Topical Encyclopedia Missionary work is a fundamental aspect of Christian ministry, deeply rooted in the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ. Ministers, as leaders and shepherds of the Christian faith, bear a significant responsibility to engage in and promote missionary activities. This obligation is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate that is woven throughout the fabric of Scripture.The Great Commission The primary scriptural basis for missionary work is found in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples: "Go therefore 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" (Matthew 28:19-20). This directive is not limited to the original apostles but extends to all ministers who follow in their footsteps, emphasizing the global scope of the gospel mission. Apostolic Example The apostolic example set by Paul and other early church leaders underscores the importance of missionary work. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, expresses his eagerness to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that he would not build on someone else's foundation (Romans 15:20). This demonstrates a proactive approach to spreading the gospel, which ministers are called to emulate. Obligation to Preach Ministers are entrusted with the sacred duty of preaching the gospel, as articulated by Paul: "For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16). This compulsion is a divine obligation, highlighting the necessity for ministers to engage in missionary work as an integral part of their calling. Equipping the Saints Ephesians 4:11-12 states, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." Ministers are tasked with equipping believers for their own roles in missionary work, fostering a church community that actively participates in spreading the gospel. Love and Compassion The motivation for missionary work is rooted in love and compassion, following the example of Christ. In Matthew 9:36-38 , Jesus, seeing the crowds, "had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." He then instructs His disciples to pray for laborers to be sent into the harvest. Ministers, as under-shepherds of Christ, are called to embody this compassion, driving them to reach out to the lost and needy. Witness to the Ends of the Earth Acts 1:8 records Jesus' promise to His disciples: "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 charge to be witnesses is a perpetual call for ministers to engage in missionary work, empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach diverse peoples and cultures. Stewardship of the Gospel Ministers are stewards of the gospel, entrusted with its proclamation and preservation. Paul reminds Timothy of this sacred trust: "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you; guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us" (2 Timothy 1:14). This stewardship includes the responsibility to share the gospel beyond the confines of the local church, extending to all corners of the world. Conclusion The obligation for ministers to engage in missionary work is a clear and compelling mandate from Scripture. Through the Great Commission, apostolic example, and the call to preach, equip, and witness, ministers are charged with the sacred duty of spreading the gospel to all nations, driven by love and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 4:19,20But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, judge you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 1:13-15 1 Corinthians 9:16 Library The General Conference of 1836 A Liberal Church The Birth of England's Foreign Missions The General Conference of 1840 From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... Prayers Answered Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen. Carey's College Jew and Gentile Personal Service Resources What is Youth with a Mission (YWAM), and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Jesus' mission? Why did Jesus come? | GotQuestions.org What is the World Mission Society Church of God, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org Mission: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics All Christians should be As Missionaries in a Holy Example All Christians should be As Missionaries in Admonishing Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Aiding Ministers in Their Labours All Christians should be As Missionaries in Declaring What God Has Done for Them All Christians should be As Missionaries in Dedicating Themselves to the Service of God All Christians should be As Missionaries in Devoting all Property to God All Christians should be As Missionaries in Encouraging the Weak All Christians should be As Missionaries in First Giving Their own Selves to the Lord All Christians should be As Missionaries in Following Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Forsaking all for Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Giving a Reason for Their Faith All Christians should be As Missionaries in Hating Life for Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Holy Boldness All Christians should be As Missionaries in Holy Conduct All Christians should be As Missionaries in Holy Conservation All Christians should be As Missionaries in Interceding for Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Inviting Forth God's Praises All Christians should be As Missionaries in Inviting Others to Embrace the Gospel All Christians should be As Missionaries in Joyfully Suffering for Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Old Age All Christians should be As Missionaries in Openly Confessing Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries in Preferring Christ Above all Relations All Christians should be As Missionaries in Reproving Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Seeking the Edification of Others All Christians should be As Missionaries in Showing Forth God's Praises All Christians should be As Missionaries in Talking of God and his Works All Christians should be As Missionaries in Teaching and Exhorting All Christians should be As Missionaries in the Family All Christians should be As Missionaries in Their Intercourse With the World All Christians should be As Missionaries in Visiting and Relieving the Poor, the Sick All Christians should be As Missionaries in Youth All Christians should be As Missionaries with a Superabundant Liberality All Christians should be As Missionaries with a Willing Heart All Christians should be As Missionaries: After the Example of Christ All Christians should be As Missionaries: An Imperative Duty All Christians should be As Missionaries: Andrew All Christians should be As Missionaries: Anna All Christians should be As Missionaries: Apollos All Christians should be As Missionaries: Aquila All Christians should be As Missionaries: As Faithful Stewards All Christians should be As Missionaries: Barnabas All Christians should be As Missionaries: Blessedness of All Christians should be As Missionaries: Captive Maid All Christians should be As Missionaries: Centurion All Christians should be As Missionaries: Chief of the Fathers All Christians should be As Missionaries: Disciples All Christians should be As Missionaries: Encouragement To All Christians should be As Missionaries: from Their Calling As Saints All Christians should be As Missionaries: Hannah All Christians should be As Missionaries: However Weak They May Be All Christians should be As Missionaries: Illustrated All Christians should be As Missionaries: Joanna All Christians should be As Missionaries: Leper All Christians should be As Missionaries: Onesiphorus All Christians should be As Missionaries: Persecuted Saints All Christians should be As Missionaries: Philemon All Christians should be As Missionaries: Philip All Christians should be As Missionaries: Restored Demoniac All Christians should be As Missionaries: Shadrach All Christians should be As Missionaries: Shepherds All Christians should be As Missionaries: The Principle on Which All Christians should be As Missionaries: The Zeal of Hypocrites should Provoke To All Christians should be As Missionaries: The Zeal of Idolaters should Provoke To All Christians should be As Missionaries: Various Individuals All Christians should be As Missionaries: Woman of Samaria All Christians should be As Missionaries: Women and Children As Well As Men Missionary Work by Ministers is According to the Purpose of God Missionary Work by Ministers: Aid Those Engaged In Missionary Work by Ministers: Apostles Missionary Work by Ministers: Be Ready to Engage In Missionary Work by Ministers: Christ Engaged In Missionary Work by Ministers: Christ Sent his Disciples to Labour In Missionary Work by Ministers: Commanded Missionary Work by Ministers: Directed by the Holy Spirit Missionary Work by Ministers: Excellency of Missionary Work by Ministers: God Qualifies For Missionary Work by Ministers: God Strengthens For Missionary Work by Ministers: Guilt and Danger of Shrinking From Missionary Work by Ministers: Harmony should Subsist Amongst Those Engaged In Missionary Work by Ministers: Jonah Missionary Work by Ministers: Levites Missionary Work by Ministers: No Limits to the Sphere of Missionary Work by Ministers: Noah Missionary Work by Ministers: Obligations to Engage In Missionary Work by Ministers: Opportunities For, not to be Neglected Missionary Work by Ministers: Paul Missionary Work by Ministers: Philip Missionary Work by Ministers: Required Missionary Work by Ministers: Requires Wisdom and Meekness Missionary Work by Ministers: Silas Missionary Work by Ministers: Success of a Cause of Joy Missionary Work by Ministers: Success of a Cause of Praise Missionary Work by Ministers: Success of To be Prayed For Missionary Work by Ministers: The Holy Spirit Calls To Missionary Work by Ministers: The Seventy Missionary Work by Ministers: Timotheus Missionary Work by Ministers: Warranted by Predictions Concerning the Heathen Missionary Work by Ministers: Worldly Concerns should not Delay Related Terms |
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