We (rightly) study the book of Acts and particularly Paul's missionary journeys to learn the biblical pattern for mission work. However, in most missions contexts, we foreign missionaries shouldn't function as the "Apostle Paul." We are not the strategy! Instead, we should function in a catalytic role similar to Barnabas. Barnabas was an encourager, advocated for the Apostle Paul when other believers didn't trust him, went out with Paul on their first missionary journey, and then begins falling into the background as Paul becomes prominent. Similarly, missionaries' primary function, when possible, should be to advocate for, train, and catalyze local believers to be the "main doers" in their context.
