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HeartCry Missionary Society
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • HeartCry at a Glance
      • History of HeartCry
      • Mission Statement
      • The HeartCry Missionary Society Statement of Faith
      • Core Convictions
      • Oversight and Accountability
      • Staff
    • What We Do
      • Indigenous Missions
        • Comparative Strategies
        • The Advantages
        • Governing Principles
        • Missionary Selection and Accountability
        • Our Ministry Focus
      • Equipping Missionaries
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        • Literature Distribution
        • Theological Education
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        • Chapel Construction
        • Ministry Tools
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“They who had no news of Him shall see, And they who have not heard shall understand.” - Rom. 15:21

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Doctrine In Life

Article One: A WORD TO ASPIRING MISSIONARIES

iul. 27, 2020 Series HeartCry Guide to Missions

HeartCry Guide to Missions

1/40
40
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 40: Planting Biblical Churches

mai 13, 2021 Missions + 2 More
Article 40: Planting Biblical Churches
39
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 39: Characteristics of a Biblical Church

apr. 22, 2021 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 39: Characteristics of a Biblical Church
38
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 38: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries (continued)—

apr. 15, 2021 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 38: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries (continued)—
37
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 37: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries—

apr. 08, 2021
Article 37: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries—
36
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 36: The Church —The Ordainer of Missions—

apr. 01, 2021
Article 36: The Church —The Ordainer of Missions—
35
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 35: The Church — The Incubator and Training Ground of Missionaries

mart. 25, 2021
ARTICLE 35: The Church — The Incubator and Training Ground of Missionaries
34
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 34: The Church and the Great Commission in the Book of Acts

mart. 18, 2021 Polity + 3 More
ARTICLE 34: The Church and the Great Commission in the Book of Acts
33
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 33: The Centrality of the Church in the Great Commission

mart. 11, 2021 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 33: The Centrality of the Church in the Great Commission
32
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 32: The Prominence of Preaching —Why the Silence—

mart. 04, 2021 Preaching + 2 More
ARTICLE 32: The Prominence of Preaching —Why the Silence—
31
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 31: The Prominence of Preaching in the Epistles

feb. 26, 2021 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 31: The Prominence of Preaching in the Epistles
30
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 30: The Prominence of Preaching in the Book of Acts

feb. 18, 2021 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 30: The Prominence of Preaching in the Book of Acts
29
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 29: Pentecost and Us

feb. 11, 2021 Tongues + 7 More
ARTICLE 29: Pentecost and Us
28
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 28: The Central Promise of Pentecost

dec. 17, 2020 The Trinity + 5 More
ARTICLE 28: The Central Promise of Pentecost
27
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 27: The Necessity of the Spirit

dec. 03, 2020 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 27: The Necessity of the Spirit
26
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 26: The Power of Prayer

nov. 19, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 26: The Power of Prayer
25
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 25: Biblical Fidelity and Cultural Sensitivity

oct. 26, 2020 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 25: Biblical Fidelity and Cultural Sensitivity
24
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 24: Biblical Methodology — According to the Pattern

oct. 22, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 24: Biblical Methodology — According to the Pattern
23
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 23: Biblical Methodology—Rules of Conduct

oct. 19, 2020 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 23: Biblical Methodology—Rules of Conduct
22
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 22—Biblical Methodology: Doers of the Word

oct. 15, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 22—Biblical Methodology: Doers of the Word
21
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 21: Biblical Methodology — The Great Error

oct. 12, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 21: Biblical Methodology — The Great Error
20
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 20: The Tale of Two Cities

oct. 08, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 20: The Tale of Two Cities
19
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 19: Sola Scriptura

oct. 05, 2020 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 19: Sola Scriptura
18
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ARTICLE 18: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures

oct. 01, 2020 The Sufficiency of Scripture + 3 More
ARTICLE 18: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
17
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ARTICLE 17: The Primacy of Gospel

sept. 28, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 17: The Primacy of Gospel
16
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 16: A SUMMARY OF THE GREAT COMMISSION —RANGE OF ACTIVITIES—

sept. 21, 2020 Witnessing + 9 More
ARTICLE 16: A SUMMARY OF THE GREAT COMMISSION —RANGE OF ACTIVITIES—
15
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ARTICLE 15: A Summary of the Great Commission —Message and Purpose—

sept. 18, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 15: A Summary of the Great Commission —Message and Purpose—
14
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 14: A Summary of the Great Commission —Authorization and Sphere of Ministry—

sept. 14, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 14: A Summary of the Great Commission —Authorization and Sphere of Ministry—
13
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 13: The Missionary-Teacher

sept. 10, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 13: The Missionary-Teacher
12
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 12: The Missionary-Theologian

sept. 03, 2020 Theology + 4 More
ARTICLE 12: The Missionary-Theologian
11
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE ELEVEN: Missions as a Theological Endeavor

aug. 31, 2020 Theology + 5 More
ARTICLE ELEVEN: Missions as a Theological Endeavor
10
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE TEN: The Means of the Great Commission —Going, Baptizing, Teaching—

aug. 27, 2020 William Carey + 5 More
ARTICLE TEN: The Means of the Great Commission —Going, Baptizing, Teaching—
9
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 9: The Great Commission and the Extent of Discipleship

aug. 24, 2020 Nations + 3 More
ARTICLE 9: The Great Commission and the Extent of Discipleship
8
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 8: The Great Commission & the Character of Discipleship

aug. 20, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 8: The Great Commission & the Character of Discipleship
7
Compass 2946959 1920

Article 7: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP

aug. 17, 2020 The Great Commission + 6 More
Article 7: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP
6
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 6: Going Out Under Christ’s Authority

aug. 13, 2020 The Sufficiency of Scripture + 4 More
ARTICLE 6: Going Out Under Christ’s Authority
5
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 5: Going Out In Christ’s Authority

aug. 10, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 5: Going Out In Christ’s Authority
4
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Four: THE AUTHORITY BEHIND THE GREAT COMMISSION

aug. 06, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
Article Four: THE AUTHORITY BEHIND THE GREAT COMMISSION
3
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Three: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GREATEST COMMAND

aug. 03, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
Article Three: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GREATEST COMMAND
2
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Two: THE NEED & THE OPPORTUNITY

iul. 30, 2020
Article Two: THE NEED & THE OPPORTUNITY
1
Compass 2946959 1920

Article One: A WORD TO ASPIRING MISSIONARIES

iul. 27, 2020
Article One: A WORD TO ASPIRING MISSIONARIES
Article One: A WORD TO ASPIRING MISSIONARIES

Paul David Washer

Paul David Washer

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” – II Timothy 2:15

After more than three decades of labor in international missions, and having counseled many missionaries on the field, I have come to believe that more literature regarding “missions” is not only appropriate, but also absolutely necessary. The primary purpose is to instruct those elders, churches, and missionaries that work in partnership with us to advance the gospel throughout the world. I have also written with secondary goal that this work might have a wider influence, especially among those young men and women in whose heart the Lord has put an earnestness1 to give themselves to the cause of Christ beyond their own boarders.

Although I will be writing with specific regard to those aspiring to cross-cultural missions, I hope that what is written will also be of help to all who might put their hand to the plow in any field of the harvest. I do not pretend to have the mind or credentials of countless others who are more qualified to write such a manual, but my sense of ineptitude has been outweighed by the need. I write because I am burdened to do so. I long for the work of missions, not only to advance, but to advance biblically.

Mission leaders around the globe are encouraging young men and women to go to the field, and many are responding to call with an unbridled passion. This is certainly a cause for rejoicing; however, it may be wise to hit the pause button long enough to catch our breath and think about the requirements and costs of mission work. Just because someone desires to go, does not mean that he should. Mission work is not the “right” of every believer, but a calling and a privilege. We must be called, qualified, surrendered, and equipped. If anyone of these things is lacking, the missionary may not only prove ineffective, but may become a detriment.

At the risk of sounding critical or even harsh, it must be said that there is more missionary activity in the world today than ever before, however a plethora of activity is not a sure indication that the will of God is being done. There are those on the field who were swept away from their homelands by nothing more than a wave of romanticism or a misdirected passion to be used of God. There are others on the field that have never counted the cost or surrendered themselves to the hardships that are inseparable from the work of a missionary. They tenaciously hold on to the comforts of home or even advance beyond them. They have not learned that, “Missionary life is simply a chance to die.”2 Finally, there are those on the field who are not qualified or equipped for the work. In their zeal, they have neglected to follow the admonition of the Apostle Paul who wrote:

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”3

The opportunities and needs of the Great Commission are greater than ever. It is my prayer that the upcoming generations of Christians will literally pour themselves into the mission field. However, we must not give way to pragmatism. We must not overlook the demands of Scripture simply because the need is so great. Instead, we must trust in the providence of God and we must “go” only if we are truly called, committed, and prepared.

If you are reading these articles, you most likely possess a real interest in the Great Commission. You may be a seasoned veteran on the field or a young zealot who is chomping at the bit to go! Whoever you are, please understand that these articles are not written to discourage you in your desire to give your life for the call, but to direct you so that the giving of your life might actually amount to something!

Finally, this series is not only the result of what I have found to be true in the Scriptures and what I have learned from other godly men and women on the mission field. It is also the result of what I have learned from my many mistakes. If you are a missionary, you will make mistakes. However, each new generation of missionaries should not be required to reinvent the wheel. It is the responsibility of the preceding missionary generation to hand down biblical wisdom to the one that follows. Consequently, it is also the following generation’s responsibility to examine this “handed down” wisdom in the light of the Scriptures to see if it is wisdom indeed.

Your brother,

Paul David Washer

  1. II Corinthians 8:16
  2. While serving in India, Amy Carmichael received a letter from an aspiring young missionary. She asked Miss Carmichael, “What is missionary life like?” The answer was profound, “Missionary life is simply a chance to die.”
  3. II Timothy 2:15

Author

More By Paul David Washer

Paul David Washer

Paul is the founder of HeartCry Missionary Society and currently serves as its missions director. He also ministered as a missionary in Peru for ten years. He has preached hundreds of sermons and has authored a dozen published works. Paul lives in Radford, Virginia, with his wife Charo and their four children: Ian, Evan, Rowan, and Bronwyn.

More By Paul David Washer

HeartCry Guide to Missions

1/40
40
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 40: Planting Biblical Churches

mai 13, 2021 Missions + 2 More
Article 40: Planting Biblical Churches
39
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 39: Characteristics of a Biblical Church

apr. 22, 2021 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 39: Characteristics of a Biblical Church
38
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 38: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries (continued)—

apr. 15, 2021 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 38: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries (continued)—
37
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 37: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries—

apr. 08, 2021
Article 37: The Church —The Sender of Missionaries—
36
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

Article 36: The Church —The Ordainer of Missions—

apr. 01, 2021
Article 36: The Church —The Ordainer of Missions—
35
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 35: The Church — The Incubator and Training Ground of Missionaries

mart. 25, 2021
ARTICLE 35: The Church — The Incubator and Training Ground of Missionaries
34
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 34: The Church and the Great Commission in the Book of Acts

mart. 18, 2021 Polity + 3 More
ARTICLE 34: The Church and the Great Commission in the Book of Acts
33
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 33: The Centrality of the Church in the Great Commission

mart. 11, 2021 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 33: The Centrality of the Church in the Great Commission
32
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 32: The Prominence of Preaching —Why the Silence—

mart. 04, 2021 Preaching + 2 More
ARTICLE 32: The Prominence of Preaching —Why the Silence—
31
Hc Guide To Missions (3)

ARTICLE 31: The Prominence of Preaching in the Epistles

feb. 26, 2021 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 31: The Prominence of Preaching in the Epistles
30
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 30: The Prominence of Preaching in the Book of Acts

feb. 18, 2021 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 30: The Prominence of Preaching in the Book of Acts
29
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 29: Pentecost and Us

feb. 11, 2021 Tongues + 7 More
ARTICLE 29: Pentecost and Us
28
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 28: The Central Promise of Pentecost

dec. 17, 2020 The Trinity + 5 More
ARTICLE 28: The Central Promise of Pentecost
27
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 27: The Necessity of the Spirit

dec. 03, 2020 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 27: The Necessity of the Spirit
26
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 26: The Power of Prayer

nov. 19, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 26: The Power of Prayer
25
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 25: Biblical Fidelity and Cultural Sensitivity

oct. 26, 2020 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 25: Biblical Fidelity and Cultural Sensitivity
24
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 24: Biblical Methodology — According to the Pattern

oct. 22, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 24: Biblical Methodology — According to the Pattern
23
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 23: Biblical Methodology—Rules of Conduct

oct. 19, 2020 The Great Commission + 2 More
ARTICLE 23: Biblical Methodology—Rules of Conduct
22
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 22—Biblical Methodology: Doers of the Word

oct. 15, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 22—Biblical Methodology: Doers of the Word
21
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 21: Biblical Methodology — The Great Error

oct. 12, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 21: Biblical Methodology — The Great Error
20
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 20: The Tale of Two Cities

oct. 08, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 20: The Tale of Two Cities
19
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 19: Sola Scriptura

oct. 05, 2020 The Great Commission + 5 More
ARTICLE 19: Sola Scriptura
18
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 18: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures

oct. 01, 2020 The Sufficiency of Scripture + 3 More
ARTICLE 18: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
17
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 17: The Primacy of Gospel

sept. 28, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 17: The Primacy of Gospel
16
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 16: A SUMMARY OF THE GREAT COMMISSION —RANGE OF ACTIVITIES—

sept. 21, 2020 Witnessing + 9 More
ARTICLE 16: A SUMMARY OF THE GREAT COMMISSION —RANGE OF ACTIVITIES—
15
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 15: A Summary of the Great Commission —Message and Purpose—

sept. 18, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
ARTICLE 15: A Summary of the Great Commission —Message and Purpose—
14
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 14: A Summary of the Great Commission —Authorization and Sphere of Ministry—

sept. 14, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 14: A Summary of the Great Commission —Authorization and Sphere of Ministry—
13
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 13: The Missionary-Teacher

sept. 10, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 13: The Missionary-Teacher
12
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 12: The Missionary-Theologian

sept. 03, 2020 Theology + 4 More
ARTICLE 12: The Missionary-Theologian
11
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE ELEVEN: Missions as a Theological Endeavor

aug. 31, 2020 Theology + 5 More
ARTICLE ELEVEN: Missions as a Theological Endeavor
10
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE TEN: The Means of the Great Commission —Going, Baptizing, Teaching—

aug. 27, 2020 William Carey + 5 More
ARTICLE TEN: The Means of the Great Commission —Going, Baptizing, Teaching—
9
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 9: The Great Commission and the Extent of Discipleship

aug. 24, 2020 Nations + 3 More
ARTICLE 9: The Great Commission and the Extent of Discipleship
8
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 8: The Great Commission & the Character of Discipleship

aug. 20, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 8: The Great Commission & the Character of Discipleship
7
Compass 2946959 1920

Article 7: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP

aug. 17, 2020 The Great Commission + 6 More
Article 7: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP
6
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 6: Going Out Under Christ’s Authority

aug. 13, 2020 The Sufficiency of Scripture + 4 More
ARTICLE 6: Going Out Under Christ’s Authority
5
Compass 2946959 1920

ARTICLE 5: Going Out In Christ’s Authority

aug. 10, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
ARTICLE 5: Going Out In Christ’s Authority
4
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Four: THE AUTHORITY BEHIND THE GREAT COMMISSION

aug. 06, 2020 The Great Commission + 3 More
Article Four: THE AUTHORITY BEHIND THE GREAT COMMISSION
3
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Three: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GREATEST COMMAND

aug. 03, 2020 The Great Commission + 4 More
Article Three: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GREATEST COMMAND
2
Compass 2946959 1920

Article Two: THE NEED & THE OPPORTUNITY

iul. 30, 2020
Article Two: THE NEED & THE OPPORTUNITY
1
Compass 2946959 1920

Article One: A WORD TO ASPIRING MISSIONARIES

iul. 27, 2020
Article One: A WORD TO ASPIRING MISSIONARIES

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