missions

MISSIONS

Our missions’ ministry philosophy here at Word of Life is also one of our core values: “Reaching Neighbors and Nations for Christ.”

Our missions can be summed up in 3 words: Go, Send and Serve. 

GO

Jesus said in Matt. 28:20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” He goes on to describe the process of how to make disciples and then promises to be with us.  We have a clear direct command to go.  The gospel was, and is meant to be shared with all people everywhere!  Jesus gives the greatest example of going.  He left heaven and made enormous sacrifices to become one of us in order to bring us the greatest news~ the gospel.  When we go, not only do we follow His example but we also go with Him and through Him and in the name of Jesus.   We see incredible needs in our world, but also opportunities to make a difference.  Going is to give of ourselves sacrificially to directly bring the Gospel to those who may have no other opportunity to hear it.  What an awesome privilege!

SEND

Jesus sent out His disciples to preach.  We also see in many places in the book of Acts the believers choosing, praying over, and sending out missionaries for the advancement of the Kingdom.  The sent ones often brought letters and financial resources from the church as well.  Romans 10:14 says, “How can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?”  That is a very good question.  Sending is as important to the spread of the gospel as going!  It is all about teamwork in the body of Christ.  Sending is the unselfish ministry of giving to missions and praying for and encouraging those who are being sent.

SERVE

I love the way Paul ends many of his epistles (letters).  He lists many people by name-calling them servants and commending them as those who “work hard in the Lord.”  There is plenty of hard work to go around!  But to serve in Mission work is to participate in the plan of God.  His heart is to seek and save the lost. 2 Cor. 9:12 “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”  Serving is providing practical hands on help in various ways to bring hope and healing to those in need.