Mission
Definition:
The Christian Meaning of “Mission”
In Christianity, mission refers to the purposeful sending of God’s people to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world. It is rooted in the nature of God Himself, expressed in the life of Jesus, and continued by the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The term comes from the Latin missio, meaning “to send”, reflecting the idea that mission is not primarily about programs, activities, or church growth—but about being sent by God.
1. Mission Is Rooted in God’s Nature
Mission originates in the triune God. Christians believe that God is a sending God, who is active in the world.
John Stott wrote:
“Mission is not the ultimate goal of the Church. Worship is. Mission exists because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, mission is derivative.”
In other words:
God’s mission is rooted in His glory,
The Church participates in God’s ongoing work of reconciliation, restoration, and redemption.
2. Mission Is Participating in Jesus’ Work
Jesus embodies God’s mission. The Church continues what Jesus began.
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
— Jesus (John 20:21)
David Bosch, a leading missiologist, explains:
“Mission is the participation of the Church in the mission of God. The Church exists by mission as a fire exists by burning.”
Mission is therefore imitative of Christ, not self-generated.
3. Mission Is Evangelism and Proclamation
The Great Commission highlights the evangelistic aspect of mission:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
— Jesus (Matthew 28:19–20)
Billy Graham described mission as:
“Taking the Gospel to those who have never heard it, so they can know the love of God in Jesus Christ.”
Mission includes proclamation of the good news, both verbally and through living witness.
4. Mission Is Holistic—Word and Deed
Christian mission is not only evangelism but also service and justice, reflecting God’s care for the whole person.
John Wesley emphasized:
“The Gospel of Christ is to be preached in all its parts, to both soul and body.”
Lesslie Newbigin added:
“Mission is never only about conversion. It is about the transformation of the whole society in the light of Christ.”
Mission therefore integrates compassion, mercy, justice, and reconciliation.
5. Mission Is Contextual and Culturally Engaged
Mission involves understanding the world and culture in order to communicate the gospel faithfully.
David Bosch wrote:
“Mission is essentially contextual. The Church must discern how the Gospel intersects with the culture and social realities of the people it serves.”
Mission requires listening, learning, and incarnational presence—just as Jesus entered human history fully.
6. Mission Is Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Mission is not human-centered. It relies on God’s power and guidance.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.”
— Jesus (Acts 1:8)
John Piper emphasized:
“Mission is supernatural; it is the work of God through ordinary people, empowered by His Spirit.”
Mission cannot succeed through human effort alone—it requires divine enabling.
7. Mission Is Global and Inclusive
Christian mission crosses boundaries—ethnic, social, geographic, and economic.
“Go into all the world…”
— Jesus (Mark 16:15)
Oswald Smith said:
“The Church exists for those who are not yet members.”
Mission seeks to extend God’s kingdom to all peoples and nations.
8. Mission Is Local and Practical
While mission is global, it begins in everyday life, communities, and relationships.
Andrew Murray wrote:
“Mission begins where we are, in the ordinary places and ordinary lives, with those around us.”
Every act of service, teaching, reconciliation, or prayer can be an expression of mission.
9. Mission Is Transformative
The ultimate aim of mission is transformation of individuals, communities, and creation, aligning all things with God’s will.
David Bosch again:
“Mission is the bridge between God’s purposes and human freedom; it transforms society through the power of the Gospel.”
Mission is therefore both redemptive and restorative.
10. Mission Is Continuous and Communal
Mission is not optional, temporary, or individualistic. It is the ongoing work of the Church, rooted in covenant and community.
“You are the salt of the earth… the light of the world.”
— Jesus (Matthew 5:13–14)
Mission involves the whole Church, in every generation, in every culture.
Karl Barth wrote:
“The Church is the congregation of those who are sent into the world for the sake of God’s mission.”
Summary: What “Mission” Means in Christianity
Christian mission is:
✔ Rooted in God’s sending nature
✔ Participation in the mission of Christ
✔ Proclamation of the Gospel
✔ Service, justice, and holistic care
✔ Contextually engaged
✔ Empowered by the Holy Spirit
✔ Global, crossing every boundary
✔ Local, practical, and relational
✔ Transformative of individuals, society, and creation
✔ Continuous and communal
Or as John Stott summarized:
“Mission is the Church taking the gospel to the world, making disciples, teaching obedience, and demonstrating the kingdom of God in word and deed.
“Biblical Imagery & Metaphors:
A lamp shining on a hill.
A messenger carrying hope.
Seeds scattered on soil.
In Daily Faith:
Every believer is a missionary in daily life — reflecting Christ in every action and word.
In Daily Life: Living Out Mission
Christian mission is not limited to foreign travel or formal church programs—it is a lifestyle of participating in God’s redemptive work wherever we are. Every believer is sent to reflect Christ in daily life, empowered by the Spirit.
1. Be a Witness in Your Everyday Context
Mission begins where you are—at home, work, school, or community.
Application: Speak truth with love, demonstrate integrity, and share your testimony naturally. Small, consistent acts of faithfulness can impact others.
Scripture: Acts 1:8 — "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Encouragement: Daily choices—kind words, honesty, and encouragement—reflect Christ’s presence locally and globally.
2. Engage in Holistic Service
Mission is both word and deed—addressing spiritual and physical needs.
Application: Help those in need, volunteer, mentor, or advocate for justice. Treat each encounter as an opportunity to embody Christ’s love.
Scripture: James 2:14–17 — "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Encouragement: Serve without expectation of recognition; every act of compassion is a seed in God’s kingdom.
3. Pray Intentionally for Mission
Prayer aligns your heart with God’s redemptive purposes.
Application: Pray daily for neighbors, colleagues, leaders, and nations. Ask God for opportunities to share His love.
Scripture: Romans 10:14–15 — "How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe without someone preaching to them?"
Encouragement: Prayer prepares both you and others to receive God’s message—spiritual labor precedes visible fruit.
4. Be Culturally and Socially Aware
Effective mission requires understanding and empathy.
Application: Listen, learn, and enter people’s lives with respect. Adjust your communication to be clear and loving, showing Christ’s humility.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:22 — "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."
Encouragement: Cultural sensitivity opens doors for relational witness and ministry.
5. Practice Hospitality and Generosity
Mission flows through relationships and practical care.
Application: Invite others into your life, home, or community activities. Share resources, encouragement, or skills freely.
Scripture: Romans 12:13 — "Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Encouragement: Small gestures of kindness often have eternal impact—every shared meal, time, or gift can witness God’s love.
6. Live a Consistent, Spirit-Empowered Life
Your daily conduct is a living testimony of God’s mission.
Application: Let the Holy Spirit shape your words, reactions, and priorities. Aim for integrity, patience, and love in all situations.
Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23 — "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Encouragement: Your transformed life becomes a natural testimony to those observing you.
7. Collaborate with the Church Community
Mission is communal, not only individual.
Application: Join church outreach, support missionaries, participate in local service projects. Teamwork amplifies impact.
Scripture: Matthew 5:14–16 — "You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Encouragement: Partnering with others multiplies resources, influence, and encouragement.
8. Respond Courageously to God’s Call
Mission requires stepping out of comfort zones.
Application: Say yes to God’s invitations—teaching, mentoring, evangelizing, or advocating for justice—even when it’s challenging.
Scripture: Joshua 1:9 — "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Encouragement: Courage grows through obedience, and God promises His presence in every act of mission.
9. Integrate Mission Into Everyday Work and Relationships
Every aspect of life can participate in God’s mission.
Application: Approach work, family, and social interactions with a Kingdom mindset. Reflect honesty, diligence, compassion, and fairness.
Scripture: Colossians 3:23–24 — "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
Encouragement: Daily routines are arenas for mission—ordinary tasks become extraordinary when done for God’s glory.
10. Persevere with Hope and Long-Term Vision
Mission is ongoing; transformation often takes time.
Application: Keep faith, even when immediate results are not visible. Plant seeds, nurture relationships, and trust God to bring growth.
Scripture: Galatians 6:9 — "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Encouragement: Every prayer, word, and action matters—God multiplies even small efforts for His purposes.
Summary Practical Advice:
Mission is a lifestyle of reflecting Christ in every action, word, and relationship. Believers participate in God’s redemptive work locally and globally through prayer, service, proclamation, hospitality, cultural engagement, Spirit-led living, and perseverance.
Scripture References:
Matthew 28:19–20,
Acts 1:8,
Romans 10:14–15,
1 Corinthians 9:22,
Romans 12:13,
Galatians 5:22–23,
Matthew 5:14–16,
Joshua 1:9,
Colossians 3:23–24,
Galatians 6:9