The Mission of the Church
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, he spent 40 days on earth ministering to people and preparing His disciples for life without Him. Jesus planned on leaving earth and ascending to heaven, but before doing so, He gave His disciples a mission found in Matthew 28:19-20. We often call this The Great Commission.
The Great Commission begins with getting up and going to places where people need to hear about the good news of Jesus. This doesn’t mean you have to leave your country—there are people in your own neighborhood and workplace that need to hear the hope of Jesus.
The ultimate goal of the Great Commission is to make followers of Jesus. So as we go about sharing the good news of Jesus with people, we're to show people how Jesus has changed our lives, and invite them to discover Jesus for themselves.
It can be easy to think that making disciples is the responsibility of our church pastors and ministry leaders. While those things certainly are part of every church’s mission, Jesus intended for every believer to be making disciples.
So take a moment to think about someone in your own life who helped you grow spiritually. Ask God to bring to mind someone you can help and disciple. Then, allow God to give you the courage to share the hope of Jesus with those around you.
Who do you know who needs Jesus? And how will you share your faith with them today?
Reflecting on The Great Commission has deeply impacted my approach to faith and outreach. Initially, I thought disciple-making was solely for pastors and ministry leaders, but realizing that Jesus calls every believer to engage in this mission transformed how I live my everyday life. It’s encouraging to know that I don’t have to travel far or join organized missions to fulfill this call—simple conversations within my own neighborhood and workplace can plant seeds of hope. One practical way I’ve found effective is to share how Jesus has personally changed my perspective during challenging times. This personal testimony creates a relatable and authentic connection when talking to friends or coworkers. Pairing these conversations with prayer, as suggested in the article’s OCR content—specifically asking God for courage and guidance—has also brought a sense of peace and confidence. Moreover, being part of a community that supports spiritual growth is invaluable. Such fellowship helps me understand Jesus’ model for living well and encourages me to live out my faith boldly. When I reflect on the verse from Matthew 28:19 NIV, it reminds me that making disciples is a continuous journey involving teaching, baptizing, and walking alongside others in faith. I encourage everyone to pause and think about those in their life who might be searching or in need of hope. Starting today, reaching out to them with compassion and sharing the transformative power of Jesus can make a significant impact. Remember, disciple-making isn’t a one-time event but a lifestyle of love, sharing, and growth, grounded in Jesus’ enduring mission.