Article 2018-10 Missionary Conflict
Chapter 49: Missionary Conflict
Introduction
Conflict not only occurs in the church with regard to doctrine, but between missionaries as well. How can missionary conflict be dealt with in a mature way, so that the missions program is enhanced instead of hindered? In our story we learn that sometimes missions strategy takes precedence over member-care; that nobody should engage in missions without a clear call from God, and that if there is a call, the timing must be correct as well. We also see that fear of suffering is a bad counselor for missionary candidates.
Scripture reference
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached … and see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left … (Acts 15:36-40)
The story
Paul proposed to Barnabas to revisit the Galatian churches, to see how they did after he wrote them his letter. He also wanted to see Timothy, whom he wanted to join his team. He was in dire need of more people, now that the work expanded. But a disagreement arose between them about whether or not to take John Mark with them again. They could not come to an agreement and decided to part company, each taking another brother to minister with. Barnabas went to Cyprus with John Mark, and Paul selected Silas to travel through Syria and Cilicia. The elders of the church prayed with both teams. From Barnabas and Mark we hear nothing for some time. Paul and Silas started what would become known as Paul’s second missionary journey.
Comment
Conflicts can arise between missionaries, even between those who have been trusted friends for years and ministered the gospel side by side under trying circumstances. The reason for this difference of opinion was about the first case of missionary attrition that we saw a while ago. We are not told why John Mark left Paul and Barnabas before they sailed to Asia, but it seems reasonable to assume that fear played a role in Mark’s life. Paul used the word ‘deserted’ when he described how Mark left the team and Barnabas didn’t argue against it. Both knew that Mark’s leaving had not been a good decision.
So, why was Mark fearful? Maybe it had to do with a traumatic experience he had about fifteen years earlier, in the night that Jesus was arrested. He had watched the arrest from behind a tree, with only a sheet draped around his body. When some of the soldiers saw and pursued him, he had fled, leaving the sheet in their hands. Fear for arrest and the consequences, plus the humiliating experience of running naked through Gethsemane had left its mark on him. After that he may never have come to terms with the fact that preaching the gospel brings suffering with it. This teaches us that with the selection of missionaries we must take into account his past experiences and possible trauma.
Now, was John Mark selected by the Holy Spirit to go on that mission trip, or not? The Spirit had clearly called Paul and Barnabas, but He had said nothing about Mark. Was his participation maybe just the choice of the two apostles? Nobody, called into missionary ministry, can automatically assume that some other ‘nice brother’ has the same vocation!
It cannot even be stated that one was right and the other wrong. Paul thought that it was unwise at that time to re-engage Mark. The young man needed member care, while Paul didn’t see that as a priority. Barnabas always saw potential in people and encouraged them. He thought it worthwhile to slow down and mentor John Mark a bit longer. He was justified by the end results, as Paul would admit later.
The outcome was, that now not one but two teams engaged in world missions. Both were being ‘commended by the brethren to the grace of God’. It is not likely therefore that both apostles separated in an atmosphere of conflict. If missionary conflicts are handled maturely, the outcome will honor the Lord and progress in missions can be made.
Further biblical history reveals nothing about ongoing conflicts between them and later in his life Paul makes clear that Mark has been of good use to him. Apparently a reconciliation between Paul and Mark took place somewhere along the line.
Discussion & dialogue
- Discuss advantages and disadvantages of the points of view of both Paul and Barnabas, with regard to their opinion about John Mark
- Which 6 themes of the 10 feature in this story and how? (Answer: see Teacher’s Guide)
