We hear a lot about mission. We talk about missionaries. Most of our churches have mission committees. But what is this mission we are talking about? At its core, our mission as the church is to accomplish what God has given us to do in the world.

This mission is not simply a list of all the good things that Christians are supposed to do. It’s more than loving our neighbors or being salt and light. These are wonderful ways that we, as individuals, reflect God’s love for the world. When we refer to mission, however, we are talking about what God sent the church, as a whole, into the world to do.

Scriptural Basis for Mission

Two passages of scripture, both from the gospel of Matthew, describe our mission. Some cling to Matthew 25, which calls us to feed the hungry, offer water to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and tend to prisoners. These are things I call “Physical Ministries.” They are specific things we do to tend to the physical needs of those suffering in the world around us.

The second passage is: “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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28: 19–20a). This is the core of the “Spiritual Ministries” we have been called to do.

In determining how we carry out our missional work in the world, we would do well to emulate Jesus. Many examples show Jesus carrying out the Physical Ministries. He fed 5,000 hungry people; he offered water to the Samaritan woman at the well; he healed those who were sick and proclaimed release to the captives. Yet, Jesus’ work was not primarily about physical ministry.

Immediately following his temptation by Satan, “Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near, repent and believe in the good news.’” (Mark 1:14–15). His primary mission consisted of the Spiritual Ministries.

Being Mission, not Doing Mission

So how do we effectively carry on the mission that Jesus gave us over two thousand years ago? Chuck Van Engen, who served as a missionary in Mexico for many years, said, “The church doesn’t DO mission; the church IS mission.”

Too many churches view mission as something they do with checkbook and pen in hand. They support other charities and believe their work is done. I will never say this is a bad thing. Many of these charities do critical work and are very much in need of financial support. I encourage Christians, as individuals, to support these efforts whenever possible. The mission of the church, however, is something more.

The local church needs to be sensitive to the needs of local people. As we provide for the physical needs of those in our neighborhoods, we form relationships. Through these relationships, we demonstrate what Jesus told the disciples: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). The old adage is true. They won’t care how much we know until they know how much we care. This love that our neighbors will see in us as we care for them will draw them in. It will encourage them to ask questions regarding our faith and listen openly to our answers.

Discovering our Local Mission

Determining the best place to begin this work takes some effort and discernment. We must first discover what needs our community has. This requires us to step outside the four walls of our church and get to know the people around us. Likely, the needs they face are not the ones we think they are. For example, when I served a small congregation in rural Illinois, the members were enthusiastic about supporting the local food bank. When I talked to the food bank director, however, she told me that their shelves were already over-stocked, but people in need were not coming. We reevaluated our mission to discover ways to deliver meals to shut-ins instead.

The next step is to determine what gifts we have to offer. What makes your congregation unique? Years ago, in seminary, I heard a professor say that mission is where your greatest passion meets your community’s greatest need. What can your congregation offer that nobody else can? This question, prayerfully asked, will reveal what God has positioned you to do.

Another thing to remember is that it is God’s mission, not ours. This has a couple of ramifications. If it is God’s mission, it is likely that God has already begun a work in your area. Look around you. Where do you see God working already? How can you join that effort?

The second ramification is that true mission is always done in God’s power, not our own. While we are weak, fallible, and limited, God is not. His ways are not like our ways. If we base our mission on our own understanding, and work on our own power, we are guaranteed to fail. If, however, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide and empower our work, we cannot help but succeed!

Mission Principles

Once you’ve determined where God is pointing you, identified the need you desire to meet, and the passion you will employ, I recommend you look at the RCA Global Mission’s mission principles. The RCA includes four basic principles for mission.

Respectful Witness: Jesus calls all of us to be witnesses, but too often, our witnessing comes across as judgmental and belligerent. I ask that you take time to understand those to whom you are speaking and approach them with love and respect.

Long-term Mutual Relationships: An activity completed in a single day does not empower the kind of relationship-building that draws others to Christ. Whether we are forming relationships with those we are serving, or with partners in the mission field, nothing will replace the power of a sincere relationship.

Holistic Engagement: Caring for an individual’s specific physical need and their spiritual needs is a good start, but where else can you help them? Do they have social challenges? Can you point them to educational resources? Perhaps your church is affiliated with a childcare center? Perhaps you could host an evening class for those who don’t understand even the basics of the Christian faith.

Sustainable Empowerment: This is the “give a fish” vs “teach to fish” moment. How can we help people to help themselves? Can we encourage people to plant a community garden? Could we offer workshops on how to share our faith with others? What else can we do that can influence lives in the long term?

Conclusion

When mission is done well, it should not feel like a chore. As we serve others, we find ourselves lifted up and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Our faith will grow, our joy will swell, and enthusiasm in our lives and the lives of our congregations will blossom. Glory to God!