When I’ve been in conversations where the lack of men serving in cross-cultural gospel work is discussed, two main perspectives usually emerge. One leans toward lamenting the lack of men who serve. The other suggests a strong message for real men to stand up.
But bemoaning the situation can simply leave us in an echo chamber whilst alienating the very men we’re seeking to engage in God’s great gospel project. Likewise, sending out a strong call for real men to stand up reminds us of the responsibilities which God has placed on men to please the Lord and not themselves. However, demoralising men through guilt or forming unquestioning acolytes will not produce the men we’re seeking to see sent out into gospel work.
We need to go deeper, beyond surface-level complaints, to address heart attitudes among the men (married or single) we are privileged to know. In order to do this, we need to identify common objections raised by men and set out the gospel alternatives which are theirs in Christ. So, let’s think about a few of them.
Career
God has made us for work (Genesis 1:28; 2:15) and has given each person unique gifts.
It is right that we do not waste those gifts, but it is also right that we do not idolise them. Pause and consider: it may well be the case that we can use the gifts and training that the Lord has allowed us to develop for gospel purposes. But it could equally be the case that he is asking us to set these things aside, at least for a season. It makes sense, since this is the model of our Lord Jesus, Lord of creation humbled to death on a cross for our salvation (Philippians 2:5-8). If he is willing to set aside his incomparable riches and status, this surely has to influence what we are willing to set aside for his glory. If we are not willing to surrender the things God has given to us, we may well be closing the door on opportunities he is presenting which could, in time, use these same gifts. All because we weren’t willing to consider how the Lord of work would choose to order our steps.
Sin
We were not made to carry around the weight of guilt that sin produces.
This is the gospel; no condemnation for those who are in Christ! (Romans 8:1). Perhaps there are patterns of sin that seem to have no expiry date on them. The joy of the gospel is that Christ has died to bring you freedom (Galatians 5:1). It should not be the case, but one of the last things that we want to do in church is to be vulnerable with each other. Yet, this is the place where that freedom and life-transforming disentanglement with sin takes place. Confessing our sins with trusted men in the church allows us to know the liberation of the cleansing righteousness of Christ (1 John 1:9). When we adopt this heart posture of humility, no amount of laziness, sexual failings or self-absorption can overthrow the sin-crushing vindication of the risen Christ. Brother, married or single – don’t let previous failings restrict future service.
Relationships
No matter our marital status or our cultural background, the relationships we have or long for will impact our consideration of serving in another part of the world.
‘What might this look like for my children and their future?’ ‘If I leave here, maybe this is the end of finding a spouse.’ ‘How can I take on a role like this when I need to provide for my children and my parents?’ Jesus speaks into our relationships, reminding us to count the cost of following him (Matthew 10:34-39), but does so having already explained that we don’t need to do so from a place of anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34).
Whoever we are, each of us has a role to play in encouraging the men God has put into our lives to live courageously for his glory. For churches, how regularly are you praying for men who will step up to this sort of gospel service? For families, are you leading your children in a way that points them to the peoples of the world? For you as a brother in the Lord, are you ready to consider all that the gospel means and entrust it all to our never-failing Saviour?
Martin Paterson
Theological educator in S.E. Asia
