Missions

[its_brad]

Respond to the statement, “Missions is the mission of the church.” In what sense is this true, and what should it mean for church life?

[rchambers]

Respond to the statement, “Missions is the mission of the church.” In what sense is this true, and what should it mean for church life?
Missions is the mission of the church as it relates to the command given by Jesus in Matt 28:18-20; Jn 20:19, Acts 1:8 and Luke 24:48-49. Jesus also announced I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not over power it (Matt 16:18).

Furthermore, the church is a called out assembly of believers in Christ, who got their start on the day of Pentecost and are waiting for the return of Christ. The Church is often referred to as the Body of Christ, baptized by the Holy Spirit; therefore, it should be doing the work commanded by Christ at the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17).

Mission is also evident in the Old Testament in Gen 1-11 with the creation of the universe; in Gen 12-13 God’s calling and sending of Abraham, in Exodus 3:10 Moses is sent on God’s mission; and Israel assignment was to be God’s representative to all the nations (Exodus 19:5-6).

Church life should be the inward working of Eph 4:11-13 and the outward working of Acts 1:8, 12:47, expecting Christ to return at any moment (1 Thess 4:14-17).

Another good model of the churches involvement in mission is found in Paul’s’ interaction with the churches and their support of him with prayer and finances in his evangelistic efforts (Acts 13:47-49; Acts 19:20, 20, 26; Phil 4:15-16).

[agrana]

Respond to the statement, “Missions is the mission of the church.” In what sense is this true, and what should it mean for church life?

I think John Piper puts it best when he says, "Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn't. Worship is ultimate, not missions because God is ultimate, not man." Missions is the mission of the church but not the ultimate goal. It is our duty under the Great Commission to take the Gospel to all nations.

The local church needs to arrange itself around this mission, to reach the world. Sunday school, preaching, giving, prayer, etc. should all direct themselves toward this end; that the good news of Christ reach the ends of the earth.

[loveintruth]

Respond to the statement, “Missions is the mission of the church.” In what sense is this true, and what should it mean for church life?

I cannot agree more with agrana's quote from John Piper; I was thinking of mentioning that very line. Without a doubt, the church exists for God's glory and worship. Moreover, a passion for God's name will inevitably result in believers seeking to bring outsiders into the family of God. If a church loses its vision for sharing the message with unbelievers, doing mercy, and working toward justice, and instead settles into a comfortable nest of self-focused programs that serve only members' needs, it is already deteriorating. Programs can happen with or without abiding in the Vine, but engaging the culture and people around us as both salt and light requires living by faith, walking by the Spirit's power and not our own. The Church must always be revived to Christ's love for his Bride, so that she will live passionately in response to Him. If this excitement to proclaim Christ has faded away, the very heart of the church is in danger. The Church is called into battle, and thus church life should always reflect a wartime readiness, rather than peacetime sedation. Self-examination and repentance is needed from every member. Rethinking priorities will gradually impact every part of church life, from individuals' spending habits, to teaching in the pulpit, a return to Scriptural authority, ideas of community, and loving the marginalized.