Ancient Mission
Rooted in the Why: Rediscovering God’s Heart for Mansfield

Big Idea: Before we write the next chapter of Linden Road’s story, we must reconnect with why we exist—God’s heart for the lost and hurting in Mansfield.

The Problem: Drifting from Mission

Barna research says only 17% of Americans attend church weekly, down from 40% a few decades ago.

The Solution: God’s Unchanging Mission

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

That’s our why. It’s not filling seats or keeping traditions—it’s about making disciples, introducing people to the life-changing love of Jesus.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Jonah 1-4

That challenges us: who’s our Nineveh in Mansfield?

John 4 - the Samaritan woman at the well.

Jesus breaks every cultural rule to talk to her.

‘I see you, and I love you.’

‘Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?’

Because of her, the whole village comes to faith.
One woman, one conversation, one life transformed—and it ripples out.

God’s mission isn’t just about crowds like Nineveh; it’s about one person everyone else overlooks.

Who’s our Samaritan woman?

Jonah’s reluctance mirrors our own hesitations to reach “difficult” groups in Mansfield, like those affected by addiction.

God’s love for both the collective (Nineveh) and the individual (Samaritan woman).

So, how do we live this out?

1) pray a bold prayer this week. Ask God, ‘Who are you calling us to reach in Mansfield?

Not ‘What’s the next program?’ but ‘Who’s out there, hurting, that we can love?’

2) Second, talk about it.

3) take a small step of faith.

4) Picture one person Ask God, ‘How can I show them your love?’

Small step. Invite someone to watch our online service.

This new chapter at Linden Road? It’s not about us. It’s about the people God loves who aren’t here yet… the ones we’re called to reach today.