Mission: God's Purpose and Our Participation

Mission lies at the heart of the Christian faith, representing God's redemptive plan for humanity and the call upon every believer to participate in His work. Understanding mission transforms how we view our purpose and engages us in something far greater than ourselves.

Christ's Mission and Sacrifice

Jesus knew what a terrible ordeal awaited Him – a cruel death, taking the evil sin of the world and its consequences upon Himself, and total separation from God – yet He knew this was humanity's only hope (Lk 22:41-42). When He prayed, "Please take this cup away," He expressed His true feelings to God but also reaffirmed His commitment to providing salvation.

Christ's mission included preaching the good news to humanity and destroying the hold that Satan had over people by evidencing the power of God (Mk 1:38; Lk 4:18, 7:22; 1 Jn 3:8). Satan doesn't willingly surrender any territory, so there must be ongoing enforcement of Christ's dominion. We must choose to walk in victory, resisting Satan and his temptation to sin and live independently of God.

Mission is not an optional extra – it is our core responsibility

Our Role in God's Mission

As followers of Christ we share in His mission and are to be witnesses by intentionally reaching out to those who do not know Him. This is to be in the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit (Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15-18; Act 1:8; 1 Cor 2:4). We must be focused on our God-given mission and specific calling, making all things serve that end without becoming entangled in things that detract from it.

Mission requires that we be good students of both the gospel message and the culture we wish to express the gospel in, so we are both Biblical in our content and culturally relevant. We are obligated to give non-believers a valid, powerful demonstration of the gospel of Christ – not just in words, but in practical outworking through acts of compassion, service, and the power of the Holy Spirit. We are His representatives to present God and the good news to humanity, who, unless they repent, will be doomed to hell.

See what God is doing and join in

The Mission Field and Mission Organisations

The mission field is not primarily a place. It is anyone who is presently not a believer, whether in our family, locality, work environment, next door or in distant lands. All believers should be proactive in sharing their faith through action and lifestyle, besides words as appropriate. While local, indigenous people are by far the best suited to evangelise and establish churches among their own people, they need training and resourcing.

Mission organisations have developed to provide training, co-ordinate resources and support missionaries in various types of service or parts of the world. In "faith missions," financial backing isn't provided or assured; instead, missionaries depend on God's provision, often receiving support through prayer and assistance from other believers.

Reflection and Application:

Consider how God is calling you to participate in His mission in your daily life.
Identify those in your sphere of influence who need to hear the gospel message.
Reflect on whether you are walking in the victory Christ has provided.
Prayerfully consider how you can support mission work through prayer, giving, or going.