The Great Commission: For All Disciples

Something many people have said to me: "I'm so glad that you're called to missions... I definitely don't have that calling or skillset." 

I've noticed that sentiments such as this one are spoken so easily around our church communities when the topic of missions comes up. As much as I relish a conversation about the Great Commission and what God is doing in the world, hearing these remarks deflates me a little bit. I don't think that these words are said with wrong intentions... Oftentimes, I'm sure, the speaker truly may have an interest or care for reaching the lost with the hope of the gospel. But have we missed a part of our spiritual education? How much do we truly understand about the heart of God, if we think that only a select few disciples of Jesus are called to be involved in the Great Commission? Did Jesus not tell his disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you..."? (Matt 28:18-20)

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time imagining the group of people that Jesus commissioned turning to each other and saying "well, I'm sure glad Jesus told you to go and reach the world. I don't have that calling." They had just received the pep-talk to top all pep-talks, and witnessed their resurrected Lord be lifted into Heaven! 

Do we identify as Jesus' disciples or don't we? I know this can be a sensitive topic to some people. It can be scary and challenging and convicting. But what if, instead of viewing missions as a "calling", we started viewing it the way that Jesus actually presented it: a command! He didn't say "Those of you who feel really strongly about this, go and make disciples of all nations, baptize them, teach them.... I mean, if you want to." No! It wasn't a suggestion! It's the purpose of the Church! So why do so many of us view what we refer to as "missions" as a calling? Well... here's one reason. I read recently about a survey of 1000 church attenders... 51% don't know about the Great Commission. I don't mean that they have failed to memorize it. I mean they generally don't know that it exists! Of course we have problems recognizing missions as applying to anyone who calls themselves a believer! Half of us are unaware of the command!

It's easy to treat callings like they're something super specific and based on individuals. And while I think that can be true of some things, when it comes down to it, we're all "called." Sharing Jesus with your neighbors and coworkers is part of the Great Commission. But honestly, I feel like sometimes people use the "we're all missionaries where we are" thinking as a cop-out. Not because having a passion to reach the lost in our own circles is an unworthy or unimportant. I absolutely affirm anyone with this passion. But it really does seem commonplace and easy to use this statement as a way to limit the work we'll allow God to do through our lives to what we want to let in. When we say the words "I'm a missionary right where I am," are we truly living that out, or simply saying it so that we can sidestep the weight in our hearts when we hear about the need for people living for Jesus on a global scale? Are we willing to go unless God asks us to stay?

Now, let me stress this important point. The call to spread the gospel to all peoples is a command that applies to everyone who is a disciple of Christ. But not every disciple of Christ is commanded to move to a third-world country and adopt thirty orphans. This isn't because God doesn't want you to be involved. It's because the people going into ministry need your support, and need someone to "hold the ropes as they lower themselves into the pit" (as described by William Carey). It's because people from other countries are flooding into ours, and there's a huge need for hospitality and sharing of the gospel right here in America. It's because the Church needs to be mobilized and sent out, and that can only be done by people who are pouring into it here. There are so many needs, and one of the purposes of the believers to fulfill them. Since the Great Commission is for every disciple, there's something for everyone to do. Every single person.

GOER: Do you feel led to share the gospel with people who have never heard it before? Has God equipped you to go to places where His name is unknown?

SENDER: Has God led you to a roll that supports those who do go out? Don't take this role lightly. The rest of the team needs you to pray, support financially, counsel, and encourage. Without passionate senders, goers can't go. 

WELCOMER: Are you led to welcome the people of other nations who are here in America? Has God been asking you to sacrifice your comfort and go out of your way to reach out in love to the diverse population of our country? 

MOBILIZER: If the Church doesn't understand the Great Commission, how will we effectively practice what the Lord has commanded us? Do you feel led to awaken the Church, share God's heart, and allow God to bring understanding to His people?

Missions aren't talked about very much in many church circles or communities. This could very well be new information for you. It might be intimidating and challenging, and you might doubt that it's really this cut-and-dry. But I'd urge you to ponder, to search, to explore. Friends, it's a really exciting time in the world. Huge movements are happening in Asia, despite persecution. Jesus is revealing Himself through dreams and visions in the Middle East. Miracles are happening! It's such a joy to see these things, to open up our eyes and be made bold by the loving power of our God. He's urging us to be a part of this plan... not because He needs us, but because He wants us. It's what we were made to do! You are a Spirit-filled, beloved, disciple of Christ... He has given His command. Don't be afraid... jump right into the gloriously exciting destiny He has for you!