Sent to our Neighborhood and the Nation

The Father sent the Son into the world (John 3:16-17). In John 14:26, Jesus says, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit — the Father will send Him in My name — will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” So the Father sent the Son, and the Father sends the Spirit in Jesus’s name. The Father and the Son together send the Holy Spirit into the world. And together the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit send us the Church into our neighborhood, our community, and the world.

Thus, the mission of the Church is about God’s action in the world. This is called the missio Dei, the mission of God. Through God’s mission, God seeks to restore and redeem the world, which God created and loves. For humans, this means the restoration of key relationships – with God, with ourselves, with other individuals, within our communities, our neighborhoods and with physical creation. As Christians, we engage in mission when we join in God’s gracious, loving work of restoring these relationships.

This can sometimes seem daunting and overwhelming, but remember the words of Jesus. He says, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you.” You can’t accomplish any of those things in your own power and strength. If the posture of mission is one of sent-ness, then the promise of mission is power from the Holy Spirit.

As individuals and as our Church, we may not not be able to accomplish all of our ministry goals tomorrow. But one thing we can do today is to say, “Here I am, Lord; send me. Spirit, empower us. You’ve empowered us to live sent to our neighbors and to the nations. In our discipleship we seek to better know and better share the good news of God’s redeeming grace for all.”