Mission: Why Missions Matter and How You Can Be Part of God’s Global Purpose
Going out into the world and spreading the good news of Jesus has always been at the heart of God’s work in the world. The Great Commission, given by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, isn’t just a command for a select few; it’s an invitation for every believer to participate in God’s global mission. Whether it’s through prayer, financial support, or physically going to the nations, we all have a role to play. This blog explores why missions are vital and practical ways you can get involved.
God’s Heart for the Nations
From the beginning, God has shown His love for all people. In Genesis 12:3, God made a promise to Abraham that he would be the forefather of a multitude of people blessed through his family:
“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
God’s promise wasn’t just about the Israelites; it pointed to God’s ultimate plan to bless every nation. Fast forward thousands of years to the New Testament, and we see Jesus embodying this global mission, repeatedly emphasizing the need to reach all people with the Good News.
The Great Commission
The most direct call to missions comes from Jesus Himself in Matthew 28:19-20. This moment in scripture is famously known as the Great Commission - Co-mission - an inclusion of humanity in the mission of Jesus to reach every single person on this earth. As Jesus addresses his disciples with this mission, he calls them to not only hear the good news, but to actively participate in the spreading of it all over the world:
“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, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a command with eternal implications. It’s a charge for every believer, regardless of location or occupation. Being involved in missions isn’t about having a particular title but having a willing heart to serve wherever God calls.
The Role of the Church in Missions
After Jesus sent out the disciples, the beginning of the spread of the Christian church began throughout Europe and Asia. The early church understood the importance of missions because it was the only way new believers in new places came to know the good news of a relationship with Jesus. In Acts 13:2-3, we see the church at Antioch sending out two of the most prolific leaders in the spread of churches and the gospel message, the apostle Paul and Barnabas:
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
So these two went off and they became catalytic in starting new churches and sending out new leaders to new places all over. Just as Paul and Barnabas sent letters, visited churches, and trained leaders, the local church is called to be a sending force, commissioning people to go and make disciples of all nations. It’s a reminder that the church isn’t just a place to gather; it’s a launchpad for global impact.
Ways to Participate in Missions
1. Pray for the Nations
Prayer is a powerful and effective way to participate in missions. Your prayers are powerful. They connect you to God’s heart and are often intercessory for healing, transformation, and miracles to happen. James 5:16 reminds us,
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Missionaries and unreached people need your prayers. Prayer isn’t a secondary or lesser contribution; it’s foundational. You can intercede for God’s presence to transform lives, for protection over missionaries, and for opportunities for the gospel to be shared.
Practical Steps for Prayer:
Commit to a Prayer Schedule: Dedicate time daily or weekly to pray for missions.
Use Resources Like Operation World: This resource provides detailed prayer needs for every country.
Join a Prayer Group or Missions Newsletter: Many churches have mission-focused prayer groups you can join or a missions newsletter that helps you stay in the know about missions opportunities and ways to support.
2. Financially Support Mission Efforts
Another critical way to engage in missions is through financial support. Not everyone has the ability to go on a missions trip, but supporting others who feel called and equipped to be global missionaries is a way you can essentially go out into the nations. Your financial contributions help further the gospel message. Romans 10:14-15 asks,
“How can they preach unless they are sent?”
Giving enables missionaries to live and serve in places where the gospel is desperately needed. It’s a tangible way to participate in the spread of God’s kingdom.
How to Get Involved Financially:
• Partner with a Missionary: Set up a monthly donation to support a missionary or a mission organization.
• Support Mission Organizations: Organizations like Compassion International or Samaritan’s Purse have opportunities to contribute.
• Fundraise for Missions: Organize a church or community event to raise awareness and funds.
Go and Experience Missions First-Hand
For those able and willing, physically going on a mission trip can be life-changing. Many churches have yearly, semi-annual, or regular missions trips that you can participate in. Some are short, some are long, some require physical labor, some don’t — check out your church’s missions opportunities to see how you can get involved. Isaiah 6:8 captures a willing heart:
“Here am I. Send me!”
Short-term missions can ignite a deeper passion for long-term involvement and open your eyes to God’s work in the world. Even if it’s uncomfortable or outside your comfort zone, God often uses these experiences to transform not just those you serve, but also your own faith.
Opportunities to Consider:
Check with Your Church: Many churches organize annual mission trips.
Partner with Global Ministries: Organizations like YWAM, Foursquare Missions International, or Spectrum Ministries have various programs you can join.
Partner with Domestic Missions: Local missions organizations serve people right there in your community. Consider serving or supporting homeless shelters like the San Diego Rescue Mission, YoungLife, or Convoy of Hope
Be Open to God’s Call: Sometimes, the call to go comes unexpectedly. Stay open to God’s prompting, even if it leads to unfamiliar places.
Why Missions Are Important
At its core, missions reflect God’s redemptive plan for all humanity. Luke 19:10 reminds us,
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”
Jesus’ entire ministry was mission-focused, prioritizing the lost and broken. Missions connect us to God’s heartbeat, reminding us that our faith isn’t just for ourselves but to be shared with the world. Without people willing to go, pray, or support, millions could live without ever hearing the gospel.
Action Steps to Get Involved in Missions Today
Pray Consistently: Make it a habit to pray for missionaries, specific countries, and unreached people groups.
Give Generously: Take time to reassess your budget and see how you can financially support mission work.
Go Courageously: Explore mission opportunities through your church or international mission organizations.
Further Resources
Foursquare Missions International: A missions organization through the Foursquare denomination that supports and equips Foursquare missionaries all over the world.
Daybreak Missions: A page dedicated to sharing how Daybreak Church supports Missions Organizations and Mission Trips in a variety of contexts. You can also sign up for missions trips and support missions financially through links on this page.
Joshua Project: Information and prayer points for unreached people groups.
Other Resources
Want to hear more? Check out Daybreak Church’s YouTube page for past messages on similar topics
Looking for more information on Giving? Visit www.liveandlovelikejesus.org/mission
