The ChurchНамуна

What is the mission of the Church?

The Church’s mission is to go into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all the things that Jesus commanded.

Let’s talk about the mission of the Church.

Maybe you’ve met people who think Christians are supposed to totally separate themselves  from the “wicked world” until the day that Jesus returns. Or maybe you’ve seen others who think we’re supposed to simply accept the fact that we are sinners like the rest of the world and live our  lives in a way that isn’t any different than those of a non-Christian. 

Still, others think that the Church’s mission is to build God’s kingdom on earth through political and social activism, taking the stance that the mission of the Church includes solving socio-political or environmental issues. While these may be good causes for individuals to support, they should not be confused with the mission of the Church.

Fortunately, the Bible is pretty clear about the mission of the Church. First and most importantly, the Church is supposed to be the Church. Before the Church can be on mission, it must be the Church. So what is the Church? The Church is a group of people worshipping God, following Jesus, and serving the world.

And the Church’s mission is to make disciples of Jesus. What this means for you is that you are personally called by Jesus to make disciples. But to make disciples you have to share the Gospel—to tell people that their relationship with God can be restored, and that Jesus invites them to follow him—and to share the Gospel you have to know people, and to know people you have to love and serve people.

Finally, it’s not the Church’s job to make disciples that just live individual lives of faithfulness to Jesus. It’s the Church’s purpose to make disciples that become a part of churches, that reflect God, that are on the mission of God in the world.

Ask God to give you opportunities to share the Gospel. Ask God to reveal the unique experiences and relationships you have that he can use as a bridge to the people around you.