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The local church is God’s chosen instrument for carrying out the Great Commission. Missions is not just an individual effort—it is the responsibility of the church as a whole. From the very beginning, we see that the early church was deeply involved in sending out missionaries and supporting the spread of the gospel. Acts 13:2-3 provides a clear example: “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” The church in Antioch didn’t simply commend Paul and Barnabas for their willingness to go; they actively supported them in prayer, fasting, and commissioning them for the work of missions. This biblical model still applies today—the church must be the foundation for sending, supporting, and sustaining missions.

Missions is not a side ministry of the church; it is the core of why we exist. Jesus’ final command before ascending into heaven was to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). While not every believer is called to physically go to the mission field, every member of the church is called to be part of the work. The church fulfills this calling through prayer, financial giving, and raising up workers to be sent. Matthew 9:37-38 reminds us of the urgency: “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” The problem is not a lack of souls needing salvation—the problem is a lack of laborers willing to go. It is the responsibility of the church to pray for more workers, to equip them, and to send them into the harvest.

Beyond sending missionaries abroad, the church must also be actively engaged in local evangelism. Our communities, workplaces, and schools are filled with people who have never heard the true gospel. A missions-minded church does not only look across the ocean; it looks across the street. Acts 1:8 gives a clear progression of our responsibility: “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Our “Jerusalem” is our own city, and our call to missions starts at home. Churches that do not prioritize missions and evangelism become stagnant, focused inward rather than outward, and eventually lose their effectiveness for Christ.

This week, pray for our church’s missions efforts. Ask God to bless our missionaries, to raise up more laborers, and to give us boldness in sharing the gospel in our own community. If you are not yet actively involved in missions, consider how God might be calling you to participate. Whether through financial support, fervent prayer, or direct involvement in outreach, every member of the church has a role to play. Missions is not just for the select few—it is for all who claim the name of Christ. Let us rise up as a church and fulfill the mission He has given us.