Checking if we are Church with a Mission

Last week’s Sabbath School lesson got me thinking more about our Mission.  Some churches spend time inventing a mission, when we all should just accept the Great Commission of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20) as the Mission.  It is restated and paraphrased by all Gospel writers in different words (Mark 16:15-16; John 20:21-22; Luke 24:46-49 & Acts 1:8), but the essence is the same: go into all the world, to all people groups, introduce them to Jesus, baptize them as a sign of discipleship, and then continue teaching them to live right.  This going happens when we receive the Holy Spirit.  Only being empowered by the Spirit we will go for real.  And when the Spirit is at work within us, the fruit is evident – love, loving people as Christ loves us.

If a church is missional, you can tell over time as it changes, because mission changes not only recipients but contributors too.  Missional church consists of disciples who disciple.  One pastor made a summary of10 indicators that church is missional and is making disciples, (based on Biblical standards J):

1.       Those who have been in the church the longest complain the least. Do everything without complaining or arguing. Philippians 2:14

2.       The leaders of the church are giving up “their” seats, park further from the building, do whatever is necessary to help the Body.

The greatest among you must be a servant. Matthew 23:11

3.       The church celebrates most when those far from faith come to faith. In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:7

4.       Members care that others needs are met more than their own. 

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:4

5.       The church is willing to make sacrifices to attract the lost.

 And so my judgement is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Acts 15:19

6.       There is joy even during suffering. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2

7.       The teaching is a balance of truth and grace. Jesus came full of grace and truth. John 1:17

8.       The financial needs of the church are funded, with people willingly sacrificing. No one begs for money. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

9.       There are no petty disputes and grudges among the people of the church. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

10.    The church takes care of each other well. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. Acts 4:34

As we enter in the church planting process, I said to the core group that expectation for the new plant team will be set high.  I invite you all reflect on these Biblical standards, and examine yourself.  Are you missional?  Are you a disciple? Not only the new church plant, but the “mother” church has to live by it.