The Church’s Mission Beyond Itself
The church's mission extends beyond its internal activities and care. It also has a critical external role, rooted in the Great Commission and the call to be a light to the world and salt of the Earth. This article explores the biblical mandate for evangelism, mercy, and cultural engagement.
The Great Commission
The foundational mandate for the church's external role is the Great Commission, given by Jesus before His ascension.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
— Matthew 28:18–20
This commission highlights several key aspects:
Go: The church is called to actively go into the world, making connections with people who need the gospel message rather than waiting for them to come to something they don’t understand the eternal importance of.
Make disciples: Evangelism is not merely about conversions or drive-by ministry that sprints by casting seeds—it’s about making disciples—followers of Christ who grow in their faith through the steady plodding of other believers.
Baptize: The church is to incorporate new believers into the visual covenant community through the sacrament of baptism—thus celebrating the individual repentance and belief of a brother or sister as well as their being grafted into both the visible and invisible church by God’s grace, author of salvation alone.
Teach: Discipleship involves teaching obedience to all of Christ's commands, grounding new believers in sound doctrine. This culminates in a follower of Christ seeing the sandcastles of the world topple before the stronghold of the gospel as not just a way, but the way to everlasting life with God the Father.
Evangelism and Proclamation of the Gospel
The church's primary external role is to proclaim the gospel in all of life, for all of life.
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”
— Romans 10:14–15
This passage emphasizes the importance of raising up others to bear the torch of the gospel, as well as equipping church members to share the gospel in their daily lives. Every believer has a role in evangelism, whether through personal witness, supporting missionary work, or engaging in outreach programs. However, it does not take something extraordinary to share the gospel in the process of evangelism—after all, the gospel is what is extraordinary in itself as it opens deaf ears, blind eyes, and redeems hearts of stone.
Mercy and Compassion
In addition to evangelism, the church is called to demonstrate the love of Christ through acts of mercy and compassion.
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
— James 2:14–17
Such deeds are tangible expressions of the gospel and open doors for sharing the message of Christ's love and redemption. Make no mistake about it, fulfilling the external call of revealing God’s love through both practical and spiritual means is not to be considered as faith that earns works, but rather the evidence of faith that does indeed work in changing one’s life.
While the church should seek to provide physical measure to the world around them, in what is commonly referred to as mercy ministries, such efforts should never be absent of the primary focus of importance: the spiritual state of those being served.
Cultural Engagement
The church also has a role in engaging with and transforming the culture around itself.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:13–16
Being salt and light involves upholding and promoting biblical values in the public sphere, engaging in thoughtful dialogue, and advocating for justice and righteousness according to the biblical standard. The church must speak to the culture with Christ as the solution, addressing issues such as injustice, immorality, and idolatry, while also exemplifying a godly and virtuous life.
The external efforts of church members should be birthed from an overflowing love of God, not as a display of virtue signaling. This allows believers to live in the victory that is afforded through Christ, who holds all authority now.
Local and International Missions
Another critical aspect of the church's external role is the support of missions. The local church should first focus on local missions, reaching out to their immediate community. This includes neighborhood evangelism, partnering with local charities, and organizing community events that demonstrate the love of Christ.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8
Philippians 4:16–18 highlights the importance of supporting missionaries:
“Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”
International missions should also be supported whenever possible, whether through sending missionaries, financial contributions, or prayer. The local church can partner with international mission organizations to help spread the gospel globally.
Prayer for the Nations
The church's external role includes intercessory prayer for the world.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
— 1 Timothy 2:1–4
Praying for the nations, for leaders, and for the spread of the gospel is a powerful way the church participates in God’s redemptive work. It aligns the hearts of believers with God’s missionary heart and prepares the way for His kingdom to advance.
Conclusion
The church's external role is accomplished not by the might of man, but by the mercy of God. When followers of Christ live out their calling to go and spread the gospel—both individually and corporately—the church shines the light of Christ into the world, demonstrating the reality of God's kingdom and calling others to repent, believe, and join in His redemptive work.