Focus on Missions

I continue to be dismayed over the issue our International Mission Board (IMB) has made over missionaries praying in tongues. 

The IMB seems to have lost sight of the true objective — winning the lost to Christ, not teaching the world to be “good” Baptists. I understand the necessity of basic doctrine, but if we aren’t careful, we will become like the Pharisees — more concerned about the intricacies of our doctrine than spreading the gospel.

Maybe we should take some tips from the first missionary who admitted to speaking in tongues more than any of his followers and said he wished they all spoke in tongues (1 Cor. 14). IMB President Jerry Rankin even admits to having a “prayer language.”

Of course, our foreign missionaries are going to encounter tongues on the missions field. People in remote parts of the earth don’t know any better than to give the Holy Spirit complete freedom.

Paul also said, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). That’s where our focus should be. Let’s get as many people out on the missions field as possible that will preach Christ and Him crucified.

Angela Mullins
Alexander City, Ala.