Before engaging in a missions effort, it is valuable for the sending church to develop the right foundation of what they believe about global missions and what they are uniquely called to do as a church in global missions. This foundation is called “missions convictions”. This resource provides examples of mission convictions from five churches in different contexts, which may inspire leaders in the development of their own church’s mission convictions.

Church Example #1

1) Because God has made Jesus Christ the head of the church, his Word and his Spirit are the authority and guide of our mission convictions and strategy. Luke 9:23-26; Colossians 1:15-20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

As part of the church that Jesus bought with his own blood, we have the privilege of submitting to him, who holds all authority in heaven and on earth. Thus, our definition of success is His definition of success. This is why all our mission convictions begin with “Because God…” We should shape our identity as a church on mission by the truth of who God is. He has revealed Himself and His mission sufficiently through His Son, which is now recorded in the full counsel of Scripture and enacted in the person of the Holy Spirit.

2) Because God desires to bear much eternal fruit through us, our desire is to abide in him and bear much fruit. John 15:1-8; Titus 2:11-14; 1 John 2:24-25

Our hermeneutic (way of interpreting) for the Christian life isn’t just relationship with God (faith), nor just mission for God (obedience), but both. In other words, the Christian life is union with Christ. And true union with Christ leads to a fruitful life. Apart from him we can do nothing, but united to him we can obey everything he commanded (Matthew 28:20), and do even greater things than he did (John 14:12). Because we have been united to Christ, our desire to reach the neighborhood and the nations isn’t a matter of appeasing God, but pleasing him as ones who, in Christ, are already well-pleasing to him (Matthew 3:17). Thus, all the following mission convictions are dependent on our moment-by-moment union and communion with Christ.

3) Because God intends to conform us to the image of his Son, his mission includes both what he does in us and through us. Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 1:3-6

A Western approach to God’s mission tends to be very pragmatic (what we are doing for God). Unfortunately, this neglects what God is doing for us. Yes, God desires for us to bring him glory in our obedience to his Son, but he also desires for us to be conformed to the image of his Son. Just as God’s mission is two-armed—by the Son and through the Spirit—its purpose is also two-fold: all creation’s obedience to Christ and all the church’s formation in Christ. They both bring glory to God. They carry equal significance. They deserve intentional distinction, yet they cannot be separated. This is why God uses fragile humans to fulfill his mission rather than simply accomplishing it entirely by himself.

4)  Because God is a sending God, we are all called to the identity and practice of sent ones. Genesis 1:26-28; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Galatians 4:12

From eternity past, the Father, Son, and Spirit expressed glory and love in perfect union. It was an exchange that came straight from the heart of who God is. This is crucial to understanding God not as one who needed anything. Instead, he willingly extended glory and love outside himself. He emanated. He initiated. He sent. Even after sin corrupted the world, he continued to send his Spirit, word, angels, law, messengers, judges, priests, kings, and prophets—not to mention his own Son (Galatians 4:5). Then Father and Son sent the Spirit, and Father, Son, and Spirit sent the apostles to start a chain reaction of sent ones. All that to say, because God is a sending God, all of us—the moment we enter into Christ—are sent ones with equal birthrights in God’s mission.

5)  Because God is fulfilling his mission through the church, everything we do is ultimately aimed toward multiplying fruitful disciples. Matthew 22:34-40, 28:16-20; Galatians 6:9-10; 2 Timothy 2:1-2

There is much debate over the question, “What is the mission of the church?” Answers range from social justice to human flourishing to faithful preaching to global missions. This is a really hard question, and we’re not trying to answer it in this paragraph. What we are saying, however, is that everything we consider doing should be weighed according to its potential for multiplying fruitful disciples. That doesn’t mean we only evangelize to the exclusion of, for example, caring for the poor, addressing injustice, or serving the community. Rather, caring for the poor, addressing injustice, and serving our community are parts of the normal Christian life that contribute to opportunities for multiplying fruitful disciples. This is what it means to love God and neighbor, to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). Individually, as we go into all aspects of life, we seek to sow seeds of the gospel, and God brings the harvest. Corporately, as we go into all seasons of our church, we are ultimately aiming to multiply fruitful disciples through the pathways of evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.

6)  Because God is fulfilling his mission, our foremost task and privilege in all we do is prayer. Luke 10:1-2; John 15:16, 17:1-26; Acts 13:1-3; Revelation 5:8

If we were commissioned to complete God’s mission apart from his authority, presence, and provision, then prayer would only be a kind gesture. But since we are desperately dependent on him to obey all his commands, prayer is absolutely necessary. Without prayer our best strategies and efforts can even put us at odds with God and his plans. Thus, everything we do should be characterized by fervent prayer.

7) Because God owns everything and gives freely to us, we give sacrificially to his mission as guided by relationships. Matthew 25:14-30; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Philippians 4:10-20; 3 John 5-8

Whether we recognize it or not, everything we have individually and as a church belongs to God. Therefore, we want to steward and leverage it well for God’s glory. This should be reflected in our individual bank accounts as well as our church budget. Since the needs and opportunities for missional giving are endless, as a church we determine what persons and ministries to give to based on our ongoing relationship with those persons and ministries.

8) Because Christ suffered in his mission to us, we embrace that God uses our suffering in mission to others. Matthew 5:11-12; Philippians 1:29-30, 2:5-8, 3:10; Hebrews 5:8; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 1 Peter 4:12-19; Romans 5:1-5

Without a doubt, suffering is a normal part of life in Christ. God uses suffering to make us more like him. Furthermore, the deeper we press into God’s mission, the more acute our suffering will likely become. This doesn’t just mean persecution, but also spiritual warfare, physical and emotional pain, financial crisis, burnout, marital tension, conflict, etc. We want to proactively recognize that, in Christ, suffering doesn’t detract from our mission but can be used formationally to contribute to.

9) Because God is redeeming a church from every nation, tribe, people, and language, our mission is global in scope. Genesis 12:1-3; Habakkuk 2:14; Acts 2:1-7; Revelation 7:9-10

The theme of God’s heart for all nations runs from the beginning to the end of the Bible. Not only that, but out church was planted it was intended to focus on the internationally diverse population of our neighborhood. As it served that purpose, it also naturally drew Christians who love other cultures, many of whom desired to serve particular ethnic groups either locally or globally. In the time and place in which we live, we have the unique opportunity to participate in God’s global mission right here in our neighborhood. Yet we also must continue distributing members well overseas.

10) Because God pursues those who are far from him, we value mission among unreached and forgotten people. Isaiah 49:1-6; Luke 5:30-32; Romans 10:13-17, 15:20-21

Although our temptation could become building a tower to the heavens with our church’s logo on top (Genesis 11:1-9), we must fight to constantly look outward toward those who do not know Jesus. The “unreached” are those who have no one actively confronting them with the gospel. On a broader scale, the unreached are also entire ethnic peoples who have few among them actively confronting them with the gospel. The “forgotten” are those who are marginalized by our assumption that they are already familiar with the gospel (or could be if they wanted to), and are thus viewed as less worthy of the gospel. On a broader scale, that could mean ethnic groups where the gospel has been in centuries past.

Church Example #2

We as a church seek to do all things rooted in the Word of God, for the glory of His name and for the transformation of people’s lives. When we think about what part our church should  play in the area of global missions, we are driven by the following core convictions.  

CONVICTION #1 OUR GOD IS A MISSIONARY GOD AND HIS DESIRE IS TO SEE HIS GLORY  SPREAD AMONG ALL PEOPLES.  

The Bible is a book about God and his plan to redeem man. No one can deny the truth that God loves his people and is committed to redemption. In the same way, when we look at Scripture we are convinced that the unreached world is a priority to God. From the Old Testament all the way through the New Testament, we find a theme of God’s heart for the nations. Isaiah 45:22 communicates God’s words  when it says, “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.”  Habakkuk 2:14 states, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the  water covers the sea.” The collection of passages that describe God’s heart for the nations are rich and  overwhelming (Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 9:14-16 linked to Joshua 2:1-11; Isaiah 49:1-6,22; Psalm 67;  Jonah; Malachi 1:10-11; Matthew 24:14; Mark 16:15; John 12:32; Acts 1:8; Revelation 5:6-10). We see God’s missionary heart communicated when Jesus proclaims that his followers are to take the message of Christ’s death and resurrection to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).  

Over and over again we see the theme of God desiring to see his name proclaimed and worshiped among all tribes, languages, peoples and nations on earth. This is clearly shown in Revelation 7:9-10 as believers from every people group on earth stand before God at the end of time and worship Jesus Christ in his full glory. This story in Revelation 7 displays how God longs to see his name and glory push back the veil of darkness that covers our world. It gives us the assurance that he will accomplish  this task.  

Simply stated, God is a missionary God who is passionate about his name being proclaimed and worshipped among all nations.  

CONVICTION #2 MISSIONS IS DEFINED AS GREAT COMMISSION FULFILLMENT.  

We affirm that there are a number of good works being done around the world that bring help and healing to many. We rejoice in this and desire to see this continue, but we also recognize that the priority  for the church must include ministry that flows from the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). This is identified as a ministry that focuses primarily on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. This does not mean we ignore “deed” based ministry. In fact, we seek to do ministry that is holistic in nature—ministry that is centered on both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:34-40), both Word and deed. We seek to meet the needs of those around us as we proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and plant new churches. 

When we talk about doing international missions we see this as doing Great Commission ministry that is fully realized in planting reproducing churches. All of our international missionaries must be involved primarily in seeking to wholly fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment through gospel proclamation, discipling believers, and planting new churches. We recognize that the Great Commission ministry will take on different forms in different contexts, therefore we encourage our people and partners to use the gifts they have to take the gospel forward. 

CONVICTION #3 THE LOCAL CHURCH SHOULD BE ACTIVE IN SENDING OUT, SUSTAINING AND CARING FOR ITS MEMBERS SERVING CROSS-CULTURALLY.  

The Great Commission was given to the church and it is the church’s responsibility to identify, train up, send, sustain, partner with, and care for its own missionaries. Our heart is to see the local church once again become deeply involved in the whole process of training, sending, and sustaining missionaries. We also recognize that there are numerous missions organizations that local churches can partner with to see this happen effectively. We are committed to partnering with like-minded mission organizations who are passionate about empowering churches in global missions.  

In Acts 13:1-3 we see the elders of the church at Antioch coming together to fast and worship. As they did so, the Holy Spirit called out Paul and Barnabas to cross-cultural ministry. After they fasted and prayed, they laid hands on them and sent them off to carry out the ministry God had called them to do. From this point on we see Paul having a close connection with Antioch specifically, along with a handful of other churches throughout his ministry. For example, we see in Acts 14:21, 26, after Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey, that they return to Antioch to share with the church what God had done. This pattern is repeated again after the second missionary journey in Acts 18:22-23. Acts 15:40 sheds further light when the church at Antioch gives their blessing and confirmation as they send out Mark with Barnabas and Silas with Paul. 

Much of Paul’s relationship with Antioch is not fully revealed in Scripture, but it is understood that Paul had a deep and meaningful relationship with his sending church. They saw his gifts, were led through the Holy Spirit to send him and Barnabas out, and had a meaningful relationship with Paul throughout his ministry. We also see Paul having a close connection with the church at Philippi shown in the many statements he wrote to the Philippian church (Philippians 1:3-8; 4:14-19). All of this reflects the priority of the local church being heavily involved in the sending and sustaining of missionaries.  

We also believe that doing international missions well must be a priority of the church. The local church must send out missionaries “in a manner worthy of God,” 3 John 6.

CONVICTION #4 PRAYER IS A VITAL WORK OF INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS.  

The ministry of praying for people groups, missionaries, national believers, and unreached areas of the world is not simply an add-on but a vital part of international missions. By God’s grace, it is through the prayers of his people that the gospel goes forward and changes the lives of the unreached and forgotten. If we neglect praying for the lost and for the believers that work among them, we neglect the full calling to take the gospel to the nations.  

The Scriptures cry out to us as believers to be active in the ministry of prayer. Ephesians 6:18-19 calls us to pray for the church and for missionaries who are reaching the lost. We read in Acts 12:5 that the church was active in praying for Christians who were being persecuted for their faith. Finally, in Luke 10, we see a call to pray for more workers to bring in the harvest of people the Lord has prepared for himself.  

As we faithfully pray for the lost, those who are taking the gospel to them, and for churches around the globe, we are actively engaged in the Great Commission. Prayer must be a foundational activity as we seek to proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and plant new churches. 

CONVICTION #5 PRIORITY SHOULD BE PLACED ON UNREACHED AND FORGOTTEN PEOPLES.  

Frontier missions can be defined as taking the gospel where it has never been before or in some cases where it has been forgotten. This could mean an unreached village in the heart of Asia or an urban city in Europe. The idea is that our priority must be placed on working in areas where there are few believers and where there are few or no vibrant reproducing churches.  

We look to Paul and his ministry as a model of taking the gospel to areas yet unreached. In Romans 15:20 Paul writes, “I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.” Paul knew that there were unbelievers all over the world, but he makes it clear that it is his desire to go and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to those areas that have not yet been reached with the gospel. This truth becomes clearer through what Paul says in Romans 15:19 and 23. When speaking of ministering in areas between Jerusalem and Northern Greece, Paul says that his work is done there. Despite there still being a majority of unbelievers in this area, Paul declares his work is over. How could Paul say his ministry was finished in that area when there were still  so many people to reach with the gospel? What Paul means here is that he is a pioneer missionary who considers his calling as taking the gospel to an unreached area, proclaiming and discipling, planting a church, raising up new leaders, and then moving on. Paul’s vision was to plant churches in unreached  areas and to see these churches reach their own communities. In light of this, Paul could say his job was done in Romans 15:19.  

We believe that the focus of our work as a church in international missions is to push deeper into the darkness of our world through proclaiming the gospel and planting churches in unreached and forgotten areas. There is great value in doing ministry in areas that have established ministries, but with our limited personnel and resources we are committed to working in frontier areas. 

CONVICTION #6 MISSIONS SHOULD HAPPEN WITHIN A TEAM CONTEXT.  

As we study through the Book of Acts and look at Paul’s ministry, we see that Paul placed a priority on doing cross-cultural ministry within the context of a team. Apart from waiting in Athens for his team to arrive, Paul always did ministry within a team context. In Acts 13 we see Paul and Barnabas sent out as  a team. In Acts 15:39-41 we see two different teams form to go out and do ministry. Acts 16:6-10 shows us that when Paul was given the Macedonian call, he used the term “we” and “us” when talking about God’s leading for ministry: “And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” We also see from Acts  18:18, 19:22, and 20:4 that Paul was on a team of eleven that served in Ephesus. Throughout Paul’s ministry he placed a huge priority on doing ministry with a team.  

From a practical standpoint we have seen numerous missionary couples and singles go out to a location alone, far from others, and within a period of time they either burn out or fall into deep isolation that forces them off the field. There are so many trials and struggles that missionaries face, and it only makes sense for them to live and serve within community.  

Because of these things, and because we as a church place so much emphasis on living in community, we require all our people and partners serving in international missions to serve within the context of a team. Our hope is that these teams will also seek to live in healthy, gospel-centered community in both their work and personal lives.  

CONVICTION #7 THEOLOGY MATTERS WHEN MULTIPLYING DISCIPLES AND CHURCHES.  

Part of the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:20 states that followers of Christ are to “teach them  to observe all that I have commanded you.” It is clear from this passage that fulfilling the Great Commission is more than just proclaiming, it is also discipling and teaching. Paul’s application of this is found in  his commitment to plant churches. Through planting churches Paul was able to teach followers of Christ the whole counsel of God. As we read through Paul’s letters we see a strong commitment to teach and raise up doctrinally sound elders and leaders. We also see a commitment to stand against false teaching.  Paul’s desire was to see the churches he planted know God and stay doctrinally pure.  

Our desire is to also stay true to the Word of God as we understand it. As our people and partners seek to proclaim, disciple, and plant, they will do so in a way that seeks to stay true to the Word of God. Since our aim in international missions is to plant new churches that reproduce, it is imperative to partner with others who share our biblical understanding in matters of orthodoxy as well as in matters we consider “closed handed” issues. Theology matters in all areas of life, but especially when we think about discipling others and planting new churches. When we do these things we are in essence reproducing ourselves and our doctrine.  

“But as for you, teach what accords with sounds doctrine,” Titus 2:1.

CONVICTION #8 HIGH VALUE SHOULD BE PLACED ON BOTH THE PROGRESS OF THE MISSION  AND THE ONGOING SPIRITUAL RENEWAL OF THE WORKER.  

At the foundation of this conviction is the truth that love and relationship undergird God’s action in the world. It is this love and relationship that moved Christ to come and dwell among men and rescue mankind (John 1:1-9). Because of this reality, God invites people into relationship with him and then their works flow out. Ephesians 2:4 says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ,” and then goes on to say in verse ten, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” It is love and relationship at the core of life and work with God.  

In very practical ways, this means that our church’s primary goal is to see our workers growing and thriving spiritually while also pushing them to invest deeply in the progress of the mission. The New Testament epistles seem to exemplify this and is why, we too, say to our missionaries, “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God,” (Phil. 1:8-11). 

CONVICTION #9 THE LOCAL CHURCH MUST LIVE AND GIVE SACRIFICIALLY SO THAT ALL  NATIONS MAY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE TRANSFORMED BY THE GOSPEL.  

In Psalm 67, the psalmist writes a beautiful song centered on the idea that God has blessed Israel so that they could in turn bless the Gentile nations around them with the knowledge of God. In verses 1 and 2 the psalmist requests the Lord to bless them (Israel) and make his face shine on them so that “your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.” They were blessed so that they could in turn bless others.  

We acknowledge the fact that we have also been blessed with the knowledge of God and have a responsibility to bless other nations with that knowledge. In order to do that more effectively we seek to be sacrificial as individuals and as a church so that more and more nations may hear the gospel of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 8:8-15 we see Paul offer a strong challenge to the Corinthian church to give in abundance to those who are in need. In verse 9 he says, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” Paul establishes a picture of Christ as our example of sacrificial giving. He gave his very life so that we, and others, could be reconciled to God and have eternal life. We as a church, both as individuals and as a corporate body, long to be good stewards of what we have been given so that others, including the lost world, can be blessed with the knowledge of the glory of God.  

Through the power of the Holy Spirit we seek to use our finances, our gifts, and our people to sacrificially take the gospel to the nations. 

Church Example #3

1. OUR PASSION FOR GOD’S GLORY FUELS OUR PASSION FOR PEOPLE. 

Because we have beheld a great God, we have felt the great need for the gospel to be spread to all people. We believe that God is worthy of the worship of every tribe, tongue, nation, and ethnicity. It is our  aim to fulfill the Great Commission so that the nations might see, and rejoice, in the goodness of God  (Matthew 28:18-19; Psalm 67:4). We will seek to accomplish this mission through being servants to the physical needs and being ministers to the spiritual needs of all the people groups God sends to us. 

2. THEOLOGY MATTERS, BECAUSE WHAT WE BELIEVE DETERMINES HOW WE BEHAVE.  

If our minds do not know God, our hearts will never love Him. We interact with His Word so that our eyes may be opened to the wonders of who He is (Psalm 119:18). Like a telescope on a dark night, we look closely at the God we serve by examining, memorizing, and studying His Word. Our desire is to see people from all nations come to know the God we have seen in Scripture.  

3. PRAYER IS THE FUEL OF MISSIONS BECAUSE MISSIONS IS DEPENDENT ON GOD, NOT US. 

We do not lean on our own strength, intellect, or strategies to win the nations. Instead, we look to God to bless our labor and provide the fruit (Matthew 9:38; Psalm 127:1). As we humble ourselves in prayer, we are reminded of the truth that every victory on the mission field belongs to God (1 Corinthians  15:57).  

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT DIRECTS AND AFFIRMS OUR FOCUS.  

This will be evident in everything we do and everywhere we go. We will not deviate from the course the Holy Spirit has called to us, no matter what it costs (John 16:13). 

5. WE BELIEVE THAT GOD SENDS, THE CHURCH AFFIRMS, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS  PARTNER.  

All missionaries are to be sent out by the calling of God and under the authority of a local church. Third parties and other ministries may come alongside and partner with missionaries, but they are never to replace the role and authority of the local church on the call to proclaim the gospel. (Acts 13, Philippians  1:3-5, 2 Corinthians 11:9)  

6. GOD IS A SENDING GOD, WHO CALLS ALL OF THE REDEEMED TO LIVE SENT.  

Because the Great Commission was given to all who follow Christ, we are all responsible for preaching the good news to the nations (Romans 10:13-15). Living sent is not an option for Christians. Like Jesus before us, we go out to the nations to gather Christ’s people through the preaching of the gospel (John 10:16). 

7. LIVING SENT IS DEFINED AS FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION IN EVERY DOMAIN OF LIFE, LOCALLY, NATIONALLY, AND GLOBALLY.  

Whether it be across the street or across the ocean, all believers are called to carry the gospel with them wherever they go (Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 10:31). 

8. THE CHURCH IS TASKED WITH SENDING, SUPPORTING, SUSTAINING, AND CARING FOR THE SOULS OF HER COVENANT MEMBERS WHO ARE SERVING LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND GLOBALLY.  

Through tithing, cheerful giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-3), and heartfelt prayers (Romans 15:30-32), each member of the church is called to support those whom God has sent.  

9. LIVING SENT NATIONALLY AND GLOBALLY SHALL HAPPEN WITHIN A TEAM CONTEXT. 

The scriptural model for sending always involves more than one person (Mark 6:7). We send out people as part of teams for the purpose of support, accountability, and camaraderie on the mission field. We expect that all of our missionaries will be willing and able to work with other people as they accomplish their calling.  

10. ALL SHORT-TERM WORK SHOULD HAVE A LONG-TERM VIEW.  

Every decision on the mission field should be done in consideration of how it will affect any future work. We will be thoughtful in every decision and intentional in every action to make sure every moment on the mission field is meaningful for all future efforts. Work on the mission field is never isolated, no matter the time frame spent on the field (2 Timothy 4:5).  

11. RELATIONSHIPS LEAD, FINANCES FOLLOW. 

We believe Scripture commands us to live with a disposition toward generosity (Matthew 5:42), while also being good stewards of the money God has given us (Matthew 25:14:30). This principle is the same for the church. When establishing new partnerships, we lead with relationships first. We believe the local church is to work alongside ministries and organizations for the sake of the gospel. Once a strong partnership has been established. We will consider partnering with the ministry or organization financially.

12. WE WILL ENGAGE SPIRITUALLY, SOCIALLY, AND ECONOMICALLY NEGLECTED PEOPLE.  

Following the example of Jesus, we aim to serve the “least of these” in every context we enter (Matthew 25:44-46). We will never show partiality toward any one group over another, but will engage all who have needs (James 2:1).  

13. WE VALUE AND ENGAGE INDIGENOUS CULTURES AND CONTEXTUALIZE OUR APPROACH  WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE GOSPEL.  

We aim, like Paul, to be “all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). This means that we will do what it takes to reach the nations without ever compromising the gospel. We will value the customs of cultures we engage, while recognizing that the gospel is countercultural. 

14. WE VALUE BOTH MARKETPLACE AND VOCATIONAL MISSIONARIES LIVING LOCALLY, NATIONALLY, AND GLOBALLY.  

We acknowledge that all Christians are called to live on mission in the boundaries and places of time that God has established. Therefore, we will do all that we can to equip the saints to fulfill the work of the ministry in all aspects of their lives through biblical training, generous giving, and earnest prayers (Ephesians 4:11-13).  

15. WE WILL CELEBRATE OBEDIENCE AND COMMUNICATE STORIES OF LIFE CHANGE.  

Every moment of Christ-exalting obedience on the path of worldwide gospel advancement is worth celebrating (Luke 15:7). We will worship the Lord for all that He does to bless our efforts on the mission  field by telling the stories of how He has impacted the lives of people He has saved (Luke 10:2). These  gatherings are based upon the principles found in Romans 15:24 and Acts 14:27.

Church Example #4

As our church seeks to be more faithful to the Great Commission and as we get more focused in our missions efforts, it is important that we are guided by principles that we can agree to as a congregation.

1. We Pray

We believe that prayer is ordained by God to advance His kingdom. Therefore, we are committed to praying for the gospel to move forward rapidly through our church’s efforts and global partnerships (2 Thess. 3:1; Matt. 9:37–38). We will gather regularly and corporately to intercede for our members on mission in our city and our partners serving around the world (Col. 4:2–4; Eph. 6:18–20).

2. We Are Church-Focused

Since the local church is God’s primary means of advancing the gospel to the nations, we prioritize church planting and strengthening as our central mission efforts (Acts 14:22; 15:32, 41; 16:5; 18:23).

Indigenous Churches

Our goal is to send church planters and missionaries to strategic cities worldwide to establish new churches or strengthen existing ones. Our missionaries aim to disciple, train, and raise indigenous pastors and leaders who can create Kingdom outposts in their own cultural contexts.

International English-Speaking Churches

We believe that international English-speaking churches are a powerful model for missions in global cities. God is drawing the nations to multicultural, multilingual urban centers, often reaching them through churches worshiping in world languages (lingua francas). Many internationals in these cities, lacking fluency in the local language, worship in a second or third language, often English. We are committed to sending elder-qualified missionaries and teams to lead these churches, reaching the nations in these urban contexts.

3. We Prioritize Cities

As the Lord gathers the nations into urban centers at an unprecedented pace, we are dedicated to church planting and strengthening in global cities. To take the Great Commission seriously, we must focus on reaching cities both in North America and worldwide.

The Bible and the City

Scripture provides a compelling vision of hope centered on a future city, the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1-4, 22-27). This city restores the garden realities of Eden, offering the nations the joy of God’s presence (Gen. 2:8-9; Rev. 22:1-5). Tim Keller aptly describes it:

“The city is the Garden of Eden, remade. The city is the fulfillment of the purposes of the Eden of God. We began in a garden but will end in a city.”

The City and Culture

Even in a fallen world, God’s common grace manifests in cities, glorifying Him and benefiting His image-bearers (Jer. 29:7; Ps. 107:7). While cities face many challenges, they also harbor resources, innovation, and talent, shaping the cultural standards of the age. As the church, we have the opportunity to display and proclaim the restorative grace of the Gospel in cities worldwide.

Locally, we can engage our city through distinct witness in our neighborhoods, vocations, and civic lives.

4. We Send Our Own

Long-Term

Believing that God works through the local church to accomplish His global redemptive mission, we are committed to identifying, assessing, and equipping qualified long-term missionaries from our congregation (Acts 13:2–3; Rom. 10:14–15). This process involves leveraging our church’s pipeline, including cohorts, classes, apprenticeships, and residencies (2 Tim. 2:2).

Mid-Term

We offer opportunities in collaboration with our partners to provide hands-on field training through 3-month to 2-year assignments. These experiences allow prospective long-term missionaries to gain valuable insights and undergo assessment in an overseas context (Acts 18:24–28; Col. 4:5).

Short-Term

We are also dedicated to sending short-term teams to strengthen partners, inspire future missionaries, and cultivate mission awareness within our church (Phil. 1:3–5; Acts 11:22–23).

5. We Believe in Macro-Partnerships

As co-laborers with the global church (1 Cor. 3:9, Phil. 4:15-16), we value partnerships with church-centered organizations, entities, and networks that align with our core convictions. Such partnerships enhance networking, collaboration, and the efficient use of Kingdom resources for churches worldwide.

6. We Share Our Resources

Recognizing that God has blessed our church with faithful leaders, generous members, and other gifts, we are committed to stewarding these resources for Kingdom advancement (1 Pet. 4:10; 1 Cor. 4:2). We will approach this responsibility with reverence and intentionality, utilizing tools such as discipleship programs, corporate worship, community groups, and biblical counseling (Eph. 4:11–12; 2 Tim. 3:16–17).

Additionally, we will encourage many of our members toward faith-driven entrepreneurship and investment opportunities to help fuel church-centered ecosystems in global cities (Prov. 11:24–25; Matt. 25:14–30). By doing so, we aim to ensure that the resources we share are used effectively for the display of God’s glory among the nations (2 Cor. 9:6–15; Matt. 5:16).

7. We Seek Kingdom Renewal

As a Kingdom outpost in a secular context, our church is called to display God’s renewing power in our city. Scattering throughout our metro area during the week, we aim to love our neighbors and co-workers by doing good works, showing mercy, and pursuing justice (Jer. 29:7; Mic. 6:8; Matt. 5:16). We will embody a distinct Kingdom ethic, reflecting Christ as we await His return (Titus 2:11–14; 2 Cor. 5:20).

To fulfill this mission, we will equip our members to serve as Kingdom ambassadors in vulnerable areas of our city (Isa. 58:6–7; Matt. 25:35–40). We also seek to establish and maintain meaningful partnerships with organizations, ministries, schools, and churches in our community (Phil. 1:5; Heb. 10:24–25).

Church Example #5

1. Jesus commanded his disciples to go and make disciples to all nations. 

We are seeing Jesus’ transformation happening at our church. People from all around the globe are gathered here every Sunday, and lives are being transformed. The church is God’s answer for the world. Jesus said, “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). It has been said that the Church is the heartbeat of God; however, when the church is not reaching out with good news of Jesus, it’s a dying church. 

The Church’s main goal in outreach is to grow the Church and planting new churches around the world as exemplified in the New Testament. Our church will keep taking steps to reach all the nations with the good news of Jesus through evangelism, prayer, and making disciples. Our church will continue to be a place where we train and send the people of God to peoples around the globe. 

We send people to serve.

2. Theology matters in how we make disciples both locally and globally.

For anyone who has witnessed the power and work of the Gospel through Jesus in their own life, they are now called to share that same Gospel to the world. This theology shapes why and how we should engage the world with the good news that Jesus has risen from the dead! Sound theology is necessary as we make disciples to teach followers of Jesus the vast truth of who he is and what he has done for us. “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). 

We are guided by the truth in God’s word.

3. In response to God's extravagant love and generosity toward us, we will serve those who are spiritually, socially, and economically neglected. 

We acknowledge that none of us comes to God of our own merit.  We did not earn his love and we can never repay him. As Colossians 1:13 teaches, he rescued us when we were outsiders, and “brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves”.  All through Scripture we see God’s heart for the outsider.  Again and again, he calls his people to “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed.  Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:3).  In response to his love and generosity toward us, we will follow God’s call by giving high value to those who are marginalized and oppressed in our society today.   We aim to not show favoritism to those who can benefit us (James 2:1-4) but to serve those who are neglected in every context, knowing that whatever we do for the “least of these” we do for Christ (Matthew 25:34-40). 

In love, truth, and compassion we seek to welcome, to learn from, to cherish, to care for, to walk alongside others in their journeys of life. We seek to share Jesus as we do this. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). 

We believe all people were created in His image.

4.  God has demonstrated His infinite generosity with us through the grace of the saving work of Jesus Christ and a generous heart should inspire our outreach ministry beyond the walls of our church.

We as His people are called in stewardship to give of our first fruits and resources to Him and His work here on earth.  Jesus reminded us in His teaching recorded in Luke 12:48 "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required."  Our church has been exceedingly blessed over these many decades and we have been entrusted with an obligation of stewardship and tithe for the world we have been called to serve in both our local and global communities.  This was modeled in the early church when Luke recorded in Acts 4 that "there was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them … and it was distributed to each as any had need."  Our stewardship is to address in generosity the missional needs to which we have been called, remembering the "harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few."

We aspire to live out our mission generously.

5. The local church is to be a light on a hill locally and globally.

Jesus calls us the salt and light of the world. He says, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matt. 5:13-14). Much like salt, we add flavor to the world, particularly to the one closest. And as a light sheds its beam, the immediate vicinity receives the most. This causes people to see your good deeds and give God the glory.

The local church, particularly our church, is to reflect who our God is in word and deed. The church should strive to brighten the corner where we are, whether locally or globally in our outreach efforts. 

We exist to glorify God.

6. The church plants the seeds and God produces the growth through our church’s outreach efforts.

One of the main goals in local and global outreach is planting seeds to see Jesus’ transformation in people's lives. Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Cor. 3:6-9). We plant the seed and God makes the growth, blossom, and flourish. In the end, God receives all the glory for any gospel transformation that occurs. We get to partner with God in his mission of bringing all peoples to himself.

We identify where God is at work and join Him.

7. Our church will prioritize partnering with the local church with whom and to whom we send.

The New Testament clearly exemplifies the church's role in partnering with other churches for the sake of gospel expansion. For example, as Paul traveled throughout the Mediterranean Sea he continually initiated, worked with, and connected with the ministries of the local church. Acts 14:21-28 says that Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel to the city and were “strengthening the souls of the disciples… and when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Paul exemplified the importance of strengthening and growing the local church where they were sent. Organizations come and go, but the churches will carry the flame of the gospel through generations and generations until Jesus returns again. 

It's necessary to partner with godly organizations who help the church in ministry. Our church will continue to partner with organizations locally and globally, but towards the mutual goal of building the local church here, near, and far.

We desire to build up the Church.

8. Our church will prioritize reaching ‘those in transition’ and the ‘nones & dones’ of the world. 

Our church is uniquely situated in a place where God has brought the nations to our doorstep. Many of these folks come in hard situations and long for belonging and community, which the local church can uniquely offer along with a relationship with the one, true God. We will seek to find ways to reach out to these people transitioning to this area and providing space to find new friends and a new home. ‘Those in transition’ refers to the refugees, international students, new Americans, and broken families. 

Our church also is situated in a place where there is a high concentration of people who do not have much exposure to religion or are turned off by spiritual things. We do not want to shy away from the Gospel and the transformation that it can have in a person, family, or community. So, we will seek to reach out to those who have no religious affiliation. The “nones & dones” refer to U.S. next gens, far East Asians, and Western Europeans. 

We have a heart for the lost.

Next Steps

The journey toward sending well happens one step at a time. Now that you’ve seen these examples, here are a few ways you can continue your own process of developing missions convictions:

1. Is there another church you know that has established their missions convictions? If so, ask them about their process of developing them. Get a copy and reference it as you develop your list of convictions.

2. If you have not done so already, begin a list of missions convictions on the “Worksheet for Establishing Your Church's Missions Convictions.”

3. Read chapter 2 in The Sending Church Applied for an overview of establishing missions convictions.