Question 312: How do you participate in the Christian mission?

Answer:

I participate in the Christian mission by praying, proclaiming the gospel, serving others, and living a faithful life in Christ wherever I am. I bear witness to Jesus through my words and actions, support the work of the Church, and seek to make disciples in my home, community, and the world. Every Christian is called to share in God’s mission through worship, evangelism, mercy, and love. (Matthew 5:14–16, Matthew 28:19–20, Acts 1:8, 1 Peter 3:15, Romans 12:1)

Full Scripture References

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14, 16 (BSB)

“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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you…” – Matthew 28:19–20 (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)

“But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (BSB)

“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” – Romans 12:1 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Every Christian participates in the mission of the Church—not just through formal ministry, but by faithfully bearing witness in everyday life. Bishop Stephen Leung (ANiC, Diocese of Western Canada and Alaska) explains, “The mission field is not only overseas—it begins at your doorstep. Your workplace, your neighborhood, your friendships—these are sacred places of witness.” (The Everyday Witness of the Church, 2021)

Prayer is foundational to mission. We pray for the lost, for the laborers, and for the advance of God’s kingdom. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) writes, “You participate in mission every time you intercede for the nations, pray for a friend’s conversion, or ask God to bless a missionary. Prayer moves the unseen levers of redemption.” (Intercession and Mission, 2022)

Mission also includes speaking the gospel. We are called to give reasons for the hope we have and to share Christ with gentleness and clarity. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) observes, “The gospel is good news meant to be spoken. To witness is to love enough to open our mouths and point to Jesus.” (Proclaiming Christ in a Skeptical Age, 2020)

Through acts of mercy and justice, we reflect the love of Christ. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “Caring for the poor, welcoming the stranger, and defending the vulnerable are not distractions from mission—they are mission. They show the world what the gospel looks like in action.” (The Compassionate Church, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “Mission happens when ordinary Christians live extraordinary lives of faithfulness—in marriage, in work, in suffering. Every life surrendered to Christ becomes a signpost pointing others to the kingdom.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“Every Christian is a light to the world. Let him shine in deed and in word, that others may find Christ through him.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Matthew, c. 390 AD

“The Church grows not only by preachers, but by holy lives. The witness of love and purity is the power of mission.” – Augustine of Hippo, On the Work of Bishops, c. 400 AD

“He who loves his neighbor will not be silent. The gospel must be lived and spoken for the glory of Christ.” – Cyprian of Carthage, Letter to the Churches of Africa, c. 250 AD

“Let each believer become an apostle in his place—a herald of the King in his own household and among his own people.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD