THE BELIEVER'S RESPONSIBILITY
The task is going to get done.
"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." The task of evangelizing the world is not impossible. God wants it to happen. He says in the Bible it's going to happen.
Who does Jesus task to finish the job? The Church.
"Go and make disciples of all nations ..." – Jesus, Matthew 28:1
While it is not every believer’s calling to be out in a foreign field, it is every believer's responsibility to be engaged somehow, somewhere to help move the Great Commission forward. Why do we say this? It is not just because the task is so great that we need "all hands on deck". It is not just because we should have compassion for the lost. As J. Hudson Taylor put it "The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed." Directing the choir being in leadership, or being an usher --- those are options. Those are ministries. The Great Commission cannot be treated as another ministry.
The leadership of Sunset Church and the Missions Committee strongly encourages each member of the Sunset Church body to be more directly involved in missions by —
- LEARNING: Fostering a passion for the God’s plan for reaching all his peoples by reading up on what’s gone on in the past and what is happening now in the missions field. Educate yourself in missions, evangelism, and discipleship. Open yourself to cross cultural experiences by going on short term missions trips.
- PRAYING: In the ongoing work of the kingdom of God, nothing is more important than intercessory prayer (Richard Foster). Interceding, or talking to God about the needs of other people, is a vital activity to growing God's church. Commit to praying for a specific missionary, ministry, or people group (2 Thess. 3:1).
- SENDING: Missionaries do not just "go" overseas. They are "sent". Intentionally send missionaries through encouragement, logistical support and financial giving (Rom. 10:15).
- WELCOMING: More than 700,000 students from 207 countries have come to America to study. Of these, 60% come from the least reached parts of the world. God can use you in cross-cultural ministry in your city right now. Find a local English class or international student group to serve during the years these future leaders live in your neighborhood (1 Kings 8:41-43).
- GOING: God doesn't call super-Christians to be missionaries; he can call anyone to live for him in another place. For some, this is just for a few weeks on a short-term trip. He gives others the opportunity for deep impact and strong relationships through many years of life in another country. Give God the freedom to place you overseas for as long as he chooses (Luke 4:43).
- MOBILIZING: Some churchgoers these days don't see the relevance of missions in modern Christianity. Share with Christians who don't "get missions" what you've know. Becoming promoters to one another of God’s passion for reaching the lost... How it brings him worship and glory.
- PERSONAL WITNESS: Share your faith and disciple those around you.
Please view the video below to get a better understanding. Go to the OMF site to find 5-minute videos going over each 'way'.