“‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” –Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission. You’ve probably read it and felt a stir to participate. But how? With such a high and divine call and a dark world to engage, where is the best place to start?
Yes, the task is overwhelming, but it’s not meant to paralyze you. It’s meant to convict, to inspire, to bring joy, to stir in you a deeper dependence and love for Jesus than you had the day before.
Because the thing about the Great Commission is that there’s not a single entry point. You can participate in many ways. The key is simply this: participate. Don’t sit comfortably on the sidelines waiting for a call off the bench. You’ve been invited into the game. All it takes is one step of bold faith for you to begin the journey God has designed to leverage the gifts and interests He’s wired in you for His mission.
As you do, keep these promises in mind:
- He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
- He will not lead you to a place where He is not because that place doesn’t exist. As David sings, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence (Psalm 139:7)?”
- He’s over all, in all, and through all things (Ephesians 4:6).
There’s no safer place to be than linked with the Lord and engaged in His mission. So how will you join Him?
Participate Through Short-Term Missions
“The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become.” -Henry Martyn
You’ve encountered Christ. He’s drawn you in. Now it’s time to be sent out. Jesus Himself said, “‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you (John 20:21).’”
You can expose yourself to the global mission of God by taking a short-term mission trip. But your mission journey doesn’t start when your plane lands at its destination. Challenge yourself to learn and share the gospel before you get to the airport so that you’re confident on the field and faithful in the spiritual discipline of evangelism.
If you don’t feel led to go to the nations as a full-time missionary, consider signing up for a short-term mission trip.
Participate Through Prayer
“Prayer is the mighty engine that is to move the missionary work.” –A. B. Simpson
Prayer is the air coverage for those serving on the front lines of ministry. As God’s people pray, His mission is fueled forward. Regardless of where you live—the Bible Belt or far from any local church—you can pray for the spread of the gospel.
The amazing thing about prayer is that it doesn’t just move the mission forward; it changes the person praying. It changes you and gives you a heartbeat that pumps more like the Father.
Today you can begin praying for unreached people and the persecuted church.
Participate Through Generosity
“The noblest thing a man can do is, just humbly to receive, and then go amongst others and give.” –David Livingstone
Generosity is a part of the Christian call. Repeatedly, we see that God blesses us to be a blessing to others. The ministry of the Old Testament priests were sustained by the tithes of the community. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul’s pioneering missions work was supported by the churches he helped plant.
If going to the nations isn’t feasible based on your life stage or circumstances, call these truths to mind and remember that giving is just as crucial as going. You can use your treasures to powerfully advance the Kingdom of God.
Simply Participate
Going, praying, and giving are all legitimate ways to participate in the Great Commission. One is not greater than the other, but make sure you are not choosing to do what feels easiest. Participate in the way God has called you and equipped you to participate.
As John Piper said, “There are three options when it comes to missions: Go, send or disobey.”
Will you take a new step of obedience founded on love today?
Responding to the Great Commission
The Great Commission is not a suggestion; it’s a command. At East-West, we continue to dedicate everything to that truth. Every day, we are pressing into dark and distant places to bring the light of the gospel to those who have never heard it. God is on the move, and we refuse to stay still. Do you want to see how? Tap below to learn more.
