The call that defines us

Jesus settled the question of who is sent. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). On that basis, He commands us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching everything He commanded (Matthew 28:19–20).

He also promised power for the work. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This sending is for every disciple, not a select few. “As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you” (John 20:21). In the early days, “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went” (Acts 8:4).

Missionary is our new identity

In Christ, we are new creations with a new role. God “gave us the ministry of reconciliation” and “we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:18, 20). He made us “a chosen people… that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

We carry the gospel without shame, because “it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). We are salt and light, meant to be seen and tasted in our world so that people “may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

The gospel we carry

At the heart of mission is the message. Paul reminded the church of “the gospel… by which you are saved” (1 Corinthians 15:1–2). Salvation is found in Christ alone (Acts 4:12), and He alone is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

- All have sinned and face death (Romans 3:23; 6:23).

- Christ “died for our sins according to the Scriptures… was buried… was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

- We are saved by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9).

- God commands all people everywhere to repent and believe (Acts 17:30; Mark 1:15; Acts 3:19).

- We confess Jesus as Lord and publicly identify with Him (Romans 10:9–10; Matthew 28:19).

- New life bears new fruit (2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 2:11–12).

We “do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Corinthians 4:5). Methods vary, but the message must remain clear, full, and faithful.

Where mission starts: right where you are

God placed you in this time and place so that people around you might seek Him (Acts 17:26–27). Your nearest mission field is your home, your church’s neighborhood, your workplace, your campus, and your online spaces.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders and make the most of the moment (Colossians 4:5). Speak with grace, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6).

- Home and family: model repentance, forgiveness, prayer, and daily Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Ephesians 6:4).

- Work and vocation: work heartily as unto the Lord and bear witness with integrity (Colossians 3:23; Philippians 2:14–16).

- Neighborhood and hospitality: open your table to neighbors and strangers (Luke 14:12–14; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9).

- Community engagement: serve the vulnerable and pair mercy with the message (James 1:27; 2:14–17).

- Digital presence: be truthful, hopeful, and ready to give reasons for your hope (Ephesians 4:25; 1 Peter 3:15).

The manner of our witness: word and life together

Mission is proclamation and presence. “Let your light shine before men” so they see good works that match your words (Matthew 5:16). “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).

Our tone matters. “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). We “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” by lives of beauty and self-control (Titus 2:10).

- Humility: acknowledge weakness and boast in Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).

- Integrity: keep your word and refuse shady shortcuts (Proverbs 10:9; 2 Corinthians 8:21).

- Mercy: be eager for good works (Titus 3:14).

- Patience: sow, water, and trust God to give the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).

Sent together: the church’s joyful work

The Great Commission is a church-shaped task: make disciples, baptize, teach (Matthew 28:19–20). Mission thrives when rooted in worship, prayer, and Spirit-led sending (Acts 13:1–3).

Partners in the gospel support one another (Philippians 1:5). We are to “send them on their way in a manner worthy of God” (3 John 6). Every member has a role, and we assemble to stir one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24–25).

- Goers: those set apart to plant, pioneer, or serve cross-culturally (Acts 13:2).

- Senders: those who pray, give, and care with intentionality (Romans 10:15; 3 John 8).

- Intercessors: those who labor in prayer for open doors and boldness (Colossians 4:3–4; Ephesians 6:19–20).

- Equippers: elders and teachers who train saints for the work (Ephesians 4:11–12).

- Welcomers: those who befriend internationals and refugees in our cities (Leviticus 19:34; Acts 17:27).

Special callings and the nations

Some are uniquely called to pioneer among the unreached. Paul made it his aim “to preach the gospel where Christ was not known” (Romans 15:20, summary). Jesus declared that “repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations” (Luke 24:47). The Spirit still says, “Set apart for Me…” (Acts 13:2).

Still, Acts 1:8 belongs to us all. Whether crossing an ocean or a hallway, the same Lord sends, the same Spirit empowers, and the same gospel saves. Your faithfulness at home and your partnership with those abroad are both essential.

- Pray for an unreached people group by name.

- Welcome internationals and students.

- Give sacrificially and consistently (2 Corinthians 9:7–11).

- Encourage missionaries with real care and visits (Philippians 4:14–18).

- Consider short-term service that strengthens long-term work.

Obstacles and encouragements

Obstacles are real, but Scripture speaks to each one.

- Fear: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord (2 Timothy 1:8).

- Inadequacy: our sufficiency is from God (2 Corinthians 3:5). We carry treasure “in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

- Rejection: if they hated Jesus, they will oppose us (John 15:18–20). Keep speaking with boldness (Acts 4:31).

- Awkwardness: pray for clarity and gracious words (Colossians 4:4–6).

- Time pressure: redeem the time and walk in wisdom (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5).

- Slow fruit: sow, water, and wait; “God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6–7). “Let us not grow weary in well-doing” (Galatians 6:9).

Simple practices to start today

Small, steady steps matter. Move from desire to habit.

- Pray daily by name for three people far from Christ (Romans 10:1).

- Memorize a clear gospel summary (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

- Share your testimony this week: “Tell them how much the Lord has done for you” (Mark 5:19).

- Invite someone to your table (Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9).

- Carry Scripture and offer to read a short passage together (John 3; Isaiah 53; Luke 15).

- Join a church outreach or start a simple Bible reading group (Acts 17:2; Colossians 4:3).

- Pair up for accountability and prayer (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).

- Set a weekly reminder to text an encouragement with a verse (Hebrews 3:13).

Abide in Christ. “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). With Him, we bear lasting fruit (John 15:16).

The end in view

The mission will not fail. “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).

John saw the finish line: “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue” crying out, “Salvation to our God… and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9–10). Until that day, the One with all authority is with us “to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Every Christian is a missionary because every Christian is sent, sealed, and supplied by Christ to make Him known.

It is right to honor those set apart by the church for cross-cultural, long-term work (Acts 13:2–3). It is also right to insist that every disciple bears responsibility to witness and disciple (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8).

- Use “missionary” vocationally for those formally sent across cultures.

- Use “witness/ambassador” broadly for all believers (2 Corinthians 5:20).

- Keep both truths together so no one opts out and no one goes out alone.

Gospel and mercy: word and deed without drift

Mercy ministries display the gospel’s beauty (Titus 2:10; James 1:27), but they never replace proclamation (Romans 10:14–17).

- Lead with the message; link your mercy to Jesus’ name (Luke 24:47).

- Serve with dignity, generosity, and consistency (Galatians 6:10).

- Guard against a “social gospel” that subtracts substitution and repentance (1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Acts 3:19).

Contextualization without compromise

We adapt to serve others, not to soften truth. “I have become all things to all men” aims at salvation, not syncretism (1 Corinthians 9:22).

- Keep the gospel nonnegotiables fixed (Galatians 1:8–9; Jude 3).

- Remove cultural stumbling blocks that are not biblical essentials (Acts 15:19–21).

- Teach converts to obey everything Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:20).

Prioritizing the unreached

Paul’s holy ambition targeted places with no witness (Romans 15:20). Today many have little to no access to the gospel.

- Pray, give, and send to frontier work.

- Engage diaspora communities God has brought near (Acts 17:27).

- Strengthen indigenous churches to multiply locally and regionally (2 Timothy 2:2).

Vocation, workplace, and witness

Work is worship and witness (Colossians 3:23). Faithful presence opens doors for faithful proclamation.

- Excel in your craft and keep a clear conscience (1 Peter 2:12).

- Build relationships over time; ask good questions; offer to pray.

- Be wise in hostile environments; harmless as doves and shrewd as serpents (Matthew 10:16).

Evangelism that multiplies disciples

The aim is not mere decisions but disciples who make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20).

- Share the gospel clearly and invite response (Acts 2:38–41).

- Read the Bible with seekers; let Scripture speak (Romans 10:17).

- Invest in a few who will teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).

Persuasion and apologetics in love

We “try to persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11) with patience and clarity.

- Address barriers: God’s existence, reliability of Scripture, problem of evil, exclusivity of Christ (Psalm 19:1; 2 Peter 1:16–21; Romans 3:4; Acts 4:12).

- Keep the cross central; do not let side issues eclipse the Savior (1 Corinthians 2:2).

- Maintain gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

Spiritual warfare and prayerful boldness

Our struggle is spiritual (Ephesians 6:12). Prayer and the Word are our weapons.

- Put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:13–18).

- Ask for open doors and bold speech (Colossians 4:3–4).

- Expect opposition; seek Spirit-filled courage (Acts 4:31).

Suffering, risk, and wise strategy

“Suffer hardship… do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5). All who desire to live godly will face pressure (2 Timothy 3:12).

- Count the cost and entrust your soul to a faithful Creator (1 Peter 4:12–19).

- Pursue wise risk, not reckless zeal; listen to counsel (Proverbs 15:22).

- When persecuted in one city, flee to the next (Matthew 10:23).

Funding the mission faithfully

Giving fuels gospel advance and forms our hearts (Philippians 4:15–19; 2 Corinthians 9:6–11).

- Prioritize your local church and faithful workers (1 Timothy 5:17–18; 3 John 8).

- Give cheerfully, proportionally, and sacrificially (2 Corinthians 9:7; Mark 12:41–44).

- Seek transparency and integrity (2 Corinthians 8:20–21).

Guarding sound doctrine in mission

Mission drifts when doctrine erodes. “Guard the good deposit” (2 Timothy 1:14).

- Hold fast to the pattern of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13).

- Contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

- Test all teaching by Scripture (Acts 17:11).

Women and the mission of the church

Women have always been vital in gospel advance—supporters, disciplers, and courageous witnesses (Luke 8:1–3; Acts 18:26; Romans 16). Scripture also orders the church’s teaching offices (1 Timothy 2:12; 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).

- Celebrate and deploy women’s gifts in evangelism, discipleship, hospitality, mercy, and mission support (Titus 2:3–5; Philippians 4:3).

- Maintain biblical order in gathered-church teaching and oversight (1 Timothy 2–3).

Stewarding technology for the gospel

Digital tools can extend reach and deepen discipling if used wisely.

- Share testimonies and Scripture consistently (Psalm 96:3).

- Offer online Bible reading groups; follow up in person when possible (Acts 20:20).

- Guard your heart; keep devices your servant, not your master (1 Corinthians 6:12).

The goal remains the same in every context: Christ proclaimed, sinners saved, saints established, churches planted, and the nations glad in God (Psalm 67:3–4). The Lord of the harvest is faithful; ask Him to send out laborers—and gladly be one He sends (Matthew 9:37–38).