Mission

Tome, in his book “Revolution” lists four attributes of a growing follower of Jesus: Bible, prayer, community and now we look at the fourth – mission. He says that when God gets a hold on our lives we become giant love machines – men and women on a mission. “God has called us to live the Kingdom right here. He’s asked us to take on the sinful ways of the world and love the hell out of it. To ignore that call to action is to miss an incredible opportunity. Prayer, the Bible and community exist to support the mission of the Kingdom of God.

My church is unique. It is just a couple years away from being 100 years old. Most “First Churches” are either dying or stagnant. Our mission is not only Scripture’s Great Commission, but take the church to the neighborhood. Across the street is a very low income elementary school. Its academic performance was abysmally low. Just a couple months ago, we found out that the school won a national honor in the upgrading of academic test scores. The principal indicated that one of the major reasons was the involvement of our church in tutoring and gifting. (We put together 1200 shoe boxes with $20 each for Christmas gifts for children of three neighboring school.)

The church’s neighborhood mission includes a biker ministry, basketball, soccer and cheerleading competition, divorce recovery, addictions ministry, plus other more “normal” outreaches. To say the least, the mission is keeping it alive and healthy.

That is one church’s corporate mission. But how about your personal mission? WE can know the Bible, pray regularly and enjoy community but not have a compelling sense of mission. If that is the case, you and I are missing out on a real source of joy and fulfillment. “Mission is the platform upon which we stand. Mission is the thing that gives purpose and excittement to reading the Bible, praying and experiencing community. You weren’t put on the planet just to sit in little solemn circles and sing ‘Jesus Love Me. Your were put here for a purpose – to work a mission.”

How has God gifted you? Is God giving you a little push, a little drive toward some mission? Something miraculous happens when gifted people bring their energy to fields of engagement that God cares about. – Your work. Your school. Your family.

A close friend of mine has as part of his mission to “leave a personal contact with someone such that they feel better about themselves and life. When I leave the presence of a person, I want them to have been touched with a little bit of God’s love, increasing their estimation of themselves.”

Another friend’s mission is to find investments and bring in friends on the deals so that they can increase their purse and in turn give away more.

Until she retired this past year from her work as a special education teacher, my wife Theresa’s mission was the living out of Proverbs 31:8-9 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. Scores of young people who were looked down upon by a segment of society gained self respect and skills to enter the adult world because of the advocacy of one teacher – for over a quarter of a century.

Much of my vocational life was engaged in personal and family counseling. That mission came out of Isaiah 61. The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor (in spirit). He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come…. To all who mourn … he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. 7 Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.

Counseling provided a real source of fulfillment and joy for me as God used me in people’s lives to set them free from emotional bondage. Now my mission is to just be available to love on and encourage others that God brings across my path. To mentor younger men is a real joy.
Our challenge on our personal mission is to be authentic, demonstrating self-discipline and allowing God to work in our lives, molding us into a more Christ-like character. We are especially sensitive to people who are experiencing crisis or unusual questioning times. Not quick to jump in and fix them, but to be available to come along beside to pray for and encourage

Do you have a mission? Are you involved in community? How are you doing with consistent time with God in prayer and Bible? The four characteristics of a growing follower of Jesus Christ: Bible, prayer, community and mission.