Vision for Mission

The word ‘mission’ is thrown around in many circles, not just in the church. When I quiz people about it I get a range of answers.

Mission, as an English word, comes from ‘missio’, a Latin word describing ’sending’, from the verb, mittere, to send.

1. Mission as a project (often sent from HQ). “Your mission, should you choose to accept it…”
2. Mission as a goal. “We set ourselves a mission of raising $5000.”
3. Mission as an aspiration. “We see our mission as healing the lives of the broken.”
4. Mission as a group of people sent as missionaries to a strange culture. “I am joining the Baptist mission in Thailand”.
5. Mission as a service provided for the needy. “I have joined up with the Mission to Seamen”.

We have secret missions, Mission to Mars, and military missions. Many companies have mission statements.

Theology of Christian Mission

Christian mission belongs to God. Christian mission is God’s engagement with the world, highlighted in the sending of Jesus into the world.

The people of God are called to join in the mission of God in worshipping, witnessing and serving in the wider community. This participation is inspired by the gospel story and words/actions of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20).

The fruit of God’s mission is brought about by the Holy Spirit acting in, through and beyond the people of God. The results are lives transformed, communities changed and people made whole (Luke 4:18-19).

The mission of the Church embodies God’s sending character in action and community.

What does Christian mission look like?

1. Christian mission begins and continues with personal and communal everyday discipleship.
2. Christian mission involves sending – commissioning – recognising that we’re on the move, not static.
3. Christian mission involves proximity with the wider community – involving listening and dialogue.
4. Christian mission is as much about communities, networks as about individuals.
5. Christian mission involves worship as much as evangelism and serving.
6. Christian mission’s end goal is the Kingdom of God – relationships reflecting the character and purposes of God.