The mission of the Church has always been to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. From the earliest days of Christianity, God has called His people to proclaim His love, grace, and salvation to every nation, tribe, and tongue. As we delve into the role of missionaries and missions, we see how they fulfill the Great Commission, build God’s kingdom, and inspire us to actively participate in God’s global plan.
1. The Biblical Basis for Missions
The call to missions begins with Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” This Great Commission forms the foundation of all missionary work, emphasizing the need to reach the unreached with the Gospel.
God’s heart for missions is evident throughout Scripture:
- Genesis 12:3: God promised Abraham that “in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed,” pointing to the global impact of the Gospel.
- Psalm 96:3: “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.”
- Acts 1:8: Jesus told His disciples, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
These verses remind us that missions is not optional for the Church; it is central to our calling as followers of Christ.
2. Who Are Missionaries?
Missionaries are individuals who respond to God’s call to take the Gospel to those who have not heard it. They dedicate their lives to sharing Christ’s love and making disciples, often in unfamiliar and challenging environments. While we often think of missionaries as those who travel to distant lands, their work can also take place in our local communities, where the need for the Gospel is equally urgent.
Missionaries serve in various roles, including:
- Evangelists: Proclaiming the Gospel to those who do not know Christ.
- Teachers and Disciples: Helping new believers grow in their faith through the study of God’s Word.
- Translators: Making Scripture accessible by translating it into different languages.
- Medical and Humanitarian Workers: Demonstrating Christ’s love through acts of service.
The Apostle Paul serves as a powerful example of a missionary. In his travels, he preached the Gospel, planted churches, and encouraged believers to live faithfully (Romans 15:20).
3. The Purpose of Missions
3.1 Proclaiming the Gospel
The primary goal of missions is to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Romans 10:14-15 emphasizes this: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” Missions bridges the gap between those who know Christ and those who do not.
3.2 Making Disciples
Missions goes beyond conversion; it includes nurturing new believers into mature disciples. Matthew 28:20 instructs us to teach others “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Missionaries equip local believers to continue the work of ministry, ensuring the Gospel’s ongoing impact.
3.3 Glorifying God
Ultimately, missions exist to glorify God. Revelation 7:9 paints a beautiful picture of this: “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” Missions advance God’s kingdom, bringing worshippers from every corner of the earth into His presence.
4. The Challenges of Missions
Missionary work often involves significant challenges, including:
- Cultural Barriers: Learning new languages and customs to communicate effectively.
- Persecution: Facing opposition and danger in regions hostile to Christianity (2 Timothy 3:12).
- Loneliness and Sacrifice: Leaving behind family, friends, and comforts to serve in unfamiliar places.
Despite these difficulties, missionaries persevere because they trust God’s promise in Matthew 28:20: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
5. Our Role in Supporting Missions
While not all of us are called to be missionaries, we all have a role in missions. Here are ways we can actively participate:
5.1 Pray for Missionaries
Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can support missionaries. Colossians 4:3 encourages us to pray “that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.” We can pray for missionaries’ safety, provision, and effectiveness in sharing the Gospel.
5.2 Give Financially
Missions require resources. By giving generously, we enable missionaries to focus on their work without financial burdens. 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us, “God loveth a cheerful giver.”
5.3 Encourage and Support
Missionaries often face isolation and discouragement. Sending letters, care packages, or words of encouragement can remind them that they are not alone in their work.
5.4 Go Where We Are Called
Some of us may be called to serve as missionaries ourselves. Isaiah 6:8 captures this willingness: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Whether locally or abroad, we can answer God’s call to share His love.
6. The Eternal Impact of Missions
The work of missions has eternal significance. Through it, lives are transformed, communities are renewed, and God’s name is glorified. Each soul that comes to Christ adds to the eternal worship of the Lamb. Luke 15:7 tells us, “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.”
By participating in missions, we align ourselves with God’s heart for the world and contribute to His redemptive plan.
Conclusion: Embracing the Call
The role of missionaries and missions is central to the Church’s purpose. Through their obedience to the Great Commission, they bring hope to the lost, disciple believers, and glorify God among the nations. We, too, are called to be part of this mission, whether by praying, giving, encouraging, or going.
As we reflect on the role of missions, let us remember the words of Jesus in John 20:21: “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” Together, we can carry the light of the Gospel into a world in need, trusting that God will accomplish His purposes through us for His glory.
Most Recent ArticleS:
-
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri: A Pilgrim’s Guide to Sin, Grace, and Glory
The Divine Comedy is a story about getting lost, finding a guide, facing the truth about sin, learning to love rightly, and being led into the presence of God.
-
Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas: A Friendly Guide for Modern Christians
Thomas Aquinas did not write from an ivory tower. He wrote for preachers, students, and ordinary believers who wanted clear reasons for their hope and steady help for their lives with God.
Find Other Useful Christian Resources Here: Recommended Resources
