Reaching the Nations
ADVANCING GOD'S KINGDOM TO THE NATIONS THROUGH THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
It is our hope that we will be a witness for Christ to those when encounter as we go about our lives and participate within our community with the goal of Gospel proclamation and kingdom advancement.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
How it works
It is the responsibility of the local church to commission and send missionaries to the nations so Christ and his Gospel are proclaimed to those who have not heard. Paul states in his Letter to the Romans, "Thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, 'Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand'" (15:20-21). Therefore, it is our goal to advance the kingdom to all unreached people groups around the world.
DESIRE FOR THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL
We desire to see all people everywhere believe the Gospel, place their faith in Christ, glorify God, and enjoy Him forever.
PRAY FOR THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL
We desire to pray fervently that God would raise up labors for the spread of the Gospel, to save the lost, and to use us in that work.
PARTICIPATE IN THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL
We desire to participate in the fulfillment of the Great Commission to take the Gospel to the nations. We will work toward that goal. As C.H. Spurgeon said, "If Jesus is precious to you, you will not be able to keep your good news to yourself. You will be whispering it into your child’s ear; you will be telling it to your husband; you will be earnestly imparting it to your friend. Without the charms of eloquence, you will be more than eloquent; your heart will speak, and your eyes will flash as you talk of his sweet love."
PARTNERING FOR THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL
We desire to partner with like-minded believers who are going to or sending others to the nations for kingdom advancement.
Opportunities to Participate
PRAY
Utilize your worship guide each week to focus on praying for the focused Unreached People Group (UPG). Have your Small Group begin to pray for UPGs. Pray for those whom we are sending and those with whom we are partnering. Pray that God would raise about men and women to go to the nations. Pray about going yourself.
Prepare
Begin to grow in your knowledge of kingdom advancement around the world. Read about missions and missionaries, past and present. Grow in your own knowledge of Scripture to begin to disciple others who will in turn disciple others for global impact.
Give
Leverage your assets to support the work of those who are taking the gospel around the world. Giving in support of missions is as critical as going. This happens in many ways. Those taking the Gospel to the nations need financial support. However, you can consider providing housing to missionaries on furlough, lending transportation to missionaries who are traveling for the summer, or providing means.
Go
Go to the nations. This can be done in many ways. You can move to another country to begin working among people who have never heard the name of Christ. This might be for a short time or a long-term move. You can identify people within our community who may be from another country and who needs to hear the gospel. If you desire to go to the nations, we would love to speak with you about how best to do this.