How to Lead a Missional Church that Expands God’s Kingdom
Jesus powerfully trained the disciples to preach the Gospel. The verb to “preach” in the Greek is kerusso that means: (1) to be a herald, to officiate as a herald; or (2) to publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.4 “Through intimate fellowship with the Lord, the disciples would receive a commission ‘to preach’ and an authority (exousia, power in the sense of delegated authority) to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.”5 Jesus sent out His disciples “to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons” (Mark 3:14-15).
Jesus sent the disciples forth to do the work of the ministry. On this occasion, the verb “sent out” in Greek is apostello that means: (1) to order (one) to go to a place appointed; or (2) to send away, dismiss (Mark 3:14b; 12a). Jesus “began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits” (Mark 6:7b). Jesus’ strategy to fulfill His mission was to send His disciples in pairs. Jesus’ training of the twelve had now come to the point that He could send them out to spread His teaching to expand the kingdom of God.
Jesus chose and prepared normal people to change the world.
A Missional Ministry of the Holy Spirit
The ministry of the Holy Spirit in glocal mission is paramount. He is a missional Spirit. The Holy Spirit sent the original missionaries out to share the gospel and the guiding of the Holy Spirit in contemporary times is equally critical. Called and sent is still the essential paradigm of missions. However, the context has shifted and the congregational nature of the church is front and center in the discussion of missions. “The heart and basis of the ministry is the ministry of Christ Himself. Even in that which is graciously done though others, Christ by the Holy Spirit is the true Minister.”7 Jesus emphasized to His disciples the magnitude of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).
There is a great need today for missional churches and missional leaders.
Category: Ministry, Winter 2011