Definition and Scope

The concept of "mission" in the Christian context refers to the divinely ordained task of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations, making disciples, and teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded. This task is rooted in the Great Commission, as recorded in the New Testament, and encompasses evangelism, discipleship, and the establishment of churches.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation for Christian mission is found in the words of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 28:18-20 , 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, known as the Great Commission, serves as the primary mandate for Christian mission work.

In Acts 1:8 , Jesus further instructs 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 geographical and cultural expansiveness of the mission, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to fulfill this task.

Old Testament Precedents

While the explicit command for mission is found in the New Testament, the Old Testament contains numerous references to God's desire for all nations to know Him. In Genesis 12:3 , God promises Abraham, "And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This covenantal promise foreshadows the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

The Psalms also reflect a missional vision. Psalm 67:2 declares, "that Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations." This verse underscores the desire for God's salvation to reach beyond Israel to all peoples.

The Role of the Church

The Church is the primary agent of mission in the world. Ephesians 3:10 states, "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms." The Church is called to be a light to the nations, embodying the message of the Gospel in word and deed.

The apostolic example in the Book of Acts provides a model for mission. The early Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spread the Gospel from Jerusalem to the far reaches of the Roman Empire. Acts 13:2-3 records the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

Theological Implications

Mission is not merely an activity of the Church but is central to its identity. The missio Dei, or "mission of God," reflects the understanding that mission originates in the heart of God, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). The Church participates in this divine mission, acting as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Practical Considerations

The importance of mission necessitates a commitment to cross-cultural evangelism, contextualization of the Gospel message, and the development of indigenous leadership within new church communities. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this approach in 1 Corinthians 9:22 : "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that by all possible means I might save some."

Conclusion

The importance of mission is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative and the life of the Church. It is a reflection of God's love for the world and His desire for all people to experience the transformative power of the Gospel.