World Missions ISO 305

Rev. Robert Thomas Clark

MARLOU NOYA
Diploma in Theology and Christian Ministry

When Everything is Mission

Chapter 1

As I delved into the first chapter of "When Everything Is Missions" by Denny Spitters and

Matthew Ellison, I found myself confronted with the weighty question: Why should we care about

words in the context of missions? The authors' exploration of the confusion and disagreements

among church and missions leaders struck a chord, prompting a deep reflection on the essence of

the Great Commission. In the opening chapter of "When Everything Is Missions" by Denny

Spitters and Matthew Ellison, the authors dive into the crucial question of why we should care

about words when it comes to missions. The chapter addresses the prevalent confusion and

disagreements among church and missions leaders regarding the purpose and goal of the Great

Commission.

The authors highlight a profound statement by Stephen Neill, emphasizing the need for

clarity in defining and articulating the mission. Neill's assertion, "When everything is mission,

nothing is mission," serves as a guiding principle throughout the chapter.

The central argument revolves around the necessity of precision in understanding and

communicating the mission of God. The authors assert that a clear definition is essential to avoid

mission becoming an umbrella term encompassing every aspect of church activities. By doing so,

they contend, we risk diluting the distinctiveness and urgency of the Great Commission.

The resonating quote by Stephen Neill, "When everything is mission, nothing is mission,"

lingered in my thoughts. It echoed the idea that a lack of precision and clarity in defining the

mission could lead to a dilution of its significance. I couldn't help but consider instances in my

own life where the mission of God might have been inadvertently broadened to encompass routine

tasks and activities.

 World Missions ISO 305
Rev. Robert Thomas Clark

The authors' emphasis on the importance of defining the mission struck me as a crucial

element in mobilizing all of God's people effectively. It made me ponder how a clear and concise

understanding of the mission could serve as a unifying force, aligning believers toward a common

goal. The call for cultural articulation of the mission also resonated with me, recognizing the need

for relevance in different contexts.

The chapter underscores the idea that a well-defined mission is crucial for engaging all of

God's people in all aspects of His mission. The authors advocate for the importance of both

defining the mission and choosing culturally relevant expressions of it. This dual approach, they

argue, is necessary for effective engagement and avoids the pitfalls of a broad and ambiguous

understanding of mission.

Additionally, the authors caution against an all-encompassing definition that includes

mundane tasks and general activities under the umbrella of God's mission. They assert that such

an approach can diminish the significance of spreading the gospel and reaching unreached people

groups.

Reflecting on my own experiences within the church and broader community, I wondered

about the potential impact of a well-defined mission. How might it shape the way we approach

outreach, engage with our communities, and prioritize our efforts? The caution against an all-

encompassing definition challenged me to reevaluate whether certain activities in my life truly

align with the core mission of spreading the gospel.

In conclusion, this chapter sparked a personal journey of introspection. It encouraged me

to reexamine my understanding of the Great Commission, urging me to seek clarity in its definition

and relevance in my life. As I navigate the complexities of living out God's mission, I am

challenged to ensure that my actions align with the profound purpose of spreading the gospel and

reaching those who have yet to hear its transformative message.

Chapter 1 of "When Everything Is Missions" sets the stage for a thoughtful exploration of

the complexities surrounding the Great Commission. The authors argue for a balanced perspective
 World Missions ISO 305
Rev. Robert Thomas Clark

that combines a clear definition of the mission with culturally relevant articulations, aiming to

mobilize all believers effectively and prevent the mission of God from being diluted or distorted

by including everything under its umbrella. This chapter serves as a call to precision and

intentionality in understanding and communicating the mission of God.