World Missions ISO 305

Rev. Robert Thomas Clark

MARLOU NOYA
Diploma in Theology and Christian Ministry

When Everything is Mission

Chapter 2

Upon diving into Chapter 2 of "When Everything Is Missions," I found myself grappling

with the profound idea that missions is not an accessory to my faith but an integral part of God's

very nature. The words of Pastor Chris Anderson resonated deeply within me, challenging the

notion that missions is a secondary pursuit for Christians.

The analogy presented by Stephen R. Covey, comparing our actions to a ladder leaning

against the right or wrong wall, struck a chord. It made me ponder the direction of my own spiritual

journey and whether my endeavors align with God's mission. Am I climbing the ladder of my faith

with a clear understanding of the ultimate purpose, or am I merely advancing without a conscious

connection to God's redemptive plan? In the second chapter of "When Everything Is Missions" by

Denny Spitters and Matthew Ellison, the authors delve into the fundamental question of what

constitutes the mission of believers. They open with a quote from Stephen R. Covey, highlighting

the importance of ensuring our efforts are aligned with the right purpose. This echoes the biblical

wisdom found in Proverbs 4:26, urging believers to ponder the path of their feet to ensure a sure

and righteous way.

The chapter challenges the notion that missions is merely an optional addition to normal

Christianity. Pastor Chris Anderson asserts that missions is not an extraneous element but is, in

fact, intrinsic to the very heart of Christianity. He suggests that the essence of missions is

embedded in the nature of God Himself, dubbing God as the Great Missionary of the Scriptures.

The exploration of mission words in the Bible is crucial in understanding the foundation

of the missionary call. The authors question whether the Bible explicitly defines terms like

mission, missions, and missionaries. This resonates with the skepticism often raised about concepts
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Rev. Robert Thomas Clark

not explicitly named in scripture. However, the chapter wisely points out that many key concepts

central to the historical Church, such as the Trinity, evangelism, sacraments, and church planting,

are also absent from the Bible in explicit terms. Yet, through sound biblical exegesis, these

concepts are revealed to be more than mere human constructions.

The argument presented suggests that while the specific terms may not be explicitly found

in the Bible, the underlying principles and concepts of mission are woven into the fabric of

scripture. It emphasizes the importance of interpreting scripture holistically and extracting the

essence of mission from the biblical narrative.

The exploration of mission-related terminology in the Bible prompted me to reflect on the

significance of language in shaping our understanding of faith. The absence of explicit terms like

mission, missions, and missionaries in the Bible challenged me to consider how deeply ingrained

these concepts are in the narrative, even without specific labels. It reminded me that faith is not

confined to linguistic boundaries but extends to the essence of God's purpose.

As I contemplated Proverbs 4:26, urging me to ponder the path of my feet, I found myself

reassessing my actions and decisions. Am I walking in alignment with God's mission, or do I need

to recalibrate my steps? The chapter encouraged me to embrace a holistic interpretation of

scripture, recognizing the overarching theme of God's redemptive mission.

In light of this, the authors guide readers to recognize that the absence of explicit

terminology does not diminish the significance of missions in the biblical context. Instead, it

challenges believers to discern the overarching theme of God's redemptive mission throughout the

scriptures. As the authors imply, the mission is not a human invention but a divine calling rooted

in the very nature of God.

In conclusion, Chapter 2 of "When Everything Is Missions" prompts believers to

contemplate the profound connection between the missionary heart of God and the essential

mission entrusted to His followers. It encourages a thoughtful consideration of the biblical

foundation for mission, reminding us that even if the terminology is not explicitly present, the
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Rev. Robert Thomas Clark

mission is undeniably embedded in the heart of God's redemptive plan. This chapter stirred a

renewed sense of purpose within me. It challenged me to view missions not as an external

obligation but as a reflection of God's heart. It called me to reassess the language I use to describe

my faith journey and prompted a deeper exploration of the divine mission embedded in the

scriptures. Ultimately, it ignited a desire to align my steps with the profound mission of the Great

Missionary, trusting that every stride is a meaningful part of God's redemptive narrative.