A couple of years ago, the Director of International Missions at the Austin Stone Community Church (Austin, TX, USA) wrote an opinion that local churches should band together globally to fulfill the Great Commission. His point was that, while the Great Commission was certainly spoken to individuals, there’s a lot to be said for the corporate church taking the baton as a group. His basis? He observed that the command was given to a corporate body (all the apostles) rather than to an individual. Jesus had told them as a group to pray for more laborers (Luke 10:2) and as a church to support those who go (3 John 8). So the idea, he wrote, was to help everyone in all congregations to think and act with a global evangelization mindset. It’s tempting to think, “If we don’t go, who will?” But the truth is, it’s the global church’s job — not anyone person or nation. At the same time, he observed, nor can we abdicate our responsibility by celebrating that “There are so many others going, we are no longer needed.” The long-term goal of the Great Commission is to make disciples who observe all Jesus’ commands — i.e., communities who proclaim the good news and display fruit of the Spirit. He conclude, “As church leaders, we must consider the Lord’s commands and we must seek the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit as we step out in faith. No matter our church’s size, age, resources, or challenges, we are not powerless, poor, or alone. Christ’s promise is for us today. He rules all things, earthly and heavenly, and he is with us to the end of the age. He will complete his mission.” Bravo. See Ryan King’s complete article here…
https://www.9marks.org/article/the-great-commission-fulfilled-by-churches-and-for-churches/
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