The mission of the church is central to its identity and purpose, fulfilling Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Rooted in the authority of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the church is called to proclaim the gospel, teach God’s Word, and extend His kingdom to the ends of the earth. This mission flows from the character of God Himself, who desires that sinners be reconciled to Him through the redemptive work of His Son.
For the church in Greenville, South Carolina, the doctrine of mission is both a calling and a privilege, providing a framework for engaging the local community and participating in the global advance of the gospel.
The Foundation of the Church’s Mission
The church’s mission is grounded in the Great Commission, where Christ commands His disciples, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:19-20).
This command provides the foundation for the church’s mission, emphasizing its universal scope, its focus on disciple-making, and its reliance on Christ’s authority and presence.
1. Christ’s Authority
The Great Commission begins with the declaration of Christ’s authority, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18).
The church’s mission is rooted in the sovereignty of Christ, who reigns as King over all creation and directs His people to proclaim His gospel. This authority assures the church that its mission will succeed according to God’s plan, despite opposition or apparent setbacks.
2. The Role of the Holy Spirit
The mission of the church is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to witness to Christ’s saving work. Acts 1:8 declares, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
The Spirit equips the church with boldness, wisdom, and perseverance, transforming ordinary people into effective witnesses of the gospel.
The Goals of the Church’s Mission
The mission of the church encompasses three primary goals: evangelism, discipleship, and cultural transformation.
1. Evangelism
Evangelism is the proclamation of the gospel to those who are lost, calling them to repentance and faith in Christ. Romans 10:14-15 emphasizes the necessity of preaching, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”
For the church in Greenville, this means reaching its community with the gospel, bearing witness to the grace of God, and inviting others to trust in Christ. Evangelism must be intentional, persistent, and grounded in the message of salvation through Christ alone.
2. Discipleship
Discipleship involves teaching believers to grow in their faith and obedience to Christ. The Great Commission commands the church to teach all that Christ has commanded, emphasizing the importance of doctrinal instruction and spiritual growth. Colossians 1:28 describes this goal, “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
Discipleship is a lifelong process that transforms believers into mature followers of Christ who, in turn, disciple others.
3. Cultural Transformation
While the primary focus of mission is spiritual, the gospel also transforms culture by promoting justice, compassion, and righteousness. Matthew 5:13-16 calls believers to be salt and light in the world, influencing society for God’s glory. The church’s mission addresses both individual hearts and societal structures, demonstrating the power of the gospel to bring holistic renewal.
The Scope of the Church’s Mission
The mission of the church is both local and global, reflecting God’s desire to redeem people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.
1. Local Mission
The church is called to proclaim the gospel in its immediate context, reaching neighbors, coworkers, and the community. For the church in Greenville, this includes engaging with the unique needs and opportunities of the area, such as supporting local ministries, addressing social issues, and fostering relationships that point to Christ.
2. Global Mission
The church’s mission extends to the ends of the earth, as Christ commissions His followers to make disciples of all nations. Revelation 7:9 envisions the fulfillment of this mission, “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.”
Participation in global missions may include sending missionaries, supporting mission organizations, and praying for the advance of the gospel.
Alternative Perspectives on Mission
Engaging with alternative views helps clarify the Reformed understanding of the church’s mission.
1. The Missional Church Movement
The missional church emphasizes living out the gospel in everyday contexts, often viewing mission as integral to the church’s identity. While this perspective rightly highlights the importance of living missionally, it can sometimes downplay the necessity of formal evangelism and the church’s gathered worship. Reformed theology affirms that while all of life is mission, the proclamation of the Word and the administration of the sacraments are central to the church’s mission.
2. The Social Gospel
The social gospel prioritizes social reform and justice as the primary expression of mission, often to the neglect of evangelism. While addressing social issues is a valid outworking of the gospel, the Reformed view insists that the church’s mission must first and foremost be the proclamation of salvation through Christ.
3. Exclusive Focus on Evangelism
Some traditions focus exclusively on evangelism, neglecting discipleship and cultural transformation. Reformed theology emphasizes that the church’s mission is comprehensive, including both the proclamation of the gospel and its practical application in every area of life.
The Church’s Mission in Action
The church fulfills its mission through several key activities, each of which is grounded in Scripture.
1. Preaching and Teaching
The proclamation of God’s Word is central to the church’s mission. Paul instructs Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
Faithful preaching and teaching equip believers for ministry and call sinners to repentance.
2. Prayer
Prayer is an essential component of mission, as it expresses dependence on God and seeks His blessing on the church’s efforts. Colossians 4:2-4 urges believers to pray for open doors for the gospel, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.”
3. Service and Mercy
Acts of service and mercy demonstrate the love of Christ and open doors for the gospel. James 1:27 describes true religion as caring for the vulnerable, and Jesus calls His followers to serve the “least of these” as an expression of their love for Him (Matthew 25:40).
4. Church Planting
Planting new churches is a strategic way to advance the mission of the church. The book of Acts records the establishment of churches throughout the Roman Empire as Paul and other missionaries proclaimed the gospel.
Challenges to the Church’s Mission
The mission of the church faces numerous challenges, including opposition from the world, complacency within the church, and the temptation to compromise the gospel. These challenges require vigilance, perseverance, and dependence on God’s grace.
1. Cultural Opposition
The gospel often encounters hostility in a world that rejects God’s authority. John 15:18 reminds believers, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”
The church must remain faithful in the face of opposition, trusting in God’s power to overcome.
2. Complacency
Complacency can hinder the church’s mission, as believers lose focus on the urgency of the gospel. Revelation 3:15-16 warns against lukewarm faith, calling the church to zeal and repentance.
3. Gospel Compromise
The temptation to dilute the gospel for the sake of cultural acceptance threatens the church’s mission. Galatians 1:8 warns against preaching “any other gospel,” emphasizing the importance of doctrinal faithfulness.
Eschatological Perspective on Mission
The church’s mission anticipates the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Revelation 21:1-4 describes the new heavens and new earth, where God will dwell with His people forever. As the church proclaims the gospel, it participates in the advance of God’s kingdom, preparing for Christ’s return.
Matthew 24:14 connects the mission of the church to the end of the age, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
This eschatological hope motivates the church to labor faithfully, knowing that its mission is part of God’s eternal plan.
Application for Today
- Engaging Greenville: The church in Greenville is uniquely positioned to reach its community with the gospel. This includes addressing local needs, building relationships, and living as a visible witness to the transforming power of Christ.
- Supporting Global Missions: Participation in global missions is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission. This may involve sending and supporting missionaries, contributing to mission organizations, and praying for the advance of the gospel around the world.
- Living on Mission: Every believer is called to live as a missionary, proclaiming the gospel in their words and actions. Colossians 3:17 exhorts, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
- Cultivating Family Mission: Encouraging families to participate in mission together—through prayer, outreach, and hospitality—reinforces the importance of living missionally at every stage of life.
Conclusion
The mission of the church is a divine calling to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and extend the kingdom of God. Rooted in the authority of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, this mission encompasses both local and global efforts, transforming lives and glorifying God.
For the church in Greenville, this mission is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling us to faithfulness, boldness, and perseverance. May we labor together for the glory of God, trusting in His promise that His Word will not return void but will accomplish His purposes. As Isaiah 52:7 declares, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”