Der Weg / The Way e. V.
1. Preamble
This mission society is founded on the knowledge that Jesus Christ alone is the way, the truth, and the life. He is God’s only way to salvation and eternal glory with God the Father (John 14:6). (Exclusivism) “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved!” (Acts 4:12)
The most reliable revelation of Jesus Christ comes through the Word of God, which is entirely inspired by the Spirit of God (2 Tim. 3:16). Only through Holy Scripture do we understand God’s plan of salvation and His intentions and plans for humanity.
2. Purpose and Goal of Ministry
Through missionary activity, Jesus Christ is to be honored so as to reveal His glory. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12)
Missionary work includes:
- Establishing, building, and supporting local churches, “so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God may now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:10)
- Spiritual and material support of local churches (worldwide) as well as individuals who work there in the Kingdom of God. “At the present time, let your abundance supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, so that there may be a balance” (2 Cor. 8:14)
- Training and continuing education of local workers through theological instruction (e.g., seminaries and Bible schools) and appropriate discipleship training. “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim. 2:2)
- Christian children’s and youth ministry based on the Bible: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these!” (Matthew 19:14)
- Translation and distribution of Christian literature that conforms to the stated principles of faith. The Bible and Bible passages should be translated and distributed as necessary. “Therefore, you shall lay these words of mine in your heart and in your mind, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be for a memorial over your eyes. And you shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deuteronomy 11:18-19)
- Supporting diaconal projects that serve to spread and promote the gospel and are connected to spiritual work. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
3. Principles of Faith
See position paper (can be requested)!
4. Qualifications of Staff
The missionary has the qualifications of an elder (1 Tim. 3:1-13 and Titus 1:7-9).
They are biblically knowledgeable or acquire a Scriptural understanding. “…so that they may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:9)
The missionary has a spiritual perspective on their tasks and works purposefully to build the Kingdom of God. “Whoever serves in war does not entangle himself in the affairs of a living, so that he may please his servant.” (2 Tim. 2:4) (see position paper by Helmut Mehringer).
5. Field of Activity
The work should primarily take place in the Muslim world and among unreached peoples or tribes. “I make it a point not to preach the gospel where the name of Christ is already known, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.” (Romans 15:20)
6. Mission
According to the testimony of Holy Scripture, the local church sends the missionary. (Acts 13:1-3)
He remains connected to his home church and is accountable to it. “When they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported how much God had done for them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27).
The missionary society supports the churches and missionaries, both to meet governmental and legal requirements and to carry out the missionary mandate on behalf of the church in a logistical and organizational manner. At the same time, the missionary society, together with the sending church, cares for the spiritual needs of the missionary. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep!” (Romans 12:15)
7. Recruiting Missionaries
Recruiting missionaries is primarily a matter of prayer. “Then he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest!’” (Luke 10:2)
Furthermore, the plight of a lost world should be brought to the attention of congregations and brothers. “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.” (John 4:35b)
Independently of this, the works of the Lord that are taking place in the mission field can be made known. “So they went through Phoenicia and Samaria, representing the church, proclaiming the conversion of the Gentiles and causing great joy to all the brothers. When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported everything God had done for them.”
8. Funding
The Lord Jesus provides the necessary finances; needs and wants are to be brought before God in prayer. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4, 6)
Accounts are given to testify to God’s faithfulness in providing for us and thus to the glory of the Lord. “But my God will fill up all your lack according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. But to our God and Father be glory forever and ever! Amen.” (Phil. 4, 19-20)