After His resurrection, Jesus came to His disciples, and gave them what is known as the great commission. He said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus also instructed His disciples how this ministry was to take place. “…you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) This becomes the model for missionary outreach that the church is to follow; local to regional to global – all endeavors empowered and directed by the Holy Spirit.
These verses define our vision as a church.
- Calvary Chapel Gainesville has supported missions through our regular church tithes & offerings since the fellowship began. We now partner with people and ministries around the world in their service to the Lord through financial & prayer support. Some are local or national, others are international. Some are serving the Lord in their native land, others are foreign missionaries called to serve overseas.
- As a church fellowship, we also make short term missionary trips away from Gainesville. Each trip has a different emphasis in ministry, but is always aimed at equipping & supporting the local church to preach the gospel and train disciples for Jesus Christ.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38
Every person has the opportunity & responsibility to serve the Lord in missions. Whether you go, assist those who go with finances & physical support, or pray for those who go – missions is the heartbeat of Jesus’ church.
Pastor Ted