Being an on mission church is not about size, staff or structure. Neither is it about a specific program. The magnitude of its mission giving or the multitude of its outreach efforts does not make a church an on mission church. An on mission church is more about a congregations passion than its percentages. It focuses more on its burden than its bigness. Gods mission in
the world and His biblical mandate drives an on mission church to become a world mission strategy center.
An on mission church embraces the Great Commission and engages the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a church committed to starting new churches, strengthening existing churches and sending workers into the harvest fields. It is a church that encourages, equips, empowers and expects every member to be personally involved in Gods mission enterprise. An on mission congregation prays, gives, knows and goes on mission with God. Its a church of people burdened for the lostness of all nations that seeks to create ways to reach its Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Most of all, its a church with the glory of God as its ultimate goal and primary purpose.
An on mission church neither minimizes nor glamorizes, but personalizes, the Great Commission. Members are given hands-on opportunities to become personally involved in on mission praying, giving, learning and going. The congregation is constantly challenged to get into the game rather than being benchwarmers in the Lords work. The spectator mentality is dealt with in a sensitive yet strong way. No member has the option of merely watching while others do the work. The concepts of personal ownership and profound obedience are constantly before the members. Consider these characteristics of an on mission church:
1. Gods glory is the ultimate purpose of the church.
2. Members are involved in the passionate worship of God.
3. The Great Commission and the Great Commandments are prioritized.
4. A balanced Acts 1:8 Mission Strategy is emphasized and personalized.
5. It is organized to be on mission through praying, giving, knowing and going.
6. Members are made aware of mission opportunities and are empowered to respond.
7. It embraces a church-wide and year-round commitment to mission awareness, involvement and partnerships.
8. Resources of the church are directed toward the Great Commission with a kingdom perspective of personal accountability and responsibility.
9. Members experience a genuine brokenness over those who are without Christ and a sense of urgency to be on mission as a lifestyle.
10. A contagious, on mission spirit demonstrates a congregations commitment to assist in starting new churches, to strengthen existing churches and to send workers into the harvest.
These characteristics are not exhaustive but instructive as you lead the congregation to become an on mission church. By now, you can probably tell that much of the leadership in this process is a partnership involving Gods Holy Spirit, the pastor, church staff and other key leaders along with the church family. Becoming an on mission church is a supernatural occurrence with eternal benefits. Once it happens in your church, nothing is ever the same.
Adapted from The On MissionTeam Manual by Danny Sinquefield, pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. Faith Baptist Church is a 21st century example of an on mission church. Last year more than 700 membersabout 65% of the congregationwere involved in short-term mission projects either locally, nationally or internationally.
Here are six guidelines for the local church that wants to become a world mission strategy center.
1. The Great Commission is an essential and strategic command for every local church. Gods eternal plan is for world redemption. His strategy is to use the local church to accomplish that goal. God has given His Son and the Holy Spirit to enable us to do His will, and His will is to take the gospel to every nation. He has put everything in place in order to accomplish the missionour job is to accept it.
2. The pastor and staff must empower Gods people to fulfill Christs command. Leaders of the church can help every believer in the church find his or her place or function in the body of Christ. Leaders also can teach other believers the Truth, so that they too can make disciples. Pastors and other leaders should exemplify the passionate Christian life to other believers.
3. Every church must become a house of prayer. To know Gods will a church must be in His presence. Every program, activity, mission trip or special event should be a result of the churchs prayers.
4. A church must partner with others in taking the gospel to the world. God is much larger than one local church. While each congregation is vital to the growth of Gods kingdom, by joining with other churches and organizations a synergy is created that can have an even greater impact. Strategic partnerships will allow Gods people to have a greater impact on their world. As Christians we are called to walk alongside others who are responding to Gods call.
5. A church must teach missions, and it must start with the pastor. The pastor is the primary teacher of missions in the local church. By using the Acts 1:8 model, pastors and other leaders can teach their congregations about missions in their Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. Mission education can incorporate practical opportunities for church members to practice what they are being taught. An on mission church has missions embedded into every aspect of the church year round.
6. A church must have a plan for mobilizing Christians. Eventually, church members will be ready to go out and take the gospel to the world. Its up to the leaders of the church to have a plan for mobilizing workers. A world missions strategy center should have a missions plan for mobilizing workers based on Acts 1:8Jerusalem (your community or local association), Judea (your state), Samaria (North America) and the ends of the earth (international). A good mobilization strategy is God-directed and complements the mission of the church by supporting evangelism, church planting, community ministries and mission education and involving all members of the church including children, students and adults.
Here are some ideas for developing a more effective mobilization strategy.
Create an On Mission Team
Develop a church-wide mission education plan
Invite mission speakers to your church
Host an On Mission Celebration or World Mission Conference, for information call 1-888-634-2462
Commission short-term volunteers and long-term missionaries
Adapted from Answer the Call by Henry Blackaby. To order a copy of Answer the Call or The On Mission Team Manual call toll free 866-407-NAMB (6262).