Missions Blog (6.25.25)

WE ARE THE SENT PEOPLE OF GOD

What Is Church Missions?

Church missions is the heart of the Church reaching beyond its walls—locally, nationally, and globally—to share the love, hope, and message of Jesus Christ with others. It’s more than just a program or department within a church; missions reflect the very purpose and heartbeat of God. From the earliest days of the Christian movement, Jesus called His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). That call still rings true today.

 The Biblical Foundation of Missions

Missions begin with the mission of God. Throughout Scripture, we see a consistent theme: God is a sending God. He sent prophets, disciples, and ultimately His Son, Jesus, to redeem the world. After His resurrection, Jesus sent His followers to continue that mission, filled with the Holy Spirit, to be His witnesses “in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This isn’t just about geography. “Jerusalem” represents our immediate communities, “Judea and Samaria” represent people close by yet different from us, and “the ends of the earth” are those farthest from us—culturally, linguistically, or physically. Church missions span all these spaces.

 The Purpose of Church Missions

The purpose of missions is to demonstrate and declare the Gospel. It involves meeting physical needs—feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, building homes, and supporting education—while also meeting spiritual needs through prayer, evangelism and discipleship. Missions remind us that the Good News of Jesus is not meant to be kept to ourselves. It’s a gift to be shared. And every act of service in missions—big or small—is an opportunity to reflect the character of Christ and draw people to Him.

 How Churches Engage in Missions

Church missions take many forms. Some churches send mission teams to serve internationally in under-resourced communities. Others partner with local nonprofits, schools, or shelters to meet needs in their neighborhoods. Many support long-term missionaries or ministry partners through financial giving and prayer.

Common mission activities include:

• Organizing service days in the community
• Supporting global missionaries or church planters
• Hosting outreach events
• Sending short-term mission teams
• Sponsoring children or families through global relief agencies
• Equipping members to share their faith in everyday life

Why Missions Matter

Missions matter because people matter to God. Every person, in every corner of the world, is deeply loved by Him. Through missions, we live out the call to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We step outside our comfort zones to serve, listen, love, and share the truth that has transformed our own lives.

For the Church, missions keep us outward-focused and spiritually alive. When we engage in God’s mission, our faith grows, our hearts expand, and our communities change.

 A Church on Mission

A healthy church is a missional church. Whether it’s reaching across the street or across the globe, the mission of the Church is to bring the light of Christ into the darkest places. As believers, we are all called to participate in this mission in some way—through going, giving, praying, and/or supporting.

In the end, church missions isn’t just something we do. It’s who we are. We are the sent people of God, carrying a message of hope the world desperately needs.

LMC is on mission. For more information, contact me or find me on Sunday. I would love to share ways you can join us!

Bob Blagg

Director of Discipleship & Missions