From a Pastor’s Perspective: Why I love Advance

I entered pastoral ministry in the 1990s, and one of the most discussed shifts in global missions at the time was the growing emphasis on supporting national believers. Church leaders and mission strategists alike pointed to the effectiveness of supporting nationals serving contexts near them. I agree; there is great value in this approach. There are places that believers in other parts of the world can reach in ways we cannot.

However, if I’m honest about my own journey, I also remember how this movement was often framed in terms of money — as if a new model was valuable because it was more “cost‑efficient.” I want to be very clear: cost efficiency is not wrong, nor is it unimportant. Wise stewardship matters, but what kind of stewardship?

Well, certainly the stewardship of the local church’s role in missions. Too often, churches provide financial support to
individuals who lack a clear connection to a local church’s affirmation. Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit sends and affirms workers through churches. In practice, local national churches observe a person’s character and calling daily; their affirmation helps ensure missions remain a response to God’s call, not just a source of income.

Additionally, I noted that people were comfortable with doctrinal ambiguity. Central to the doctrinal ambiguity I encountered was the question of how God speaks to us. All too often, it seemed, those promoting national missionaries were comfortable promoting individuals whose theology made the Bible subordinate to personal experience, rather than Scripture helping to define and evaluate that experience. Since the Gospel itself derives solely from God’s Word, an understanding of biblical sufficiency is vital. Is it wise to support a person who struggles to determine the truth?

And finally, financial stewardship. There is no doubt in my mind that the Great Commission is for every church. Churches everywhere should send and support missionaries together. Furthermore, I am excited about the global church united in calling, accountable in partnership, and joyful in Gospel service.

That’s why I’m excited about ADVANCE—not because it’s my organization, but because of its commitment to authentic partnership with biblically-grounded national churches. ADVANCE values deep friendship, biblical integrity, financial stewardship, and working with the global church as true partners to see the Gospel spread faithfully.