What is our mission?
Why do many churches spend so much money on buildings and programs that habe very little to do with the Great Commission? Why do many churches give such a small portion of their income to missions, missionaries, Christian causes, etc.? There is nothing wrong with buildings and programs, but what is the proper and biblical balance?
Comment by Anonymous
Seems to me that our perspective is off. Instead of being “new and different” in Him as we’re instructed to be in Romans 12:1-2 we have allowed the world’s viewpoint to “squeeze us into it’s mold” ….at a high price. Instead of BEING ‘living stones’ we are offering cement blocks! How far have we fallen!
What we now call “The Great Commission” was Jesus reminding us what truly is important, has value and is significant: People! The Godhead! Obedience! When those 3 are combined, the ignition cannot be stopped. All else is less, “hay and stubble.”
Comment by Douglas Summers
Hi,
Because too many Churches have settled down where Satan’s throne is, and they are neither cold nor hot….but lukewarm. May the reader understand. Christ’s letter to the Churche’s. (Rev. 1:4 through 3:22)
In Christ
Doug
Comment by Debbie
I truly feel the “Great Commission” is incorrectly interpreted by Churches. The verb “go” (poureuo) translates as you travel or as you go. It is in the aorist tense; at any time in your travels. It is in the PASSIVE VOICE; God will direct your travel. It is in the participle mood; a divine principle is being stated. The verb “to go” is not in an active voice which would mean the person does this action and it is not in the imperative mood which would be a command.
The next verb, “make disciples” (mathetueo) would translate teach or instruct. Notice it does not say “convert” (epistrepho) The verb is in the aorist tense; at any point in time GOD places someone in your path. It is in the active voice; you personally instruct this person. This time it is in the imperative mood; it is a command.
Make disciples of who? “All nations” (Pas ethnos) The word ethnos is does not necessarily mean “nations” but any company, troop or it is often used of “Gentiles.”
Personally, I think a better translation of the Great Commission is “As you go through your Christian life, instruct those unbelievers that God brings to you in divine viewpoint, immersing them in the name of God, the Father and God, the Son and God, the Holy Spirit.”
Why do we need to spend money on something that God will direct us to? I don’t believe in spending money on “church” buildings either. We can meet in homes, school cafeterias, parks, etc. Any collections of funds should be used to take care of the body of believers. However, I realize I am a minority and most churches would disagree with my interpretation of MATT 28:19. As with everything, GOD IS IN CHARGE. His Scripture and the language that the Holy Spirit used to write this verse once again shows His Sovereignity. I think we need to spend more time making ourselves lights that draw unbelieving moths to the flame, than money going out and attacking salvation like a battle to be won.
MARANATHA
Comment by Child of the King
In most of the Third World; Elegant Churches where The Bible is taught are few and far between.
Here in America we concern ourselves with “programs” and how to entertain the youth to keep them being interested and wanting to keep attending. Preaching about Hell and Holiness is now “Old Hat”. Preachers are now more concerned about keeping the money flowing and when you preach it hard and straight these people worry people will leave and their income will go down.
This proves they have No real visable Faith in Our Lord. Another words “Talk The Talk not Walk The Walk”.
Most Churches are suffering a loss of revenue because of our current economy. Just Preach The Word and put Our Faith in Our provider..Jesus Christ.
If it gets real bad we can have church in a vacant building or house God is still going to be there in the Middle getting the Praise.
Comment by catherine
Why they don’t is because they are keeping the money for themselves, is obvious that these are your unsaved preachers….It is our duty to help people in need as God leads us.
Comment by catherine
Debbie, I like what you wrote. Things I have wondered about, just have not done any studying on. Thanks!
Comment by Anon
Answer: James 2:14-17. As for why churches may give a small portion, the church itself may barely be getting by, costs of maintaining the church (e.g. bills) is getting higher, etc., etc.. Many churches pastored by my grandparents often had them out on streets and in pubs taking donations by people who wanted to contribute just to make ends meet.
I don’t believe that people will be open to the Gospel until they see some evidence of it by those who wear the Christian tag.
Comment by ceseeley
Debbie and All;
Debbie, excellent exegesis of the “Great Commission!”
Debbie, why do you think that some believe that the “Great Commission” was only for the Apostles (i.e. the twelve that saw Jesus when he was alive)?
Comment by ceseeley
All;
The imbalance is caused by the bondage that is caused by the perspective!
Comment by Debbie
Ceseeley,
I don’t know. I suppose most folks don’t consider themselves evangelists and feel that job was only for the direct disciples of Christ and the pastor-teachers. I personally have not been blessed with the evangelist gifting, but have witnessed it in those who do and it is a miraculous thing to see. I have only had one face to face conversation with a man that God placed in my path. That is the only time I was aware that I was witnessing about salvation by faith. I am much more comfortable and equipped to teach believers that have a desire to have a more intimate knowledge of the Word of God. I believe people have been raised with the tradition of missions and missionaries (and I am not saying that God is not directing those equipped to do that) doing the evangelizing that they just don’t understand that all of us exist for a divine purpose and God will place those things in our path. Salvation is God’s work and not my persuasive speech or personality. So I never fail to give an account of my belief (1PET 3:15) but I never feel led (at least not at this time) to approach strangers with the gospel, nor do I feel compelled to argue with atheists or those who are intent on clinging to their false religion and rituals.
MARANATHA