World Missions ISO 305

Rev. Robert Thomas Clark

MARLOU NOYA
Diploma in Theology and Christian Ministry

When Everything is Mission

Chapter 4

Embarking on the journey of reflecting upon the missional mandate and the idea that every

Christian is a missionary evokes a deep contemplation of my own faith and purpose. As I ponder

the insights gleaned from Chapter 4 of "When Everything Is Missions" by Denny Spitters and

Matthew Ellison, I find myself wrestling with the profound implications of being sent into the

world, just as Jesus was sent by the Father.

The resonance of John 20:21 lingers in my mind—a reminder that my identity as a follower

of Christ is intricately tied to a divine mission. The priesthood of all believers, as illuminated in 1

Peter 2:5-9, awakens a sense of empowerment and responsibility within me. It's not merely a

privilege but a calling to declare the praises of the One who called me out of darkness into His

marvelous light. "When Everything Is Missions" by Denny Spitters and Matthew Ellison delves

into the essence of Christian missions, exploring the idea that every believer is called to be a

missionary. Chapter 4, "Is Every Christian A Missionary?" scrutinizes the biblical foundations of

this assertion, drawing upon key verses and the perspectives of influential figures like Charles

Spurgeon.

John 20:21 and the Missional Mandate:

The authors rightly highlight John 20:21, where Jesus commissions His disciples, saying,

"As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." This clear declaration resonates with the

concept that Christians are sent into the world just as Jesus was sent by the Father. The priesthood

of all believers, as elucidated in 1 Peter 2:5-9, empowers every Christian with the responsibility to

declare God's praises, thus affirming their missionary calling.

The Great Commission:

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Rev. Robert Thomas Clark

Matthew 28:18-20 reinforces the idea that the mandate to make disciples is not exclusive

to a select group but extends to every follower of Christ. Missionaries, in this context, are not an

elite class but individuals tasked with the universal imperative of discipleship. The chapter aptly

dismantles the notion that these imperatives are the exclusive privilege of a select few.

The Great Commission, encapsulated in Matthew 28:18-20, challenges any inclination to

relegate mission work to a select few. The notion that every disciple is commissioned to make

disciples reinforces the understanding that my faith journey is inherently intertwined with the

mission of expanding the Kingdom of God.

Charles Spurgeon's potent words, "Every Christian here is either a missionary or an

impostor," stir a self-examination of my own outreach to the world around me. Does my life

genuinely reflect the transformative power of Christ, reaching beyond the confines of personal

comfort and complacency? Spurgeon's assertion serves as a mirror, compelling me to assess the

authenticity of my discipleship.

Spurgeon's Quotable Wisdom:

Charles Spurgeon's famous assertion, "Every Christian here is either a missionary or an

impostor," adds weight to the argument. While it may seem a bold claim, Spurgeon likely suggests

that genuine discipleship manifests in reaching out to the world—a sentiment consistent with the

missional mandate emphasized in the New Testament.

Defining "Missionary" Biblically:

The absence of the term "missionary" in the Bible prompts a thoughtful inquiry into its

biblical validity. Kevin DeYoung's assertion that a missionary is essentially someone who has been

sent aligns with biblical principles. Viewing missionaries as ambassadors sent on a mission for the

King draws parallels to the apostolic roles portrayed in the New Testament.

The absence of the term "missionary" in the Bible, juxtaposed with Kevin DeYoung's

definition, invites me to ponder the essence of being sent. Am I living as one sent by the King, an
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Rev. Robert Thomas Clark

ambassador with a divine mission? The biblical narrative, while not explicitly using the term,

underscores the intrinsic connection between discipleship and the call to be sent into the world.

This personal reflection prompts me to reconsider my role in the grand narrative of God's

redemptive plan. It challenges me to embrace the truth that my faith is not a passive acceptance

but an active participation in the unfolding mission of God. As I navigate the tensions between

comfort and commission, I am reminded that being a missionary is not confined to a geographical

location but encompasses the everyday interactions, relationships, and opportunities to share the

transformative message of Christ.

In conclusion, Chapter 4 of "When Everything Is Missions" adeptly establishes the biblical

foundation for the assertion that every Christian is a missionary. The missional mandate, rooted in

verses like John 20:21 and 1 Peter 2:5-9, challenges the misconception of mission work as an

exclusive privilege. Charles Spurgeon's powerful words and the exploration of the term

"missionary" contribute to a nuanced understanding of the universal call for believers to actively

engage in the mission of making disciples. The chapter reinforces the notion that the essence of

missions is woven into the very fabric of Christianity, making every believer a participant in God's

redemptive plan for the world.

In the end, this reflection propels me towards a renewed commitment—a commitment to

live out my faith authentically, recognizing that, in the eyes of Spurgeon, I am either a missionary

or an impostor. May my life resonate with the missional heartbeat of God, echoing the truth that

every Christian is indeed called to be a missionary in the diverse landscapes of everyday life.

redemptive narrative.