Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Importance Mission focus refers to the intentional and strategic emphasis on fulfilling the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus Christ. It involves the dedication of resources, time, and effort to spread the Gospel, make disciples, and establish churches across the world. This focus is rooted in the biblical mandate to evangelize and disciple all nations, as seen in
Matthew 28:19-20: "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 all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Biblical Basis The concept of mission focus is deeply embedded in Scripture. The Old Testament foreshadows the inclusion of all nations in God's redemptive plan, as seen in God's promise to Abraham: "And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed" (
Genesis 22:18). The New Testament further clarifies this mission through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles.
In
Acts 1:8, Jesus instructs His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This verse outlines a geographical and strategic expansion of the Gospel, emphasizing the need for a mission focus that starts locally and extends globally.
The Role of the Church The early church exemplified mission focus through its rapid expansion and commitment to evangelism. The apostle Paul, a key figure in the early church, demonstrated a mission-focused life by undertaking multiple missionary journeys, establishing churches, and writing epistles to encourage and instruct believers. His words in
Romans 15:20 reflect this focus: "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation."
The church today is called to continue this mission focus by equipping believers, sending missionaries, and supporting mission work both locally and internationally.
Ephesians 4:11-12 highlights the role of church leaders in this endeavor: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ."
Challenges and Opportunities While the mission focus is a clear biblical mandate, it faces challenges such as cultural barriers, persecution, and resource limitations. However, these challenges also present opportunities for the church to demonstrate faith, unity, and creativity in fulfilling its mission. The globalized world offers unprecedented opportunities for cross-cultural missions and the use of technology to reach unreached people groups.
Conclusion Mission focus remains a central tenet of the Christian faith, calling believers to actively participate in God's redemptive work across the globe. By aligning with the biblical mandate and relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance, the church can effectively carry out its mission to make disciples of all nations.