his prayer. When certain conditions are met, God will always answer our prayers. Whether in Old or New Testament setting, the effective prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16b). Except for confession, God will not hear prayers of those involved in sin. [16] Neither will He hear selfish prayers (James 4:3), despite what popular writers may say. Nevertheless, God has promised to hear every prayer uttered by one of His children in humble fellowship with Him when the request is according to His will. [17] Jabez received his request, because he asked for something that would glorify God! In no way was this merely a prayer for personal promotion and enrichment. Those who see it as such aim far too low in assessing this prayer. The flood of Prayer of Jabez Bibles, book covers, journals, devotionals, etc., only cheapen the message of 1 Chronicles about God’s dealing with Jabez.

It is worthwhile for pastors and church leaders to consider this text. Is my motive in the ministry honorable in God’s eyes? Is a conscious need to be transformed from a vessel of dishonor into a vessel of honor present within me? Is my goal that God be glorified in my life, whatever the cost? When considering missions, does God’s will (as made clear in His word) guide my prayers and efforts?

One Desire Dominates Jabez’s Prayer

The prayer has four requests, but they derive from one desire. He prays for genuine blessing, enlarged borders, God’s hand upon him, and deliverance from evil. However, the what is dominated by the why of his prayer, confirming what God has said about him.

Genuine Blessing

Jabez prays for blessing indeed. He seeks genuine rather than superficial blessing. However, blessing in God’s economy always carries the understood spiritual obligation of being a blessing to others. [18] God wants to bless our labors for His glory (Ephesians 3:20–21). Is it possible that spiritual near-sightedness limits that outpouring? Or have we, like the poor widow under Elisha’s direction, gathered many vessels for the outpouring of our small supply of oil (2 Kings 4:1–7)?

Enlarged Border

His next request is for an enlarged border. While this may include land as such, many examples in Scripture of the idea have purely spiritual connotations. [19] More on this appears in God’s answer, but for now note that he prays that God will be the cause of this enlargement, [20] submitting it to God’s perfect will. Jabez is in fact claiming a common promise of God in the Old Testament. [21]

It is an appealing thought that some Jewish writers identify Jabez as Othniel, [22] whose borders were enlarged by his own heroic victory and subsequent marriage to Caleb’s daughter, Achsah (Joshua 15:16–19). Whatever the case, under the Abrahamic Covenant, land is held not as property but in trust as a base of operations for world-wide outreach. This same principle is at work in the Great Commission, where the command begins in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8).

The Hand of God

With true wisdom regarding the responsibility that accompanies blessing, Jabez then prays for the hand of God to be upon him. Throughout Scripture this phrase signifies surrender to God’s will resulting in guidance and enablement to accomplish a Divine task. [23] Men like Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, David, Nehemiah, and Ezekiel all testified to the power of God’s hand upon them. [24] Jabez recognizes the necessity of God’s power and guidance to go with his enlarged border. This is vital. Considering that God’s hand empowers according to the task undertaken, just how dependant are we in setting the goals for ministry?

Deliverance from Evil

This request says much about the man. This is far from being the selfish desire to escape personal disaster. Scripture uses the word for evil (rāʿâ) for all kinds of things which cause suffering and sorrow. [25] Jabez was wise enough to know that enlargement or promotion of any kind increases the potential for failure. [26] We are most prone to fall when thinking we are immune to evil. [27] With the growth of any ministry comes the danger of selfish gain taking the place of service to others. Of all men, pastors and fellow believers need to pray for this grace. It is no accident that Jesus includes this in His model prayer (Matthew 6:13).

To Help and Not to Harm

Finally, we come to his purpose statement: That I might not cause pain (1 Chronicles 4:10). Oddly, the book entitled The Prayer of Jabez does not even expound this statement. Although difficult, it is the foundation of the entire prayer. It has been translated that it might not cause me pain (a rather selfish request), or that I might not cause pain. The reason is that it contains a play on his name. In effect he asks that not Jabez to me, or that I not be a Jabez. [28] Again this connects with his unfortunate name, and the reason he calls on the God of Israel. The dominant motive in the prayer is personal transformation! The ministry of God’s word deals with the souls of men. The potential for inflicting damage upon this most sensitive faculty of man’s being is tremendous. While pursuing opportunities for bestowing the blessings of God’s truth, we must proceed with fear and trepidation, lest we fall short of His grace.

These considerations show that his prayer for enlargement lacks selfish motivation. When Jabez asked for enlarged borders, he sought something that would glorify God. Fulfilling his prayer requires Divine guidance and power, Divine deliverance from his own sinfulness, and a transformed life.

What would happen if we were to pray for enlarged ministry under these guidelines? [29] Would we be willing to be as obscure as Jabez to have his kind of impact? [30]

How God Answered His Prayer

God answered the request of Jabez. The answer shows what true enlargement of borders means in God’s eyes. God had promised to enlarge Israel. [31] David saw in God’s favor and deliverance his own enlargement. [32] God gave enlargement of heart and wisdom to Solomon. [33] The author of Psalm 119 prays in verse 32 for spiritual growth in terms of an enlarged heart. Just how did God enlarge Jabez?

The Village of Jabez

The answer appears in 1 Chronicles 2:55 in the form of a village bearing his name. Some scholars believe this obscure little place to have been very near to Bethlehem. [34] Note in 2:50–51 the names of both Ephrathah and Bethlehem. Also of interest is 1 Chronicles 2:9–15 which gives the lineage of David. It mentions Salma (Salmon), who married Rahab (meaning “enlargement”), along with Boaz, who married Ruth.

A Place of Scribes

A select group of scribes lived in this place. Scribes were custodians of God’s word, who copyied and taught it to the people as exemplified by Ezra 7:8–12. We are the beneficiaries of their faithfulness in preserving the Scripture. These scribes were not Jews but Kenites, descendants of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law. [35] Entering into the tribe of Judah based on faith alone, they were said to have their nest set … in the Rock in Balaam’s prophesy (Numbers 24:21). This insignificant little village provided a base of operations for the outreach of the word of God.

A Family Heritage

These Kenite scribes were also of a unique family called Rechabites. [36] They were descendants of Jehonadab [37] who joined Jehu in purging Israel of Baal worship. Rechab commanded his descendants never to drink wine, and to live as shepherds in tents, never building houses nor planting fields. [38]

Jeremiah comments on their faithfulness nearly 250 years later: Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father … therefore … Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me forever.” [39] The prophets use stand before Me most often of either prophetic or priestly service. [40]

With this information, the enlargement of Jabez had an historical impact matched by few men in history! It may explain why the angels first announced Christ’s birth to shepherds outside of Bethlehem, who traditionally raised the sacrificial lambs for the temple worship.

Coming Full Circle: Paul’s Missionary Method

The response of Paul to the Macedonian call brought the word of God into Europe. From the humble beginnings of Lydia’s home (Acts 16:15), a process began that in time would directly affect the founding of America on a firm and rich biblical heritage. This in turn was an answer to the prophetic prayer of Noah that God would enlarge Japheth, and may he dwell in the tents of Shem (Genesis 9:27). Of course Paul’s ministry continued beyond Philippi to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, finally reaching Corinth. Here he had great evangelistic success in the face of strong opposition.

While 1 Corinthians deals with internal problems of carnality, the second epistle defends his ministry. In defending himself against the accusations of his opponents, the apostle writes with great passion about the spiritual struggle of the ministry of God’s word. He also gives us insight into his methodology. Not surprisingly the same principles underlying the impact of Jabez’ prayer appear in Paul’s method of ministry. Despite being the least of the Apostles, Paul’s abundant labors made him more honorable than his brethren (1 Corinthians 15:9–10). Christ changed his name, indicating spiritual transformation (Acts 13:9). Paul, who previously had caused much pain, was now deeply concerned to build up the faith of others. [41] He undertook his call from God with a great sense of personal need and reliance on the enablement of God. [42] Moreover, like Jabez, Paul desired that God would enlarge his border, and recognized that this would require much sacrifice and giving on his part.

2 Corinthians 10:12–18 contrasts Paul’s methods with those his opponents used. Having warned against the danger of external appearances, [43] he then reveals two different measures of the ministry. One is that used by the false teachers in their ambition to gain a following and make a name for themselves; the other is that which was according to the wisdom of God.

Measuring by the Meter

Paul said his critics were measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves (2 Corinthians 10:12). This was a relative standard of measure based on the appearance of successful ministry. Putting the emphasis on visible proofs of success would necessitate a motivation to get rather than to give. Today this could translate into the amount of the pastor’s salary, or size of the congregation, or grounds and facilities. There is certainly nothing wrong with any of these as long as they are not the basis of judging success of ministry. The word for measure is metron (cf. meter). They were using a purely human standard of measure, the same used by the world. He declares this is not according to the wisdom of God.

Measuring by God’s Standard

Paul on the other hand did not boast without measure (ametron), but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us (2 Corinthains 10:13). Paul used a divine standard of measure, the God given scope of his ministry. The word is kanon (cf. the canon of Scripture). The ancient Greeks used this word for precise measurements such as in mathematical, musical and astronomical tables. All of these derive from Divine absolutes.

Paul’s Hope of Enlargement

Paul goes on to give as the evidence of this measure his effect in evangelism and edification of the Corinthian believers (2 Corinthians 10:14–15), adding the hope that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere. [44] Paul adds that all glory from this method of enlargement would only glorify God, whose commendation was all that matters.

As Paul pursued his mission mandate, [45] he founded local churches from a zeal for missionary work. [46] Apparently, Corinth required coaxing in this area. [47] His confidence is that with spiritual growth the Corinthians will overcome areas of carnality and see through the false teachers. With increasing spirituality will come a growing desire to engage in the battle for souls. Together with Paul they will team up to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named (Romans 15:20). Using this self-perpetuating method, Paul never needed to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment simply because he did not build on another man’s foundation (Romans 15:20).

Conclusion

Paul was obviously still conscious of the call, Come over and help us in other places. This call is very much alive today. There are places where multitudes will still gather to hear the saving message of the Cross of Christ. There are faithful pastors who cry out for study materials to guide them in their ministry. Bible colleges and training centers operate in constant need of lecturers and curriculum helps.

Recently Pastor Stewart Sichilongo of Zambia taught at a conference in a rural part of his country. He said,

In Africa many children are malnourished. A three-year old may look like a normal one-year old. It depends on the food they receive. It is the same with believers. Africa is spiritually malnourished because of a lack of sound doctrinal teaching.

A letter containing the words “come over and help us!” led to first meeting Stewart five years ago. A team of five Aussies and one American answered that call. At that time Stewart’s entire organization, consisting of over fifty churches in Zambia and Tanzania were given over to superficial emotionalism. After that first conference, he wrote saying,

I want to thank you for bringing to us the teaching of the word of God. We now know that what we were calling spirituality was just a lot of noise. But we thank God that we can now build our ministries on the serious teaching of the word of God.

Since that time God has caused the outreach of Stewart’s ministry to grow into Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, and Kenya. His peers chose him to represent Zambia at the last Billy Graham Conference for Pastors and Church Leaders in Amsterdam. He addressed the 12,000 pastors and workers in attendance from around the world. His powerful message was this: “The church must stop playing games and come back to the sound teaching of the word of God.” Though he lives in a small remote village, God has enlarged his border. He is a man on a mission! In his missions ministry a principle of Scripture is being fulfilled, as it was for Jabez and for Paul.

Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare, lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendants will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited (Isaiah 54:2–3).

—End—

Notes

1. Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson, 1990). Used by permission.
2. Luke apparently joins the team here, so some suggest that he might have been the man of Macedonia.
3. These informal and unpublished estimates from Wycliffe Bible Translators vary slightly.
4. Ibid.
5. Bruce Wilkinson, The Prayer of Jabez (Sisters, OR: Multnomah, 2000).
6. Ibid., Preface.
7. Ibid., 87.
8. Ibid., 19.
9. Dave Hunt, in an untitled answer to a question in The Berean Call (July 2001); reprinted as Dave Hunt, “Jabez’s Prayer: The Protestant Rosary?” Grace Family Journal (September-October 2001): 21.
10. C.S. Lewis, Fern-seed and Elephants and Other Essays on Christianity, ed. Walter Hooper (London: Fontana, 1975; reprint, Glasgow, Scotland: Collins Fount, 1977), 66.
11. 1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:10; John 7:24. The word honorable comes from kāb̠ôd̠, the word for glory.
12. Ephesians 6:19–21.
13. H.L. Ellison, “1 and 2 Chronicles,” in New Bible Commentary, 2d ed., ed. Francis Davidson (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, [1953]), 343.
14. 2 Corinthians 2:16; 3:5–6.
15. Cf. Genesis 32:28 with Hosea 12:4–7.
16. Psalm 66:18; John 9:31.
17. 1 John 5:14–15.
18. Genesis 12:2; Luke 12:48; Romans 1:14 and 15:27; 2 Corinthians 8:14.
19. 1 Kings 4:29; Psalm 18:19, 36; 31:8; 118:5; and 119:32.
20. The hiphil perfect of rāb̠â has a causative sense.
21. Genesis 9:27; Exodus 34:24; Deuteronomy 12:20 and 19:8.
22. A.R. Fausset, “Jabez,” in Bible Encyclopedia and Dictionary: Critical and Expository (Reprint; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, N.D.), 321; see 1 Chronicles 4:13.
23. 1 Peter 5:6.
24. Psalm 31:15 and 37:24, Ezra 7:6, 9; Nehemiah 2:8; Ezekiel 1:3; 1 Kings 18:46; 2 Kings 3:15.
25. Genesis 2:9, 17; Exodus 23:2; Deuteronomy 17:2–7.
26. Luke 12:48.
27. Romans 11:20; 1 Corinthians 10:12.
28. Keil-Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament, vol. 3, 1 Chronicles (Reprint; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982), 88; Jacob Martin Myers, 1 Chronicles, 2d ed., Anchor Bible, vol. 12, ed. William Foxwell Albright and David Noel Freedman (Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1965), 28.
29. 1 Corinthians 9:19–22.
30. 2 Corinthians 6:9.
31. Exodus 34:24; Deuteronomy 12:20.
32. Psalm 18:19, 36; 31:8; 118:5.
33. 1 Kings 4:29.
34. Ibid., Fausset, “Jabez,” 321; Myers, 1 Chronicles, 28.
35. Judges 1:16, Numbers 10:29–32.
36. 2 Kings 10:15–17.
37. 1 Chronicles 4:13; Fausset, “Jabez,” 321.
38. Jeremiah 35:6–10.
39. Jeremiah 35:18–19.
40. Deuteronomy 18:5–7; Psalm 134:1; 1 Kings 17:1, Jeremiah 15:19.
41. Cf. Galatians 1:13, 23 with 2 Corinthians 10:8; 13:10.
42. 2 Corinthians 2:16–17; 3:4–6.
43. 2 Corinthians 10:7, see also John 7:24.
44. The word megalunō means to make great, exalt, even to boast.
45. Acts 9:15–16; Romans 11:13.
46. Cf. Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:1–5; and Philippians 1:7; 4:15.
47. 2 Corinthians 8:7–15.