On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. (Galatians 2:7-9, NIV)
Paul understood the importance of having a clear focus for his ministry. His focus was to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles—which would include most of us here at New Covenant!
I am convinced this focus was hard at times for Paul. He had a passion for his fellow Jews, a passion so deep he was willing to give up his own salvation if it meant his people could be saved (Romans 9:3). As you read the book of Acts you find Paul preaching first in the Synagogue to the Jews before going into the market place to the Gentiles. But as you follow his story, it is clear that Paul knew his purpose. You find him making key decisions in order to minister specifically to Gentiles. Paul believed it was correct to target a particular group of people for his own personal ministry.
I believe that God can also lead a church to focus on a particular people group or type of ministry in its strategy to bring the Gospel to people in other cultures. This in no way excuses us from sharing the Gospel with anyone who needs to hear. But it is impossible for one church to share this message with everyone. Every year our Missions Committee has to make difficult choices about how to use the funds God provides through your faithful giving.
Please pray for the Missions Committee to have wisdom in discerning God’s unique focus for
