Mission 101

by Steve Schmidt

Why do we do mission? From time to time, we need to remind ourselves of why we do what we do. The following statements form the foundation for our ministry in Niger.

1. The Gospel is about God and the world. It is not just about God and me. God is reconciling the world to Himself. This has always been His plan (2 Cor. 5:19, Gen. 12:3, Ps. 22:27-28). The incomparable riches of His grace are not to be hoarded but presented to all nations.

2. Jesus Christ is God's only solution to man's dilemma (1 Tim. 2:5-7). In a world awash with relativism, this truth is being seriously questioned today. If the Church doubts it, Christ?s command will no longer be our mandate.

3. The missionary task is disciplemaking. We are sent to establish healthy churches with maturing believers and godly leaders. A profession of faith is only the beginning, not the end of the mission (Col. 1:28, Matt 28:19-20).

4. All spiritual victories are accompanied by prayer. Our dependence on Christ's power is expressed through prayer, and through prayer His power is accessed (Col 4:2-4).