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Radical Reformation History  /  Lecture 14: The Birth of the Hutterites (Part 2)  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
In prison, a missionary insisted he “didn’t choose” the task but was “appointed by God and his spirit in his church,” and tied that calling to preaching, believer’s baptism, and obedience; how does that church-sent, Spirit-appointed view of mission confront modern notions of “calling” as private preference, and what authority should the local church have to send (or restrain) missionaries?
Another way to ask: How does the idea of being sent by the church and appointed by the Spirit challenge the idea that “calling” is just personal preference? How much say should a local church have in sending or stopping missionaries?

Direct Answer The transcript presents mission not as self-chosen personal fulfillment but as an assignment mediated through the church by God’s Spirit, centered on obedience to preach and baptize believers; this confronts modern “calling” as private preference by making the church a key instrument of appointment and accountability. The transcript implies the church has real authority to commission and define the task, though it does not spell out modern policies for restraining missionaries.

Support from Transcript:

  • In prison the missionary said he “had not chosen to do this task,” but was “appointed by God and his spirit in his church.”
  • He grounds it in a sending pattern: “Just as God sent his son and as the son sent his apostles…so he still sends out his servants through his spirit.”
  • The mission content is concrete obedience: “first of all to preach the word of God,” then “baptize…not infants… but those who hear, understand, and believe.”
  • Dean repeatedly describes missionaries as sent “from the church” and returning “to the church community with a good conscience,” showing accountability.
  • Another brother refuses to give operational details (names of senders/shelterers), implying mission is a church-directed work that must be protected.
Discussion Follow-ups How does your church currently recognize and send workers—does it feel like commissioning or merely blessing private plans? What safeguards keep mission aligned with church doctrine and discipline?

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