“Missions” language is everywhere. Churches describe themselves as “missional” and believers talk of living “on mission.” I’ve heard just about every activity, from bringing a meal to a fellow Christian to sipping coffee with friends, as a form of missions. But is it? And what happens when we widen the semantic range of this crucial word?
Those are the questions that Steve Richardson, author of Is the Commission Still Great?, is asking.
“The relevant question is whether broadening the term missions leads to increased engagement in the task of taking the gospel to every people group on earth. Does calling every Christian a missionary motivate us to pursue the Great Commission more diligently? Or does it dilute our focus? As language evolves, sometimes it’s worth fighting to preserve an ancient concept.”
Read the full excerpt here.
One area of ministry where I do believe the language of missions is warranted is children’s ministry. Children are a vital mission field. To help you reach children in your church more effectively, check out our popular Children’s Bulletins for 2023 that just released. The lessons are accompanied by puzzles, mazes, and other fun exercises that children love.
