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The Purpose of This Study -is- More Than "Just" Information So, what is the
purpose of this study? you may ask. Is it just another
exercise in learning? Is it just a study of the latest fad
in ministry? Is it just information for the sake of
information. |
You may be under the impression that everyone who claims to be a Christian already possesses a clear understanding of their God given mission. But do we really? The mission we have been given is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and help believers grow in Christ. If that is our mission, then why are we not doing our very best to fulfill it? A thorough knowledge and understanding of our mission and a commitment to faithfully labor to carry out that mission are essential.
2. To help adults interpret biblical methods and tools for accomplishing the mission.
An effective worker doesn't embark on a day's work without the tools that he or she needs to accomplish the tasks at hand. Nor does a skilled athlete enter a competition without an understanding of the tools and methods he or she needs to accomplish their part in the game. Likewise, an on mission Christian doesn't accomplish the mission without first acquiring tools to aid in their work, understanding the use of those tools, and being prepared to use them when called on to do so.
3. To build and apply missionary skills.
When an athlete joins a team or sport, the first thing they do is learn the basics. Day in and day out they must first learn the basics of the game they will play. When a new career missionary embarks on his or her journey to the mission field, he or she is first given some understanding of culture, daily living, language, and a variety of other skills that will be necessary for their success and survival. Likewise, an on mission Christian must examine the mission fields of his or her life and discover what skills they will need to develop and apply in order to effectively serve Christ.
4. To answer the mission calling.
How many times have you called for your children, and they just did not hear you? How frustrating was it when they failed to respond? This study will help Christians hear and respond to Gods mission calling in their lives. For some, it may mean a commitment to full-time, career Christian service. For others, it may not. But in all of our lives, it means a response to a call to join Him in the mission He has given His church - the mission of reconciling a lost world to Himself. The geographical location where your Christian witness is carried out is not as important as living your daily life as an illustration of your answer to His mission call.
5. To build on mission accountability groups.
Everyone has someone to whom they are accountable - a boss, a spouse, a friend, children. Being accountable drives our incentive to do and perform to our utmost potential. But the source of our ultimate accountability is the Lord. Accountability to God and to other believers will help us maximize our on mission efforts in the name of Christ.
For Christians Only!
What do you do if not all of your participants are Christians? Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to share with non-Christian participants the joy of a new life in Christ and His offer of eternal life! Emphasize from the outset that this study must begin at the very beginning, which for all Christians is the day of salvation in their own lives. Without that, the study will be nothing more than an empty exercise. The entire concept of being on mission is based upon our obedience to the Lord, beginning with repentance.
