We Emphasize The Going and Sending, Not the Preaching
UNDERSTANDING The Great Commission – Episode 6
We are all zealous about the Great Commission, which is why our churches have mission conferences and give so generously for the cause. But sometimes, we may forget the purpose behind our commission. Some are eager to go and others to send, but the commission is actually about more than merely going or sending.
When you plan a vacation to Disney World, what are you and your family primarily interested in? Is it putting aside the funds you need, the adventure of the journey, or arriving at the park? You could argue that all the planning and preparation are necessary for the process. But what you and the kids are really thinking about is the Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Thunder Mountain, and the other attractions, or if you’re like me, all the theme restaurants at Epcot Center.
With missions, going and sending, though necessary, are the prelude to what the Greatest of Commissions is all about. I have seen many missionaries struggle for years to get to the field. As a result, it seems to be such a landmark in their journey that when they hop off the airplane, they declare “mission accomplished.” That didn’t work for President Bush, and it doesn’t work for us either. Simply getting to the field should not be the goal; rather, it’s only the first step in a lifelong journey.
Every step we take on our mission’s adventure is necessary. There is a purpose for deputation and a purpose for the going and the sending. However, it is not simply to get us there. The steps taken are to enable us, once we are there, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, disciple the converts, plant churches, and train pastors who will do the same.
We are all on the same team, and each team member has a specific part to play—even the water boy and the cheerleaders. We all have the same purpose and goal. That goal is not to arrive at the stadium. It is not to wear a uniform or impress the fans, and it is not to play with all our might. The ultimate goal is to win. Let’s remember what the Great Commission is all about…and let’s get the job done.
Points to Ponder
- We often see a missionary finally arriving on the field as the “end of the means” rather than as “a means to the end.” How do you view it?
- Since we are to “preach the gospel,” should we support missionaries who are not involved with preaching? Wouldn’t it be better to support them as ministers doing ministry rather than as missionaries planting churches?
- How can we be more effective as senders and become more eager as goers?
