"LET'S FOLLOW JESUS TOGETHER"

Missio Dei > Missio Ecclesia: The Mission of God and the Church

The Mission of God Becomes the Mission of the Church

The term Missio Dei refers to God’s mission, His redemptive work throughout history, from creation to restoration. As Christians, we are called to align with this mission, which ultimately becomes Missio Ecclesia, the mission of the Church.

Luke, the author of both the Gospel of Luke and Acts, presents these books as one unified story—a two-part Gospel revealing how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus set the stage for the Church’s mission.

The Mission Starts with God

At its heart, the mission of God is the proclamation of the Gospel—the good news that the kingdom of God has come near (Mark 1:15). This Gospel isn’t just a religious term; historically, it was a royal proclamation of victory or monumental change. For example, in the Roman Empire, Caesar Augustus was declared the savior and bringer of good news. Yet, Jesus’ Gospel directly challenges this narrative, presenting Him as the true King and Savior, bringing salvation and peace through grace, not force.

From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His plan to gather people from every tribe and tongue (Revelation 7:9). This culminates in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8), where Jesus calls His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.”

Living the Mission:

The Gospel transforms lives and calls us into a Kingdom lifestyle—living as ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our mission is not to convert but to reflect the Kingdom of God through our words, actions, and relationships. Each and every one of us can:

• Find the Thread God Is Already Weaving: Evangelism isn’t about creating opportunities but recognizing where God is already at work. Whether it’s a chance encounter or a deep conversation, God has prepared the soil.

• Live a Life That Makes People Curious: Salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) stand out. When we live in a way that reflects God’s character, people will ask, “What’s different about you?”

• Turn Everyday Moments into Invitations: The early church grew through informal conversations, not just sermons. Around tables, in markets, and in homes, believers naturally shared the hope they had.

The Mission Belongs to the Whole Church:

Evangelism is not reserved for the elite or gifted but for all believers. According to Barna Research, while 95% of Christians believe sharing Jesus is essential, fewer actively do it. Why? Perhaps it’s fear, discomfort, or misunderstanding. Yet evangelism, in its truest sense, is simply about pointing others to the goodness of God.

As Michael Green notes in Evangelism in the Early Church, 80% of early evangelism was done by ordinary Christians—not professional preachers. They lived and spoke in ways that naturally invited others into God’s story.

How Do We Respond?

1. Be Present: Look for God’s hand in your daily interactions.

2. Be Distinct: Live in a way that reflects Jesus and piques curiosity.

3. Be Hospitable: Create space for conversations about faith.

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:38). Our mission is to carry on the work of Jesus—not to retreat into holy huddles or conform to the world, but to bring the life of heaven to earth.

BIBLE READINGS & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Bible Reading 1: Mark 1:14-15

1. Jesus proclaims the good news that the Kingdom of God has come near. How does this Gospel challenge the world’s narrative about power and salvation? What does it mean for us today that Jesus brings salvation through grace, not force?

Bible Reading 2: Matthew 28:18-20

2. Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. How do you understand the scope of this mission? In what ways can the Church live out this command in today’s world?

Bible Reading 3: 2 Corinthians 5:20

3. Paul calls Christians “ambassadors for Christ.” What does it mean to represent Jesus as His ambassador in your daily life, and how can you be more intentional in reflecting His Kingdom in your words and actions?

Bible Reading 4: Matthew 9:37-38

4. Jesus says that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. How can we respond to this urgent call for workers in God’s mission field? What are some practical ways you can participate in the harvest in your own context?

Let’s follow Jesus Together… its in our TOGETHER that we can continue growing as Disciples!

The concept of “community” is explored through the life of Jesus, who consistently surrounded Himself with others—whether teaching large crowds, sharing meals, or having deep connections with a small group of disciples. As followers of Christ, we are called to be in community, helping one another grow spiritually, sharing faith, and cultivating love.

“We Gather and Grow so that we can Go and Be”

As disciples let’s commit to cultivating these three things:

1. Cultivate places of belonging – a space where everyone is accepted and loved, as Jesus accepted us.
2. Cultivate hearts full of faith – encouraging one another, especially in difficult times, and joining our faith to help others grow.
3. Cultivate love – embodying Christ’s love through humility, service, and sacrificial care for one another, living out the two greatest commandments: loving God and loving people.

We are all called to embrace and deepen our community relationships, acknowledging the challenges and imperfections of church life, but reminding us that authentic Christian community is worth pursuing, as it is through community that we grow closer to God and to one another.

How we treat each other is directly related to our vertical relationship with God. Your vertical relationship with God is outworked horizontally through community.

“Revival works at the pace of our relationships”- David Thomas, Asbury Revival

Discussion Questions:

1)What does true community look like to you?

Bible Reading: Acts 2:42-47 – The early church as a model of community.

Reflection:

• How can we create spaces of belonging and support for others in our church or life?
• What parts of Acts 2 community challenges you the most?

2) How can we join our faith with others to help them grow spiritually?

Bible Reading: Mark 2:1-12 – The story of the paralytic man and his friends bringing him to Jesus.

Reflection:

• Who is someone who often points you to Jesus? What has their impact been on your life?
• What are some practical ways you can bring someone in your life closer to Jesus?

3)What is the role of love in Christian community, and how can we cultivate it?

Bible Reading: John 13:4-35 – Jesus’ command to love one another.

Reflection:

• Why is sacrificial love “easier said than done”?
• How can we practically show sacrificial love in our relationships, both inside and outside the church?

Challenge:

This week create a list of a few people (friends, family, co-workers, neighbours) who you want to focus on praying for and serving this week. Consider what you can specifically do to cultivate Koinonia-type community. Make time in your calendar to do this.

In the final words of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus gives His followers a powerful directive, known as the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit… And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). This call, while bold, is the heart of God’s plan to share His love and grace with the world.

Yet, if we’re honest, we might sometimes wonder if God’s plan has a “weakness.” Don’t be alarmed by that statement, go with me for a minute… Jesus had only 12 disciples, and they weren’t perfect—they doubted, scattered, and even betrayed Him. How do I, full of imperfection, do this? Why does God call us, with all our HUMANITY, to spread His wonderful plan of salvation? The reality is that we DO NOT WALK ALONE. Jesus promises to be with us every step of the way as we seek to live out the great commission. This month is titled “Let’s follow Jesus Together” We are talking about Discipleship being a journey we take together. As we grow and refreshing our understanding of what it means to be a disciple we can be strengthened when we embrace these powerful truths:

1. A Disciple is someone following Christ

Discipleship is not a status reserved for the “super spiritual” or those pursuing perfectionism, but for anyone willing to follow Jesus. When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, He simply said, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19). This invitation is for all of us.

2. A Disciple is someone being Changed by Christ

. Discipleship is about heart transformation, not just knowledge. It’s learning to live like Jesus, not just learning about Him (Romans 12:2).

3. A Disciple is someone committed to the mission of Christ “Fisher’s of men”

To follow Jesus means taking up His mission. It is for everyone who follows Jesus not just those who are in ministry or on the mission field. Like Peter and Andrew leaving their nets in Matthew 4, we are all called to share His love in ways unique to our life’s context and God given talents. As we follow Jesus together we each are challenged to let go of things that might be holding us back from outworking the mission of Christ.

How Do We Make Disciples Together?

Making disciples is more than a program or checklist. It’s an intentional way of living, a posture that says, “Let’s follow Jesus together.” Discipleship is strengthened in community—by inviting others into our faith journey, learning together, and growing through relationships. This Sunday our guest speaker Katie Schrack (head of discipleship support for Hillsong Australia) will help us to think more deeply about following Jesus in community.

As Mike Breen puts it, “If you make disciples, you always get the church. But if you make a church, you rarely get disciples.”

Discipleship isn’t about building a ‘big’ church. While we believe that God builds HIS church and wants it to be full of life, discipleship is about helping each other walk closely with Jesus in the fullness of His love, knowing Him and making Him known.

So, how do we know we’re growing? Jesus gave us a guide in John 17 when He prayed for His followers that we would know God, grow in holiness (Christ likeness), share in community and live on mission. This month let’s challenge ourselves to grow deeper in these areas and have a posture towards others that says “Let’s Follow Jesus Together”.

Discussion guide for Connect Groups or around the dinner table:

Reading 1: Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission

• What stands out to you about Jesus’ command to “make disciples”?
• Jesus promises to be “with us always.” How does that assurance affect your perspective on sharing your faith?

Reading 2: Matthew 4:18-20 – The Calling of the First Disciples

• When Jesus says, “Follow me,” Peter and Andrew immediately leave their nets and follow. What might that level of commitment look like in our modern era?
• What changes might Jesus be calling us to as we seek to follow Him more closely?

Reading 3: John 17 – Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples

Focus Verses: John 17:11, 13, 17, 20-21

• Jesus prays for unity, joy, sanctification, and love among His followers. How do these traits show that we are growing as disciples?
• Which of these traits do you feel called to grow in, and how can otherns support you in that?

Reading 4: Romans 12:2 – Transformation Through Christ

• How does Romans 12:2’s message of “renewing your mind” connect to being transformed as a disciple of Jesus?
• What steps can we take this week to allow God to transform our hearts and minds?

Challenge:

This week, choose one of these areas of growth—unity, joy, holiness, or love—and think of one small, specific action to take. Share it with someone and pray together as you follow Jesus together.