This week’s message has quickly become a favorite of mine. I love missions. My position with the church often affords me the opportunity to be involved in different kinds of local mission work. It has become a true passion of mine.
One of the greatest experiences of my life to this point was the opportunity to live this out on a global field. In 2019, I had the privilege of traveling with c|Life to Ghana, intending to serve others there, of course. It was only in the actual experiences there that I realized that I was the one receiving the blessings. When I tell you that having a mission changed my life, it is the truth.
The Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
— Matthew 28:19–20
To this day, I am still in awe of the relationships that developed on my quest to put my feet on the ground in a foreign country. My family was behind me 100%. They understood and supported my decision, helped me prepare and pay for it, and stood in my gap while I was gone. The team I traveled with created lifelong bonds, both in the preparation and execution of our purpose while we were there. We were 100% bought in. The relationships formed with the wonderful people I met in Ghana over those 10 days continue to this day. Literally, we talk almost daily. And most importantly, my time in Ghana is not over. My heart desires to return and take others with me when I go.
But there was a time in my life that this was not on my radar at all. After the sermon, I began to think, “How does one develop a mission and bring it into their relationships? Where does it start? And is the thought of it so overwhelming to some that they never step out to discover the mission God has for their life? What if I had never stepped out?” I would have missed out on enormous blessings! But where should one begin to develop their mission?
If the thought of this is overwhelming to you, I can tell you with great confidence that you are not alone. Yesterday, I had the privilege of sitting under the teaching of our amazing Forney campus pastor, Nick Edwards. What he shared set off a lightbulb moment in my mind. It reminded me of how, in my quest to expand my mission, I had gone from start to the goal. It didn’t happen overnight. It took time and developing relationships to achieve the mission I felt called to. With the thought that what he taught might help others in developing a mission for their lives and relationships, I am going to share a portion of it with you:
First, identify what your preferred mission is. Not the status quo. What is your heart’s desire to accomplish as your mission? Identify the first two goals that will set you on the path to your desired mission. Your what (What do I/we want the future to look like?) Next, identify two tangible steps that you can take right now to move you toward your mission. And third, identify two people that can help you. Who are you in relationship with that can partner with, mentor, encourage, educate, pray for and believe in you?
By taking the first step towards the mission God intends for your life, you will begin to see the relationships develop in support of that mission. Be ready and willing to identify and appreciate the role your relationships play in your mission. Are they participants or supporters? (Remember that both roles are important.) Be bold in asking those around you to pray for you. By stepping out in faith and discovering the mission that God has for our lives, we set a new path towards fulfilling the Great Commission God has given to us.