Do you think of yourself when you think of “missions”?

Or do you think missions is only for the Christian who packs up their life and goes somewhere in the world to share the Gospel in a radical way?

In the American evangelical church, there are two frequent trains of thought when it comes to missions.

One is this idea that there are Christians, and then there are “missionaries”—an idea that often fuels a sense of inadequacy: “I’m not good enough to do that!”

The other is the idea that we’re “all missionaries” regardless of where we are located or what we’re doing—and sometimes that leads to complacency. Either way, we can find ourselves unengaged in the mission of God. And that should not be the case.

Every Christian has a role in the mission of God. I had an advisor in college who would say, “While not every Christian will be a missionary, we are all called to live missionally.” The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 can only be fulfilled if every believer is passionately pursuing the mission of God. And there are so many great ways to do that!

So then, what is the “why” and the “how” behind all followers of Christ being involved in missions?

For the “why”, there are two specific passages that I want to highlight. In Matthew 24:14, Jesus speaks about how the Gospel will be proclaimed as a testimony to all nations (people groups) and then the end will come. Then in Revelation 7:9, John writes what he sees: people from every nation, tribe, and tongue standing before the throne of God Almighty.

Why should we be involved in this mission? Because all peoples of the earth will be at throne of God at the end of time, and the end of time can’t come until all the nations have heard the Gospel. On top of that, Jesus calls us to be engaged in the mission—and as his followers, we need to obey his commands.

How should we then be involved in missions? There is really no limit as to how we can be involved. Of course, there are people who go out as missionaries, as a vocation. People from every profession can do this.

If you think, “Well, I’m not going, so then I can’t be involved,” it’s not true. You can serve in so many great support roles, prayer advocacy, teaching, giving, and so much more. You can do so with a mission-focused organization—or through local opportunities where you can serve, support, and share the Good News of Jesus.

A radical life for Jesus should not be extinguished by the earthly thought that we do not have a place in God’s grand tapestry. If you know how your unique gifts can be used to further the mission of God, please act on it. If you’re not sure what that looks like or how you can serve, talk to your pastor, someone you know who’s mission-minded or engaged, and ask for their input. If you read this and don’t want to be involved in missions, take a moment and consider why—maybe that’s something the Lord wants to talk to you about.

No matter where you are or what your skills or capacity, one strategic way you can be involved right now is by praying for people who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And specifically praying that God raises people up to go into his harvest (Matthew 9:38, Luke 10:2).

The Kingdom of God is active and moving, and as believers, we can all work on God’s mission to see that every nation, tribe, and tongue will one day worship Him before His throne.

–Matthew Hayes, Alliance Coordinator