Is it true? No.

Is everyone then, a pastor? Of course not.

The word missionary means “to be sent,” not to stay. (Though there are certainly missionaries, who work in their home country as vital support for those going out.)

Acts 13:2 The Holy Spirit said to set apart Barnabas and Saul for being missionaries. Missionaries are required to go through a lot—intense vetting with multiple references, background checks, signing safeguarding policies every year, much experience in evangelism and ministry, months of training, proof of sufficient support, many prayer meetings, reports, planning, focus on the task—mostly full-time, and accountability. They most often live in a different culture and are often required to learn a new language in a year, as well as generally living on small incomes. Most Christians, for various reasons, aren’t able to put that kind of full-on focus and expense into evangelism.

However, as God’s ambassadors, every Christian is to be a continual witness for Jesus and the Kingdom of God.

In the Great Commission, Jesus commanded us to “go.” The word translated as “go,” means “go”– or travel. Not everyone can travel to other countries or cultures, though these days, through short-term missions and local ministries to refugees and diaspora cultures, that’s becoming easier. Still, these are not the same as actually living in another culture—those who can go, should, and should be supported by those who can’t. Every Christian is called to be a part of the Great Commission—to go, send, pray, and/or give.