The concept of "sending" within the Christian church is deeply rooted in the Great Commission and the early practices of the apostolic church. The role of the church in sending encompasses the responsibility to equip, commission, and support individuals who are called to spread the Gospel and serve in various ministries, both locally and globally.

Biblical Foundation

The mandate for the church to send is primarily derived from the Great Commission, as recorded 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." This command from Jesus establishes the church's mission to actively participate in the dissemination of the Gospel.

In Acts 13:2-3 , the church at Antioch exemplifies the practice of sending: "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." This passage highlights the church's role in discerning, commissioning, and sending individuals for specific missions.

Equipping and Commissioning

The church is tasked with equipping believers for ministry, as outlined in Ephesians 4:11-12 : "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, to build up the body of Christ." This equipping involves teaching, training, and spiritual formation, preparing individuals to effectively carry out their calling.

Commissioning is a formal recognition and blessing of those being sent. It often involves prayer, laying on of hands, and a charge to fulfill their mission. This practice is rooted in the biblical example of the early church and serves as a public affirmation of the individual's calling and the church's support.

Support and Partnership

The church's role in sending extends beyond commissioning to include ongoing support and partnership. Philippians 4:15-16 illustrates the early church's commitment to supporting missionaries: "Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again."

Support can take various forms, including financial assistance, prayer, encouragement, and logistical help. The church acts as a sending base, providing resources and maintaining a connection with those sent out, ensuring they are not isolated in their mission.

Local and Global Mission

The church's sending role is not limited to distant lands but includes local mission fields. Acts 1:8 outlines a geographical progression of mission: "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 underscores the church's responsibility to engage in mission work both near and far, addressing the spiritual and physical needs of diverse communities.

Conclusion

The role of the church in sending is a multifaceted responsibility that involves equipping, commissioning, supporting, and partnering with individuals called to ministry. Rooted in biblical mandates and exemplified by the early church, this role is essential for the fulfillment of the Great Commission and the expansion of God's kingdom on earth.