In 1 Thessalonians, chapter one, Paul reminisces with the new believers of Thessalonica about his visit with them. He rejoices over their receiving the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, their growing faith, and their witness and testimony throughout the region (v.8). Noteworthy is the fact that this flourishing spiritual activity was prompted by Paul’s “visit.” We don’t know exactly how long Paul and his team stayed with the Thessalonians, but it certainly wasn’t for an extended period of time. Nonetheless, he summarizes his short ministry there with these simple, yet powerful words in 2:1:
“You yourselves know, dear brothers, how worthwhile that visit was.” TLNT
I point out two important words in that declaration – WORTHWHILE and VISIT. This was a “visit,” a short stay, a short-term mission trip if you will, but most importantly, a worthwhile visit!
Career missionaries will always be necessary, but we must let go of the idea that they are the only ones that can be effective on the mission field. Well prepared, experienced volunteers with a heart for evangelism can establish a foundation for a vibrant church among a receptive unreached people group through a “worthwhile visit.”
Key elements that no doubt made Paul’s visit in Thessalonica “worthwhile.”
1. Continued prayer – 1:2-3 – Paul’s “mission trip” didn’t end the moment he left town, but rather he continued to lift up the new believers in prayer. Mission teams must continue to support their new converts through prayer and other means necessary to insure growth.
2. Acts 1:8 Holy Spirit power witness - 1:5 – Paul’s crew wasn’t there to hear the sound of their own voices or preach their own agenda. Their sharing of the gospel was infused with the power of the Holy Spirit. Mission teams must depend on the work of the Holy Spirit to bring forth fruit from the seeds they sow.
3. Incarnational Witness - 1:5 – Paul didn’t depend on someone else to go where God had called him, he went in the flesh, ”brought them the good news” (1:5), and ”worked among them”(2:9). Short-term missions takes you to the location to personally bear witness. There is no substitute for the impact this has.
4. Faithful testimonies – 1:5 – Paul’s mission team “walked the talk” while they were among the Thessalonians. Mission teams must be 24/7 Christians as their every move is scrutinized by unbelievers.
5. Modeling and mentoring – 1:6 – The Thessalonians became ”Paul’s and the Lord’s followers.” Of course we want people to follow the Lord, but new believers also need someone to model the Christian life.
6. Training – 1:7-8 - The new believers knew how to share their faith and mentor others. Mission teams must produce “grandchildren in the faith” or else their evangelistic impact in an area will be shortlived.
7. Discipling – 1:9-10 - The Thessalonians “turned away from their idols” to become disciples of God, not merely “converts.” There wasn’t just a show of hands at invitation time, but a deliberate discipleship effort to make also sure that Jesus was LORD of their lives. To make the visit worthwhile mission teams must strive to make disciples as commanded in the Great Commission.
Practicing these biblical principles will help your next mission trip to be a WORTHWHILE VISIT.
