On Mission

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

What is church really all about? What should be the focus of our attention when we make our plans? I imagine most of us would be able to jump to the answer quite readily, Jesus pointing us to our purpose in Acts 1:6-11 as he sends us into all the world to make disciples. To suggest that mission is the central purpose of the church in the world should surprise any of us—Jesus commissions us, as his followers, to continue what he began in this world by equipping us by the Spirit to be his witnesses.

This vision for mission must also encompass all nations, as God’s purpose is to gather people from every nation, the beautiful picture in Revelation of people from many nations, tribes and tongues declaring God’s praise gives us a sneak preview of the task that not only will be undertaken, but will (by God’s power) succeed!

However what seems to be the case for many churches around the world is that they know what Jesus would have us do, and yet there exists a gap between knowledge and practice. Perhaps the idea of mission has become as inane as the Aussie greeting “how you going?” The question is often asked as a greeting, but with cursory intent, not really seeking information about how the other is going, sometimes even said in passing, and can be replied to in the exact same fashion with a “how you going?” Perhaps we could reorient ourselves as a church of Christ’s followers not to let the idea of mission become so cursory, but rather to keep it central to what we are doing.

In all things, as a church, we must see ourselves as being ‘on mission’ and therefore as ‘missionaries’ in the suburbs in which we live. That doesn’t mean that all we do is find unbelievers to talk to about Jesus, but it doesn’t mean that we don’t do that either! Being constantly on mission, or missionaries right here, means that all of our church activities ought to be shaped in such a fashion that they contribute to God’s mission. The particular way we try to maintain this focus at HTBH is in the phrase ‘honouring God’, and we do that by making and growing more disciples for Jesus Christ. The process of discipleship is an ongoing life-shaping thing that is not exclusive to new believers joining in. A huge part of our personal Christian growth is found both in serving others and connecting others with Jesus. And great the rejoicing in heaven over every lost sheep who is found! Let us also rejoice at the privilege of being called by the God of all glory to play our part in his great mission. Let his mission be our central purpose.

In Christ’s Love, Craig Olliffe, Senior minister