Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It...

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

1. What stands out to you in the Every Nation mission statement? Why?

2. Why is honoring God the foundation of our mission? How does this “why” give clarity and motivation for what we do?

3. We participate in mission by praying for, sending, and becoming laborers. Which of these is God stirring in your heart right now?

A Bible and a Passport

Main Thought

Jesus sends all of His followers out beyond their comfort zones to announce the kingdom of God. This call might even take us around the world. People in the Every Nation family are often challenged to ensure that they have “a Bible and a passport” handy. We need to be ready to go where God calls us when He calls us. When we step out, serve, and extend His love, we don’t just impact others - we’re also changed. Our faith “flexes.” We find opportunities to exercise our faith and strengthen it. This results in growth that we can’t find in our comfort zones. We bring joy back with us when we return from participating in the Mission of God. Is your Bible ready? Is your passport ready? Are you ready?

Main Passages

17 When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” 18 “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! 19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. 20 But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” 21 At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.

- Luke 10:17–21, NLT

9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

- 2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT

13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

- Acts 4:13, NLT

Discussion Questions

1. Why does stepping into uncomfortable places, unfamiliar spaces, or even cross-cultural missions grow our dependence on God?

2. How have you grown spiritually when you’ve shared the gospel, supported missionaries, or served beyond your normal context?

3. Is there anyone around you who you can bless by praying for them, giving to them, or sharing the love of God with them? Is there a way for you to bless those beyond your ordinary reach?

M.O.G.S.

Main Thought

People often look to “Men of God” or “Women of God” for guidance. That can be very good. However, if we begin to rely on them for things that only God can do - like feeding our souls, meeting our need for approval, or carrying our faith - then we put our spiritual health at risk. We might develop the dangerous Man of God Syndrome (M.O.G.S.). This spiritual illness shifts our foundation, changes our focus, and threatens the fruit of our lives and our communities of faith.

The good news is that Jesus gives us the cure for the Man of God Syndrome. He saved us, He served us, and He empowers us to make a difference. Every follower of Christ is called to be part of the people of God. We resist M.O.G.S. when we point others back to Jesus. Still, living for God can be exhausting. We need to learn a new rhythm of grace. Think of it like breathing: we inhale by pausing in God’s presence, and we exhale by pushing forward in God’s mission. When we live in this rhythm, we can endure the race God has set before us and leave a lasting impact on those around us.

Main Passages

Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. 

- 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, MSG

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Mark 10:45, ESV

“…what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”
- 2 Timothy 2:2, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. Who or what do you rely on most as a source of strength, confidence, and even as a foundation of faith? Do you think relying on those things helps you, or distracts you from what matters most? 

2. Think about the things you do to make disciples (help people know and follow Jesus), along with the ministries you’re a part of at church. How can you make sure you (and the teams you’re a part of) are producing fruit that will last?

3. The Christian life is like breathing - inhale by pausing in God’s presence, exhale by pushing forward in His mission. Which side of the rhythm do you more naturally? Which side of the rhythm do you need more of right now, and why?

The Recipe for Ministry

Main Thought

Advancing God’s Kingdom through the fulfillment of the Great Commission is a noble cause - but it will take a lot of work. Who is responsible for completing this great task? One might assume that it should be the “professional” Christians - the pastors, prophets, and other leaders - who are primarily responsible for ministry. The Apostle Paul clarifies this in Ephesians 4. Christian leaders are responsible for equipping other Christians to minister. 

Every member is a minister! Everyone can pray with someone else. Everyone can share Jesus through an invitation, a scripture, or their testimony. Everyone can bring Jesus into their daily lives. If you’re a member of the body of Christ, then God empowers you to do all of these things right now. Maturity comes more quickly through participation than it does through observation alone. God can help us make a difference, and He can help us grow as we go.  

Main Passages

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 

- Ephesians 4:11–13 NLT

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 

- 1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

- 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or the Main Passages above?

2. What does it mean to you that every believer is called to ministry? How does this perspective change your view of your role in the church?

3. Think about your connections, your story (or testimony), and your spiritual gifts. How can you use these things to serve people outside the church? How can you use those things to serve people inside the church? (Thank you to everyone who is already serving so well!)

Discipleship is Relationship

Main Thought:

When you hear the word discipleship, what picture comes to mind? Maybe a class, a workbook, or a teacher lecturing students? Those tools can help, but when Jesus said, “Go and make disciples,” He wasn’t thinking of a program—He was thinking of people walking together. Discipleship is not about stuffing our heads with Bible facts. It’s about letting Jesus change our hearts and walking alongside others as He does the same in them. Discipleship happens when life is shared in Christ-centered relationships.

Life Groups, let’s remember:

• Discipleship begins with your relationship with Jesus. 

• Discipleship grows as we share life with others. 

• Discipleship multiplies when we invest in relationships that last beyond us.

Discipleship is not a class to finish; it’s a life to share. Jesus came not to give us a religion, but to bring us into relationship—with God, and with one another. So let’s live this truth: “Discipleship is relationship.”

Main Passages:

'“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”’ (Note: the Greek for ‘you’ here is plural, meaning that Jesus called the disciples as a community - not only as individuals.) 

- Matthew 4:19 NIV

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

- Mathew 28:18-20 NIV

“so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

- 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV

Questions:

1. What do you think it means to “get closer to God “ or “walk with Jesus”?

2. Are you walking closely with Jesus? Who is helping and encouraging you to achieve that?

3. What relationship is God calling you to start investing in today? Is there an opportunity for you to disciple someone, or help them grow closer to Jesus?

One Move That Changes Everything

Main Thought

There is a story of a young man who won a judo tournament after mastering one unstoppable move. In his book WikiChurch, Every Nation president and pastor Steve Murrell writes that the one move we should try to master - as individual Christians and as churches - is making disciples in small groups. Small groups, which ENLV refers to as Life Groups, give us the opportunity to connect authentically. Entering into safe, caring, and genuine community with others unlocks incredible benefits that God intended for us to experience. We can process God’s Word together, and strive to apply it to our lives. We can pray for one another. We can learn from each other. Over time, as trust is built, we can experience healing and growth when we’re open and honest with one another. We can lovingly hold one another accountable to God and His Word. All of these benefits and blessings can grow as people are added and when Life Groups are multiplied.

Main Passages

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

- Matthew 28:18–20, NIV

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem… to the ends of the earth.”

- Acts 1:8

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness..“

- 2 Corinthians 12:9

Discussion Questions

1. What is your favorite part of Life Group and why? (If you’re new to Life Group, then which one of the benefits listed above intrigues you most?)

2. Why do you think vulnerability is so crucial for building genuine relationships, and what are some barriers that prevent us from being vulnerable?

3. Is there anyone you know in Las Vegas who would benefit from a Life Group? Try to think of at least one person. Pray for them, then look for ways to help them connect to one.

Famous Last Words

Main Thought

So many of us have busy lives. There’s a lot we have to do as individuals, as families, and even as a church. What should we do first, and who gets to decide? As Christians, we follow the lead of Christ. Jesus used His last moments on earth to make our mission clear. He sent His people out to “make disciples,” or to help people know and follow Him. The last words of Christ should be our first priority. It’s the best way to love God and love people at the same time. It’s the only thing we can do for God on earth that we can’t do in eternity. But is there a way to balance the last command of Christ - the Great Commission - with everything else we have to do? Absolutely. We can bring the Great Commission into every other mission. The Great Commission involves helping other people know and follow Jesus. Almost everything we do involves other people. We can pray for and pursue opportunities to connect, with peoples’ need for Christ in mind. Doing this helps us make a difference that lasts forever. Everything becomes meaningful when we live for eternity.

Main Passages

'After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands…'

- Revelation 7:9

'And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 28:18-20

'For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

- Luke 19:10

Discussion Questions

1. A lot of people are searching for purpose or meaning. Why is it important to find purpose in a cause or a calling that lasts?

2. Why do you think Jesus used His last moment on earth to send His disciples out on mission?

3. How can you “bring the Great Commission into every other mission,” and make a difference as a part of your day-to-day life? (Examples: is there a person or a group of people you can pray for or connect with? Are you in the process of knowing God more, and/or making God known?)