The concept of all Christians serving as missionaries is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament, where the call to spread the Gospel is presented as a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship. This entry explores the biblical basis for this calling, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the practical implications for believers.

Biblical Foundation

The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, serves as the cornerstone for the missionary mandate: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This command from Jesus is not limited to the apostles but extends to all believers, emphasizing the universal responsibility to share the Gospel.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus further empowers His followers with the promise of the Holy Spirit: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This verse highlights the geographical and cultural expansiveness of the mission, underscoring the call for every Christian to be a witness to Christ's resurrection and lordship.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in equipping believers for missionary work. In John 14:26, Jesus assures His disciples of the Spirit's guidance: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Spirit empowers, guides, and emboldens Christians to proclaim the Gospel with clarity and conviction.

The early church exemplifies the Spirit-led missionary activity. In Acts 13:2-3, the Holy Spirit directs the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." This passage illustrates the Spirit's active role in commissioning and sending missionaries.

Practical Implications

The call for all Christians to be missionaries implies a lifestyle of evangelism and discipleship. In 1 Peter 3:15, believers are instructed to "sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect." This readiness to share the faith is a hallmark of the missionary mindset.

Moreover, the apostle Paul models a life dedicated to mission, urging believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). His letters frequently encourage the church to engage in evangelistic efforts, as seen in Colossians 4:5-6: "Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

The missionary call also involves supporting those who are sent. In Romans 10:14-15, Paul emphasizes the necessity of sending preachers: "How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent?" This underscores the collective responsibility of the church to facilitate the spread of the Gospel.

In summary, the biblical mandate for all Christians to be missionaries is clear and compelling. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to live out their faith by actively participating in the Great Commission, whether through direct evangelism, supporting missions, or embodying the Gospel in daily life.Luke 14:27
And whoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 18:22
Now when Jesus heard these things, he said to him, Yet lack you one thing: sell all that you have, and distribute to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Native Christians.
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/.../chapter xxvi native christians.htm

Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2.
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/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be not conformed to this.htm

A Portrait Gallery
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become Christians. ... days, yet endeavouring to impress upon all its grandeur ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter vii a portrait gallery.htm

The Thessalonian Letters
... The Thessalonian believers were true missionaries. ... before the touch of immortality
should be given ... church of Thessalonica, but to all Christians wherever they ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 25 the thessalonian letters.htm

The Lord's Prayer for Unity.
... age there was no thought of bodies of Christians. ... to heathenism in one year than
all our missionaries ... God forbid that I should disparage any effort to spread ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/the lords prayer for unity.htm

Book Four. The Modern Moravians, 1857-1907.
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Moravian Missionaries looked ... where the proportion of Christians is probably ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/book four the modern moravians.htm

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
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sailors should prompt them to ... on account of the vices of nominal Christians. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

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Christians at the ... and antagonist elements thus assembled should not work ...
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Chapter ii.
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for the future, if the Christians were guilty, they should be legally ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ii.htm

Church Union.
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Christians are entirely ... We should be very careful not to use any terms by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/viii church union.htm

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