  LJ from Mugwhump recently raised the issue about the use of the word "missionary. " She currently works in Family, Children and Youth Ministries at her church in Canada, and says, "I consider myself a missionary. Am I wrong? " Great question! Let me start off by saying there is no right answer to "What is a missionary?
" so no, LJ, you're not wrong. However, we do have a few things to consider. The word missionary comes from the Latin mittere, 'to send. ' The original English usage referred to someone whose role was similar to an ambassador. The religious application of the word was recorded as early as 1656, and today is almost always used to refer to a person who is involved in full-time overseas ministry. There are many Christians (not just missionaries) who very strongly object to the use of the term missionary to refer to anyone who does not meet the criteria I just stated (full-time overseas ministry). To throw out the phrase, "Well, we're all missionaries, aren't we? " cheapens the meaning of the word, they say.
To them, a missionary is someone who has made great personal sacrifice, and as such should receive special recognition and honor within the church. However, perhaps one motive for saying everyone is a missionary is to give them more motivation to do significant things for God, regardless of their occupation. I feel it is unfortunate that there seems to be a hierarchy in today's Church, with full-time ministers and full-time missionaries at the top.
The emphasis is on position rather than on ministry. What of the missionary who does nothing but computer programming, and never shares his faith with the local people around him? What of the person in the States who works as an accountant but spends 3 nights a week witnessing to homeless people at a shelter? Please don't think I'm downing missionaries who do "regular" jobs. I am merely saying that all Christians, whether working in secular jobs or as overseas missionaries, are only as effective for Christ as they set out to be.
Going back to the hierarchy I mentioned, is it possible that some people call themselves "missionaries" because of some inferiority complex? I think in many circles, and especially at missions conferences, we can feel guilty if we do not have a good reason to accept the "call" to overseas missions. Do some misuse the term "missionary" to placate this guilt? I'll close by saying that if you are offended by the inclusive use of the word missionary , perhaps you should consider why it bothers you.
Yes, we overseas missionaries have sacrificed much to be here. But many of us are living more ordinary lives than some of you who work 9-to-5 jobs. So take missionaries off their pedestals, and place them right beside you in your thinking. We're all missionaries in that we all have a mission to make disciples (Matt 28:16-20). May we all press on toward that end. 
