Question 310: What is the Christian mission?

Answer:

The Christian mission is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations, make disciples, and bear witness to God’s kingdom in word and deed. It flows from the love of God and the command of Christ to go into the world, baptizing, teaching, and serving others in His Name. Every Christian is called to participate through worship, evangelism, mercy, and faithful presence in the world. (Matthew 28:18–20, Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:18–20, John 20:21, Romans 10:14–15)

Full Scripture References

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go 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 28:18–20 (BSB)

“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.” – Acts 1:8 (BSB)

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation… We are therefore ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18, 20 (BSB)

“Again Jesus said to them, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.’” – John 20:21 (BSB)

“How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” – Romans 10:14–15 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Christian mission is grounded in the Great Commission of Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is not an optional task for a select few but the calling of the entire Church. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) writes, “The mission of the Church is the mission of Christ. We are sent as He was sent—to proclaim good news, to bind up the broken, and to declare that God’s kingdom has come near.” (The Mission of the Redeemed, 2021)

This mission includes evangelism, discipleship, works of mercy, and faithful presence in every sphere of life. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) teaches, “Our calling is not only to speak of Christ, but to live as if He is Lord of every moment. The mission is not confined to pulpits—it extends to kitchens, classrooms, and city streets.” (Everyday Mission, 2022)

The Christian mission is also a ministry of reconciliation. As Christ reconciled us to the Father, so we now carry that message into the world. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) explains, “We are ambassadors of grace, not merely carriers of doctrine. Mission means moving toward the lost, the hurting, and the indifferent with the heart of the Savior.” (Sent into the World, 2020)

Worship fuels mission. As we encounter God in Word and Sacrament, we are compelled to go outward in love. Bishop Trevor Walters (ANiC, Emeritus) notes, “Mission begins in the sanctuary and continues in the marketplace. The Church gathers to be filled and scatters to be faithful.” (Mission-Shaped Liturgy, 2019)

Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) adds, “The mission of the Christian is cross-shaped. It involves sacrifice, humility, and perseverance—but also joy, for we walk in the footsteps of Christ who came to seek and save the lost.” (The Cross and the Call, 2021)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“The Church is apostolic not only in doctrine, but in mission. It was sent into the world, as Christ was sent, to bring light to the nations.” – Augustine of Hippo, On the Creed, c. 400 AD

“No one receives the gospel to bury it. It must be shared, for in sharing it, we fulfill our calling and glorify God.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Matthew 28, c. 390 AD

“He who has found the truth must become a voice crying out. For Christ did not call us to silence, but to witness.” – Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, c. 350 AD

“Let the Church go to the nations with the gospel and with love. For the Lord who sent her is Lord of all.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD