Promoting a biblical worldview should include all age groups serving as a light to a dark world. Ideally, a local church should make its missions program an intergenerational ministry whose focus is being missional to and in the community and the world.
Missions are quintessential to the foundational development of the local church and, in turn, become pleasing to God when everyone is working to help build the kingdom near and far. Psalms 145:9 reminds us, “The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.” The local church must strive to be holy and obedient. Holiness is so unique and powerful that it can not be left to just the holiness faiths. But it should be lived out regardless of denomination. Holiness should radiate from you like energy from God. Think about it this way: God will empower and bless you if you obey His commands. I do not know about you, but I want to live out that type of power in our ministry assignments.
The missional leader understands it takes all (children, youth, and adults) to develop a mission mindset. Transformation does not happen overnight but will occur once everyone across all demographics strives to live out their daily missional tasks. Every age contributes something to the success of missions. It would help if you modeled this mission mindset for everyone with whom you are connected—adults, youth, and children. The whole concept of missions is service.
Missions Are for All.
Missions is worship. Giving is worship. Praying is worship. Serving is worship. Being a missionary is worship. Education is worship. Christian mission is an organized effort to spread Christianity to new converts. It is not new, but it does take action to act out the biblical calling that Christ gave his church. Whatever you do through the church’s mission, it should be to glorify and worship God. When the local church sees Christ in all and not some part of their activity, they will begin to live a life on mission that begins to impact the community around them.
It takes many acts to win others to Christ in our diverse and culturally different world. Remember to keep serving, even if you do not see the fruit of the labor. You must pray, give, educate and collaborate with others to see a life or situation turn around. Transformation comes when you are obedient, not in the amount of time you put in. Trust that God is leading and working through community service; God will fill your missional account to overflowing.
Remember, all must participate in living on missions inside the local church. It cannot be left to the pastor or missions president. It sounds easier said than done, right? But it can be done when you trust God and do your part.
Missions Is Service.
The whole concept of missions is service. Serving others must be taught. Helping others must be done. Aiding others must be lived out as part of your everyday life. Serving people who do not look, act, or think like you is not a one-and-done activity but a long-term partnership of helping the community around you one person at a time. God’s plan is for you and the local church to know him, which is his plan for the design of the church’s life. God did not create the local church, and people like you to sit and wait for him to return. No, he has called you, his bride, the church, to engage the community around them. Getting outside the church’s walls is foundational to building lasting partnerships that transform the community and your local church for the better.
If the pandemic has taught the church anything, people matter more than programs. With the people, programs can run. Without the people, service to others can not happen. Be challenged today to find a place in the community and serve. Please do not wait on your congregation to do it first, be the leader and share your example.
Missions Is Being Culturally Aware.
Everyone needs Jesus, but sharing the path to Jesus’ grace may look different from a different perspective. Showing and conveying God’s love is foundational to winning all people to Christ. As you venture from the pulpit or pew and into a community partnership, know that your role should be listening more than sharing at the beginning. As you learn about the people you are working alongside and build trust with your co-laborers, you will be able to share the gospel. See it this way, let the gospel speak through your actions and deeds, not just your words. Let the love of Christ be seen in you by showing up on time, serving with a spirit of generosity, and celebrating what others do around you. In essence, be a champion for Christ in the community.
Understand as you serve in the community, you are entering a post-Christian society, and as such, you must be culturally sensitive in how you share the gospel. Like a missionary entering a foreign field, you will join an area with challenges concerning the gospel message. At the same time, you will be familiar as a member of the broader community. As you enter uncharted territory, navigate the cultural issues in sharing the gospel today with God’s grace. As the disciples from biblical times, you will find ways to adapt, enable conversations, and pray through as God leads in the process. God is still calling his people to reach the lost with the gospel. You are doing so in a way that respects the culture—enabling Christ to be encountered through you and your local ministry.
Missions Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All’ Experience.
There is no cookie-cutter approach to missions. I wish there were. But culturally, communally, and relationally each area differs from day to night. It is crucial to know ministry looks different for everyone. Context matters as much as the heart behind the reason for serving. If you know the context (mission field) you are entering, you give yourself a head start in serving others. If you try to come in with a one-size-fits model, you will destroy the goodwill and harm your witness for Christ.
So, while there might not be a one size fits all model, one model stays the same: the message of God’s love. Serving on a mission is motivated by a calling, not a directive. God has called the church to live out Christlikeness in all the church members do. Each time you invest an hour of your time into someone else’s life or nonprofit agency, you invest in kingdom building that will pray spiritual dividends over time.