Mar 20 - DAY 36 - Made for a Mission

Day 36

Made for a Mission

Jesus said,

As the Father has sent me,

I am sending you.

John 20:21 NIV

“God wants you to have both a ministry in the Body of Christ and a mission in the world.”

Look close. What’s the difference between ministry and mission?

Ministry is pointed in – in toward the church. And it’s critical. If the body of Christ is to function, the church desperately needs people to use their gifts. Some teach and other lead songs. Some fix church toilets and others balance the checkbook. Some care for the children; others love to visit the sick and elderly.

Scripture tells us that we each have gifts to bless the church. This is “ministry,” and as Rick Warren says, “God [definitely] wants you to have … a ministry in the Body of Christ.

“God [also] wants you to have a mission in the world.” What’s mission compared to ministry. Well, if ministry is “in,” then mission is “out.”

Rick Warren tells us that mission comes from the Latin roots that mean “sent.” Jesus tells us to go – to “go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples” (Mt 28:19). History calls these words – which include, “teach [the people of all nations]” – the Great Commission.

Lutherans are not always comfortable with mission – especially when we call it evangelism. Ethnically, Lutherans are from cold weather countries. We’re quiet, stoic, and humble.

In general, we’d rather let our actions speak for themselves. This can be a valid start to evangelism. And historically the Lutheran church has done some great things. But mission is also personal. Who are you telling? Who do you need to tell?

At the beginning of this week, that last question is a good place to start: “Who do you need to tell?” Starting today, begin praying for them. Praying and praying and praying.

In Christ’s Love,

A guy who loves the old saying,

“Before you talk to your friend about Jesus,

talk to Jesus about your friend.”