.png) In His last words to His gathered disciples, Jesus reminded them that all authority in heaven and earth had been given to Him. He commanded them, on the basis of that truth, to peoples of the earth; to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and to teach them to obey all of His commands. Jesus then gave His followers this promise: I am with you until this age is fulfilled and history is consummated (Matthew 28:18-20). Authentic church growth is fueled by a passion to see the Great Commission fulfilled. Therefore, as a church our mission is to fulfill the Great Commission.
The Great Commission is our biblical focus. Obedience to the Great Commission is the appropriate goal for any church. Church growth results from obedience to the Great Commission.
The Great Commission ensures our church supernatural empowering. Focus and passion on fulfilling the Great Commission promises supernatural empowering (Acts 1:8). This promise, when understood, creates expectancy and engenders a “can-do” attitude. It is not the arrogant we-can-do attitude, but the assured He-can=do attitude. He can supply all our needs.
The Great Commission assures us of a balanced strategy. The Lord gave us a threefold strategy outlined by the words going, baptizing, and teaching. Notice the three step sequence of disciple making:
1. Going = Evangelizing
2. Baptizing = Assimilating
3. Teaching = Discipling
We believe a great COMMITMENT to the Great COMMISSION produces a great CHURCH! |
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