Missions Blog (7.9.25)

Missions and Discipleship — Growing Together in Christ

At Lake Magdalene Church, we often say, “We exist to share the love of Jesus with all people and lead them into a life forever changed in Christ.” This mission statement beautifully brings together two core elements of the Christian life: missions and discipleship. One cannot thrive without the other.

When we think of missions, we may picture teams traveling to serve others—rebuilding homes, feeding the hungry, or partnering with churches in distant places. These moments are powerful and necessary. But missions are more than events or trips—they are a posture of the heart and a pathway to spiritual growth.

Missions place us in environments where we depend on God, serve sacrificially, and live out the Gospel in practical ways. In doing so, our faith deepens. We learn to pray boldly. We see the world through Christ’s eyes. We grow in humility and compassion. Missions stretch us beyond our comfort zones and transform us into disciples who don’t just talk about Jesus—we live like Him.

Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) doesn’t separate evangelism from discipleship. He calls us to “go and make disciples of all nations,” teaching them to obey His commands. Missions and discipleship are intertwined: we go so that others may know Jesus, and in going, we grow in Him ourselves.

Whether we’re serving locally in Tampa or traveling globally, each mission experience is an opportunity to be discipled as we disciple others. It’s spiritual formation in action—faith lived out, love poured out.

At LMC, our prayer is that every member finds their mission field—whether across the street or across the world—and steps into it with a heart open to grow as a follower of Jesus.

Let’s keep going, church. Let’s keep growing—on mission, together.

– Bob Blagg