The Missionary Call of the Church in Scripture
The missionary call of the church is rooted in Scripture, with Jesus Christ commissioning his disciples to spread the gospel to all nations (Mt 28:19-20; Mr 16:15) [1]. This mandate is reinforced by the apostle Paul, who describes himself as "a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest the Good News of God" (Romans 15:16) [3]. The call to missionary work is not limited to specific individuals but is a collective responsibility of the church.
The biblical basis for the missionary call is evident in various passages. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs his disciples to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" [1]. This Great Commission is echoed in Mark 16:15, where Jesus commands his followers to "go into all the world and preach the Good News to the whole creation". The apostle Paul's ministry is a prime example of this missionary call, as he traveled extensively to spread the gospel to Gentile communities (Romans 15:19) [2].
The church is described as the body of Christ, with various members working together in harmony (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) [4, 5, 6]. This unity is essential for the effective fulfillment of the missionary call, as different members contribute their unique gifts and abilities to the task. The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of unity in the body of Christ, stating that "there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28) [7].
The missionary call is not only a command but also a privilege. The apostle Paul describes his ministry as a "sweet fragrance of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:15), and the church is encouraged to participate in this ministry by supporting and praying for missionaries. The call to missionary work is a call to participate in God's redemptive plan, bringing people from "darkness to light" (1 Peter 2:9).
The church's missionary call is directed by the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides believers in their witness (Acts 13:2) [1]. The Spirit's role is crucial in equipping the church for missionary work, providing the necessary gifts and abilities for effective service.
The missionary call of the church remains a vital aspect of Christian discipleship, with the church continuing to respond to this call throughout history. As the apostle Paul wrote, "I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish" (Romans 1:14). The church's missionary call is a reflection of God's love for the world, and its fulfillment is essential for the advancement of the gospel.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Missionary Work By Ministers — Commanded -- Mt 28:19; Mr 16:15. Warranted by predictions concerning the heathen, &c -- Isa 42:10-12; 66:19. Is according to the purpose of God -- Lu 24:46,47; Ga 1:15,16; Col 1:25-27. Directed by the Holy Spirit -- Ac 13:2. Required -- Lu 10:2; Ro 10:14,15. The Holy Spirit calls to -- Ac 13:2. Christ engaged in -- Mt 4:17,23; 11:1; Mr 1:38,39; Lu 8:1. Christ sent his disciples to labour in -- Mr 3:14; 6:7; Lu 10:1-11. Obligations to engage in -- Ac 4:19,20; Ro 1:13-15; 1Co 9:16. Excellency of -- Isa 52:7; Ro 10:15. Worldly concerns sho”
- Romans “in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ; -- Romans 15:19”
- Romans “that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest the Good News of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. -- Romans 15:16”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:27: members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 3:28: 3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.”