What is Mission?

We hear about great missionaries of the past, and we hear calls to go – to reach the lost and to share the good news. But what is mission really all about, and is it only something for a chosen few?

Mission involves going (Matt. 28:19–20)

This ‘Great Commission’ passage beckons us to embark on a journey which embraces all nations. Going beyond our comfort zones, we share the good news and spread the love of Christ in word and deed.

Historically, this has involved undertaking long and arduous journeys. Even with the travel advancements of the modern age, many mission workers find themselves immersed long–term in cultures wholly different to their own. For others, going might involve a short–term visit to carry Bibles across borders, or even a few hours reaching out via social media from their own home!

Mission involves being sent (Jn. 20:21)

Here, Jesus sends out His followers just as the Father had sent Him. The role of the believer is to continue the reconciling work of Christ. We do not undertake this work of our own initiative, and we do not go alone. Instead, God sends His people with purpose, empowering us to bring His light to the darkest corners. It is also wise to be ‘sent’ by a local church who know you and support you in missionary activity.

Mission follows God’s initiative (Isa. 6:8)

As with Isaiah’s humble response, our role in mission is to align ourselves with God’s initiative. He ignites the flame of mission in our hearts, He reveals His plans in His own timing, and He invites us to join in this most vital of endeavours. May we listen to the prompting and guidance of God’s Spirit as we step out in His service!

Mission is about making disciples (Matt. 4:19)

Christ’s promise to those He calls is that He will make them fishers of men. This unveils the beating heart of mission – not simply to proclaim good news or to do good works but to cast nets of discipleship. Our task is to invite others to journey with us, learn from us and grow together with us.

Mission involves us all (1 Cor. 12:12–13)

Just as a body functions with many parts, we, as believers, form one body in Christ. Everyone plays a role, whether through praying, giving, encouraging, or going across cultures themselves. This image of the body is all the more pertinent in the modern age, as indigenous workers seek to reach their own (and nearby) people groups for Christ. They often lack the encouragement of strong fellowship and the blessing of financial assistance, and so we can step in as different parts of the body to provide what is lacking in each case.

Whether we pray, encourage, give, inspire, or ‘go’ ourselves, we each have opportunity to respond to God’s initiative in mission, playing our own part so that the gospel might be proclaimed and disciples made.

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