The concept of the "Missionary Impulse" refers to the inherent drive within Christianity to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations, as commanded by Jesus Christ. This impulse is rooted in the Great Commission, a foundational mandate found in the New Testament.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the missionary impulse is found in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commands His disciples: "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 all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" . This passage underscores the universal scope of the Gospel and the responsibility of believers to actively engage in evangelism.

Another key text is Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His followers, "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 highlights the empowerment by the Holy Spirit for the task of witnessing and the geographical expansion of the mission from local to global.

Old Testament Precedents

While the explicit command to evangelize is more pronounced in the New Testament, the Old Testament contains numerous indications of God's desire for all nations to know Him. For instance, in Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham, "And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you" . This covenantal promise sets the stage for a global mission, indicating that the blessing of knowing God is intended for all peoples.

The Psalms also reflect a missionary vision, as seen in Psalm 67:2, "that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations" . This prayerful desire for God's salvation to reach the ends of the earth echoes the missionary impulse that would later be fully realized in the New Testament.

Historical Development

The early church exemplified the missionary impulse through the apostolic missions recorded in the Book of Acts. The Apostle Paul, in particular, is a prominent figure in early Christian missions, undertaking several missionary journeys to spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. His letters, such as Romans 15:20, where he states, "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known," reflect his commitment to reaching unreached peoples.

Throughout church history, this impulse has manifested in various missionary movements, from the monastic missions of the early medieval period to the Protestant missionary societies of the 18th and 19th centuries. These movements have been driven by a conviction that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).

Theological Implications

The missionary impulse is deeply connected to the doctrine of salvation and the belief in the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to the Father (John 14:6). This conviction fuels the urgency to proclaim the Gospel to all nations, as it is through hearing the message of Christ that people come to faith (Romans 10:14-15).

Furthermore, the missionary impulse is an expression of the love of God, who desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). It reflects the heart of God for the lost and His redemptive plan for humanity.

Practical Outworking

In practical terms, the missionary impulse calls for active engagement in cross-cultural missions, church planting, and evangelism. It involves equipping believers to share their faith, supporting missionaries, and praying for the spread of the Gospel. The church is called to be a light to the nations, embodying the message of reconciliation and hope found in Christ.

The missionary impulse remains a vital aspect of the Christian faith, compelling believers to participate in God's mission to redeem and restore the world through the proclamation of the Gospel.