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Key Text: “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.” — Matthew 28:19
Mission is not merely a program of the church—it is the very heart of God. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells the story of a God who seeks the lost, redeems sinners, and gathers people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to worship Him. The church does not have a mission because it exists; the church exists because God has a mission.
God Is a Missionary God
The Bible opens with God’s creation of humanity and His desire for fellowship. Even after Adam and Eve sinned, God pursued them with grace. Throughout the Old Testament, He chose Abraham so that “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” through him (Genesis 12:3). God called Israel to be a light to the nations, revealing His glory to the world.
When Jesus came, He perfectly revealed the Father’s missionary heart.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16)
Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Every miracle, every sermon, every act of compassion pointed people to salvation.
The Great Commission
After His resurrection, Jesus gave His followers their marching orders.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Notice that Jesus did not simply command us to make converts. He commanded us to make disciples—people who trust Christ, obey His Word, and grow in their faith.
The mission of the church includes:
- Proclaiming the Gospel.
- Baptizing new believers.
- Teaching God’s Word.
- Helping believers mature in Christ.
- Sending others to continue the work.
This commission has never been revoked. It remains the assignment of every local church and every believer.
Every Christian Is Sent
Many people believe mission work is only for pastors or foreign missionaries. While God certainly calls some to serve overseas, every believer is called to live on mission.
Your mission field is your neighborhood, your workplace, your family, and your school is a mission field.
God places us where we are so that we can reflect Christ through our words, our character, and our love for others.
Some go across oceans.
Others go across the street.
Both are obeying Christ when they faithfully share the Gospel.
Supporting the Mission
God does not call everyone to travel overseas, but everyone can participate.
We support God’s mission by:
- Praying for missionaries.
- Giving generously.
- Encouraging those who serve.
- Sharing the Gospel ourselves.
- Living lives that point people to Christ.
The Apostle Paul repeatedly thanked churches that partnered with him through prayer and financial support. Mission is always a team effort.
The Goal of Mission
Mission is not primarily about growing church attendance or increasing numbers. The ultimate goal is the glory of God.
John saw the final result in Revelation:
“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude… of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne…” (Revelation 7:9)
One day people from every nation will worship Jesus Christ. Every Gospel conversation, every missionary sent, every prayer offered, and every act of faithful obedience contributes to God’s eternal plan.
What Does This Mean?
Mission begins with God’s love.
It centers on Jesus Christ.
Mission continues through His church.
The mission ends with people from every nation worshiping the Savior.
The question is not whether God has called His church to mission. He has.
The question is whether we will faithfully answer His call.
Like Isaiah, may our prayer be:
“Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.