Things God Has Taught Us on Deputation

by By Mike Barber

It is a joy and true pleasure to share with you a few lessons our family has learned while on deputation. My family embarked on deputation full time in March 2025. Since then, we have raised more than three quarters of our support as we near our deputation finish line as US church planters. The Lord continues to teach us valuable lessons as we grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). While we have learned a lot, I know that we have not nearly arrived but remain surrendered to the Lord’s leadership in our lives. As I reflect on these lessons learned, I am reminded of Psalm 68:19, Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. God continues to daily load us with the blessed benefits of walking closely with Him. I often say, “The Christian life is the constant pursuit of Christ.” I could write a novel covering the many blessings we have received while pursuing Him on deputation. These hard lessons served as thresholds that needed to be crossed and were necessary in order to receive these benefits.

First, a missionary on deputation must prioritize. There is a great deal of travel on deputation, allowing one to see and experience new places. Our family has seen breathtaking views from Colorado’s Pikes Peak, felt the jaw dropping power of Niagara Falls, and enjoyed the beautiful, secluded beaches of Florida’s Panhandle, just to name a few. These experiences will be lifelong memories. What’s important to remember and easy to forget is that one’s calling and ministry are more important than the travel experiences. As emphasized already, there are tremendous benefits to serving the Lord; however, the moment one gets away from the things that are of utmost importance is when one begins slipping away from those benefits. Prioritizing private and family devotions is no easy task on deputation. Traveling with a family carries additional challenges. The lack of routine and living out of a suitcase is not easy for adults, let alone children. Sleeping in hotels, missions’ apartments, RV’s, and Sunday school classrooms makes prioritizing ministry and calling incredibly challenging. For me, my devotions are in the morning before my family rises. My alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m. Try this in a hotel with children sleeping all around you and you will learn quickly that prioritizing these things are no easy task. If you are like me, you will need to learn the art of MUSO (morning undercover spec-ops). Establish the best routine you can, create schedules, keep a journal, and stay on top of your calendar before going on a family adventure. 

Second, a missionary on deputation must learn patience. I say “learn” because patience is not something that comes naturally. Paul said, I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11). Patience and contentedness go hand in hand. Also note that patience is a mark of godliness as well as a qualification for a pastor (I Timothy 3:3). Ministers who are quick to receive will only find themselves miserable. They must learn to be content in whatsoever state they are in literally, materialistically, and mentally. They will travel many miles, and every mile must be marked with patience. A deputized missionary may have the desire to get to the field now, but God may still be preparing that missionary for the field. I strongly caution deputized missionaries from making deputation a matter of mere necessity. Allow deputation to be a pre-field ministry and enjoy the journey. Ministry is a training ground for the minister as well as for those to whom you are ministering. Let deputation be seen not only as necessary for raising support and partnering with like-minded churches but also as necessary for personal development and pre-field preparation.

Last, a missionary on deputation must remember their purpose. This was a hard lesson to learn. Let me encourage anyone in ministry to remember their purpose. In other words, have the joy of your calling set before you every day. Look to Jesus as the great example: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). He was faithful to His end and we must be faithful to ours. For me, I learned this lesson from a young church planting pastor in rural Indiana as he taught a Sunday School lesson. After a while, one may get tired of stressing and voicing one’s burden. It is possible to lose the joy you once had for the very mission God has given you. There will be some who cast doubt on your call. For me it was in the form of an email from a pastor I reached out to who does not agree with the way I am going about my ministry. Resistance can lead to discouragement. As Adrian Rogers said, “The doors of opportunity swing on the hinges of opposition.” David, Nehemiah, and Paul all faced opposition. Remember your purpose. Anyone in ministry must be able to encourage themselves in the Lord. A great source for this encouragement will be found in daily devotions, but sometimes devotions grow cold. Learn to be intentional towards your purpose and run your race with joy, avoiding the naysayers and doubters. Do not be distracted by outside sources when working on your calendar or preparing the next message. Own the ministry of deputation and run with all your might!

Three lessons from a deputized missionary still learning the ropes are as follows: always prioritize, learn patience, and remember your purpose. My prayer is that as you apply these principles to your life, you will discover a God who is loaded with blessed benefits.

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