We live in a broken world. You don’t have to look far to find examples of people who are lost and hopeless, with no knowledge of Christ or the gift of salvation. Every day, thousands of people die without ever hearing or receiving the gospel. But Jesus gave us a model for living on mission to our neighbors and the nations.
- “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”—Matthew 28:19-20
This command was clear to the disciples, who went on to spread the gospel among many peoples, tribes, nations, and tongues. It still applies to believers today. We are called to live on mission by seeking the lost and telling them about the salvation Jesus offers. One way we do this is through planting churches in strategic places to reach people who are far from God.
Why Is Living on Mission Important?
Living on mission is vital for the health of the Church. The number of people who believe in Jesus and are dedicated to following Him is declining with every generation. Church planting allows us to reach these people with the Good News by setting up a church in their neighborhood. Living on mission is important for 4 reasons:
- Fulfills the Great Commission.
The Great Commission is not merely a historical event; it’s a present-day imperative. It’s a continuous call to action, urging us to go and make disciples of all nations. Living on mission through church planting is a direct and powerful way to obey this command. It’s about actively participating in God’s redemptive plan for the world.
- Plants the church in strategic locations to reach the lost.
Church planting involves strategy. It requires us to identify areas where the gospel is scarce or non-existent and establish a community of believers to serve as a light in that location. By planting churches in strategic locations, we are intentionally reaching those who might otherwise never encounter the love and grace of Christ.
- Offers an opportunity to practice generosity.
Church planting requires sacrifice and generosity. It involves giving our time, talents, and resources to support the establishment and growth of new faith communities. This act of generosity not only blesses the church plant but also transforms the hearts of those who give, fostering a deep commitment to living on mission.
- Creates a reliance on God through prayer.
Through prayer, we invite God to guide our steps, provide for our needs, and open doors of opportunity. Church planting is a challenging endeavor that requires faith and a deep reliance on God. This dependence on Him reminds us that He is the ultimate source of our strength and success.
Creating a Missional Mindset
A missional mindset shapes our minds, hearts, and actions. It is a mindset that bleeds into every part of our lives if we allow it. But how do we cultivate this mindset in the midst of our very busy, often self-centered lives?
A missional mindset is a way of seeing the world through God’s eyes, recognizing His desire to reconcile all things to Himself. It is about understanding that we are all called to participate in the Great Commission by carrying the gospel message to the world. But we are also called to obey the Great Commandment, found in Matthew 22:37-40:
- “Jesus said to him,‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
When we love the Lord, we love the things that He loves, and He loves people. His heart breaks for the lost. In Western Culture, it can be easy to deceive ourselves into thinking that that nobody is lost. But the reality is that the majority of the people around us are lost. Our mindset should be set on seeking and saving the lost, because before anybody can be saved, they must first be found. Living on mission and creating a missional mindset involves being sent to find those who are lost.
Missional Compassion: The Heartbeat of Church Planting
Jesus was compassionate toward the lost. Compassion isn’t just a feeling; it’s a driving force that compels us to action. Without compassion, our efforts to reach the lost will be hollow and ineffective.
The nonbeliever does not believe that there is an impending doom. Every person who does not believe in God is destined for hell unless they are saved. Heaven and hell are real, and the people that we love today are perishing around us. The goal is to make it hard for people in your life to go to hell because they see Jesus in you and you are boldly sharing the gospel with them.
Living on mission requires a heart that breaks for the lost. So, ask yourself, “Do I have a heart of compassion for the lost?”
Missional Discipleship Shapes Our Practice
In Acts, many miracles occurred outside the church. Believers scattered throughout their schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities were living on mission, seeking the lost, and offering the gift of spiritual and physical healing. They were passionate about loving the lost and making disciples because they had experienced the transformative work of Christ in their lives.
- “After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.”—Luke 10:1
The people sent here were just average, ordinary Christians. They said “yes” and were willing to be sent. God is waiting for you to give your “yes” so He can empower you to do a kind of work that can only be done through His power.
- “Then He said to them, ‘The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’”—Luke 10:2
We have no power to bring up a harvest on our own. When it comes to being an evangelist and a disciple-maker, God just calls us to share and be bold. He has the power to change the landscape of the harvest and bring fruit from the seeds we sow. Living on mission is not about being perfect; it’s about being willing.
Is God Calling You to Plant a Church?
Perhaps as you’ve read this, a stirring has begun in your heart. Maybe you’ve felt a nudge, a prompting that God is calling you to something more, something bigger than yourself. Could He be calling you to plant a church?
At the Abundant Life Church Planting Residency Program, we are committed to seeing lives transformed, communities impacted, and the Kingdom of God advanced through the faithful ministry of our residents. Our mission is to equip and empower emerging leaders to fulfill their calling in planting vibrant, gospel-centered churches. Our comprehensive residency program focuses on helping residents practice living on mission by fostering spiritual growth, strengthening theological foundations, and honing practical leadership skills necessary for effective church planting. Learn more about the church planter residency and fill out an application to become a resident here!