The Commission of the Church

One thing that both believers and nonbelievers have in common is they’re uptight about evangelism. Nonbelievers are uptight about being evangelized, and believers are uptight about evangelizing nonbelievers.

However, if we want to grow as Christians, then we must go into all the world and preach the gospel. We call this the Great Commission, and we find two variations of it in the New Testament.

Mark’s gospel states it this way: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (16:15 NKJV). And in Matthew 28 we read, “‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen” (verses 19–20 NKJV).

So where is Jesus calling us?

He’s calling us into the world. He’s calling us to go to all people everywhere. Because the primary way people come to Jesus is through hearing the gospel.

Who is supposed to do this?

All of us. Jesus directed these words to all of His followers. Everyone is supposed to do this—not just the so-called professionals such as pastors, evangelists, and missionaries.

And what are we supposed to do?

We’re supposed to preach the gospel.

So here’s my question for you: Are you doing your part to fulfill the Great Commission?

Jesus commands us as His followers to share our faith. But honestly, for some Christians, this has become the Great Omission instead of the Great Commission.

The commission of the church isn’t to wait for the world to show up. Rather, the commission of the church is to go to the world.