Dear Church of the Open Bible,
We call this month Missions Month at COB. This is not because of fitting alliteration with March, though that is a persistent pastoral propensity. Rather, it is because of our desire to be faithful to what God has called us to and regularly keeping that in front of us. But some of the potential problems with routine can be a lack of clarity and purpose, so at the outset of this month let me remind us of that.
The “Mission of God” (missio Dei) is God's broad purpose and plan of redemption through Christ. When we use the word “mission” we speak of the church's role within God's plan of redemption. And then, when we use the word “missions,” we are referring to all that the church does to fulfill its mission. God’s plan is to reconcile and unite all things in Christ (Eph 1:10). The church’s mission, or role in that plan, is to make disciples of Christ (Matt 28:18-20). And how the church pursues that disciple-making is through evangelism and growth in Christlikeness (Eph 4:12-13), both at home and abroad.
As we remind ourselves of God’s plan and our role in it this month, may we be encouraged by the scope of His good plan and challenged by our part to play, knowing that the Good Life comes from depending on Him alone.
Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! - 1 Chronicles 16:23