Main Thought
Jesus’ final words on earth were not just a blessing; they were a mission briefing. He sent His followers to make disciples of all nations, to baptize, to teach, and to be witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Acts 1:8-9). The worldwide Every Nation family has contextualized the last words of Christ in a statement that defines who we are and what we do. If you’re a member of the Every Nation family, then your mission - should you choose to accept it - is this:
“Every Nation exists to honor God by establishing Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, and socially responsible churches and campus ministries in every nation.”
This short, simple mission reminds us of powerful truths:
Why do we do what we do? To honor God.
Who are we called to be? Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, and socially responsible.
What do we do as a movement? Establish churches and campus ministries.
We live this out by praying for, sending, and becoming laborers in God’s mission. Everyone in the Every Nation family has an important part to play.
Main Passages
'And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” '
- Mark 16:15-18
'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. '
- Acts 1:8-9
'Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”'
- Matthew 9:37-38
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Every Nation mission statement? Why?
Why is honoring God the foundation of our mission? How does this “why” give clarity and motivation for what we do?
We participate in mission by praying for, sending, and becoming laborers. Which of these is God stirring in your heart right now?