What is “Missions”?

What is the first thing that pops into your head when you hear the word “missions”?

Global charity, helping the poor, evangelism, something I donate to, once a year missions’ trip, and not for me are all answers that I have heard before. Each response builds upon the others to create a very fractured picture of missions. Yes, missions can be global, help those in poor circumstances, share the gospel, and be financially supported by others. It can be all these things, but, if you have a relationship with Jesus, missions is for you.

For clarity, my working definition of missions is the carrying out of being an ambassador for Christ (2nd Cor 5:20), caring for those who need it (James 1:27; Mt 25:35-36) and making disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19).

A Simple Call

It was a random weekday at a family dinner, and the table topic had to do with legacy and how you wanted to be remembered. It was my turn to chime in, and my pre-teen brain had no answers. Seeing this, my mom and dad suggested that each of my siblings should share what would be written on our tombstone. The responses varied but were all uplifting, such as my brother’s suggestion that “some walk with God, Emma danced with Him.” Yet, they were all off. In that moment, I knew. I didn’t want to be remembered with any words about who I was, but about the mission that I was on.

Gladys Aylward, David Livingstone and Eric Liddell were my biggest heroes. I desperately wanted to be sent on an adventure, by God, and go to the farthest reaches of the world telling people about who Jesus is. I imagined myself sitting with tribal leaders, rescuing orphans and doing the “cool” missions work. It wasn’t until I went to college that God showed me that the mission field He actually called me to was very different; it is to everywhere that I go.

Matthew 28 verses 18-20 can be an eyeroll moment for a lot of Christians. This is what we call the great commission. Where Jesus tells His disciples, and us, to go out and tell the whole word about Him.

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go 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 I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Mt 28:18-20 NIV

It is a simple but daunting call to action.

For some, it will literally take them to the farthest parts of the world where people have never heard the name of Jesus. To this day, according to Project42, there are 7,295 unreached people groups.

For others, this call will take shape locally. We are surrounded by co-workers, neighbors and family members who need the good news of Jesus. Each moment we are out and about, whether it is on a bus, in a grocery store, at a parent-teacher conference or on a walking trail, we have the opportunity to step into the great commission.

But… Missions is Uncomfortable

You are correct. It is uncomfortable to serve people and to share about God, especially when relationships are on the line. There is a phrase I tell myself every time I do intentional evangelism; you have to push through self.

I tend to get in my own way. I over think things, I tell myself I don’t have the right words or all of the answers, that I am just bothering people. If I do not dismiss these worries and set aside my own pride, then I never do what Jesus has explicitly called me to do. I am willing to bet that this is not just a “me” problem. In the moments where it is easier to keep our mouths closed, not to ask if we can pray with the person sitting across from us or speak about Jesus, we must stop, ask God for the grace to push through self, and do what is uncomfortable.

Next Steps

Today is the day. God is calling you into missions, the only question is where? Take the time to pray and ask God where He has placed you and what He wants you to do. There are opportunities everywhere.

Therefore, Hope, a ministry of FamiliesAlive, was created as a response to the felt need of learning how to articulate hope in Jesus. If you want practical training, encouragement, and accessible occasions to share your faith, reach out to the team by emailing info@familiesalive.org. Learn more about Therefore, Hope at familiesalive.org/outreach.

No matter where God calls you, remember He has all authority and He wants to work through and with you.