Yesterday, I preached on the fact that when we think about the mission of our church, we need to see the bigger picture. We really need to think more along the lines of God’s mission having a church rather than our church having a mission. The reason for the very existence of a church is to fulfill God’s mission. And that mission is the redemption of humankind.
We live in a messed up world. I don’t know if you have noticed that lately. We do a pretty good job of insulating ourselves from it much of the time, but the reality is, the world in which we live has taken what God intended for good and has twisted it into something else – self-serving, corrupt, sinful – messed up.
But regardless of what the world did to Jesus – rejection, torture and execution – God’s plan has not changed. God still wants all people to be redeemed. That is God’s mission. God’s strategy and plan for that mission to be accomplished is the church.
Scary isn’t it? What a challenge! What an adventure! God has called us to join in with the work of redemption! We are to be redemption partners with God!
As you think about this adventure today – let me leave you with two thoughts. First, we are not alone. As believers, we have been given everything we need to carry out God’s call on us. Jesus said he would never leave us nor forsake us. We aren’t alone!
The second thought I would leave you is that this work, this adventure, is a call to be faithful – a mandate to be available. the apostle Paul realized that in some instances, he planted the seeds and others watered them and still others witnessed the results. We may not see the fruits of our labors on this side of eternity. Our call is not to see results as much is it is to do all we can to live in such a way that we impact the eternity of others.
Be faithful and available today – and take heart, you aren’t alone!
Clay in the Hands 
Hello! Really enjoyed your writing! Perhaps our missional focus should instead be more on the “little picture”. On the one on one personal relationships with people in our sphere of influence. All too often we’d prefer to support others who have chosen to be Christ to the world which is great but we shouldn’t have an “I gave at the office” attitude when it comes to our own “mission field”.
Great point Alton. You are absolutely right. God calls the church into the mission of redemption and of course the church is made up of individual followers in the Way. So the way that mission plays out is through individuals making an impact daily where ever they go. The idea of being the church and not just “doing church.” Thanks for reading and even more for sharing your thoughts! Be a blessing today!