What is the Role of the Local Church in Missions?

Every Believer Is Either a Goer or a Sender: Embracing the Great Commission

William Carey, the pioneering 18th-century Baptist missionary, once challenged his fellow pastors with these words: “Well, I will go down, if you will hold the rope.” Their resounding response was, “While we live… we should never let go of the rope.” This bold declaration encapsulates a timeless truth: every believer is either called to go or to send. As Dr. John Piper reminds us, any alternative is a form of disobedience to the clear mandate given by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Before His ascension, Jesus commissioned His disciples with the following powerful words:

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to keep all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”— Matthew 28:18-20

This passage, known as the Great Commission, contains three integral elements: the Indicative, the Imperative, and the Promise. Understanding these three components is essential for grasping the local church’s role in missions. Moreover, as Mission Quest’s ministry philosophy affirms, the local church is not just an optional partner in missions—it is the lifeblood of global evangelization. Let’s explore these components and see how they align with Mission Quest’s vision for equipping local churches to live out Christ’s mission.

The Indicative: A Message Rooted in Christ’s Triumph

The first element of the Great Commission is the Indicative, which establishes the foundation of our faith. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This is not a future promise or a hopeful aspiration; it is a present reality. The resurrected Christ, having conquered sin and death, now reigns with supreme authority over every realm.

Consider these truths:

• Christ’s Victory: The incarnate Son of God, who lived a sinless life, bore the weight of humanity’s sin on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day, triumphs over death (Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 2:15). His resurrection is a testament to His power and a guarantee of our own resurrection.
  

• The Source of Our Hope: Because Jesus conquered death and sin, He now offers eternal life to all whom the Father has given Him (John 17:2). His victory ensures that the Gospel is not merely a set of moral teachings but the definitive act of redemption in history.

  
  

This victorious past of Christ establishes a solid foundation for our proclamation. The message is clear: our hope is not based on human effort but on the demonstrated authority of our risen Savior. The Indicative reminds us that the Gospel is historically grounded, and it is because of what Jesus has already done that we are compelled to act. Every believer’s life, therefore, must be anchored in the reality of Christ’s redemptive work.

The Imperative: A Command to Act on the Gospel

Flowing naturally from the Indicative, Jesus issues the Imperative in Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This command is not optional—it is the heart of the Great Commission. Just as the early church’s understanding of God’s accomplished work led to a transformed life, so too must our response to the Gospel be active and intentional.

Let’s break down the imperative:

• Go: This word signifies movement and intentional action. The command is not to wait passively for people to come to us but to actively reach out. Mission Quest’s ministry philosophy echoes this sentiment, asserting that every local church should see itself as a launching pad for sending missionaries and supporting evangelistic efforts.
  

• Make Disciples: This goes beyond simply converting individuals. It involves a lifelong process of nurturing, mentoring, and equipping believers to live out the teachings of Christ. Discipleship involves deep relational commitment and the ongoing work of teaching, training, and transforming lives.
  

• Baptize and Teach: Baptism is the public declaration of one’s faith in the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—while teaching involves instructing new believers to observe all that Christ commanded. This holistic approach ensures that new converts are firmly rooted in sound doctrine and prepared for lifelong service.
  

The pattern in Scripture is unmistakable. The apostle Paul, for instance, carefully built his arguments about the Gospel in the first chapters of his letters—laying out the Indicative—before urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1). The same dynamic appears in the early hymns and creeds of the church, where the church first exalts what Christ has done before calling believers to follow His example of humility and service (Philippians 2:1-11).

The local church, as emphasized by Mission Quest, is uniquely positioned to nurture and equip disciples for this task. Local congregations are not only the ones who send missionaries but are also responsible for fostering an environment in which every member understands and embraces the call to reach out to the world. In today’s context—where as many as 3.11 billion people remain unreached—this active discipleship and sending mandate is more critical than ever.

The Promise: Christ’s Ever-Present Assurance

The final element of the Great Commission is the promise that accompanies the command: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This promise is not a vague consolation; it is a bold declaration of Christ’s continued presence and power in the mission.

This assurance has several profound implications:

• Christ’s Presence: Whether you are stepping out into a new mission field or holding the rope from your local church, you are never alone. The promise of Christ’s constant presence is the bedrock on which every act of faith rests.
  

• Divine Empowerment: The assurance that Jesus is with us at all times means that His power, not our weakness, fuels the mission. This promise emboldens believers to face daunting challenges, knowing that the same Savior who conquered death accompanies every step.
  

• Unwavering Support: The promise encourages local churches to invest in missions wholeheartedly. When church members hold fast to the truth that Christ is present, they are better able to support those who go and remain accountable to one another. This creates a dynamic, interdependent network of support that is essential for effective mission work.
  

In the early church, we see the tangible outworking of this promise. In Acts 13, as the church in Antioch worshiped and fasted, the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. Their journey was not a solitary endeavor—they carried with them the prayers, support, and accountability of a vibrant local church community. This model of “sending and supporting” remains a cornerstone of Mission Quest’s philosophy.

The Local Church: The Nucleus of Mission

Both Scripture and Mission Quest’s ministry philosophy affirm that the local church plays an indispensable role in the mission of God. The local church is not merely a building or a weekly gathering—it is a living organism called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Every believer, whether called to go or to send, finds their purpose and identity in the local church community.

Mission Quest’s philosophy teaches that the local church is meant to be a hub of mission activity. This involves:

• Identifying the Called: The local church is responsible for discerning and affirming those whom the Holy Spirit has set apart for the work of making disciples.
  

• Equipping and Training: Once identified, these individuals must be equipped through discipleship, teaching, and practical ministry training so that they can effectively carry the Gospel to the world.
  

• Supporting Missionaries: The local church not only sends missionaries but also supports them financially, prayerfully, and emotionally. As Paul noted in his letters, those who proclaim the Gospel should be sustained by the local body so that they can focus fully on their ministry (1 Corinthians 9:14; Philippians 4:14-18).
  

This model of mutual accountability and support ensures that mission work is not a solo venture but a corporate endeavor. When the local church embraces its role as both sending and supporting community, it creates a dynamic synergy that magnifies the impact of the Gospel.

Consider the example of the early church in Antioch. As recorded in Acts, after Barnabas and Saul returned from their missionary journeys, they reported to their local church, detailing what God had accomplished. This accountability was not only a means of encouragement but also served as a check on any deviation from the true Gospel. Today, Mission Quest encourages local churches to follow this pattern—keeping their missionaries accountable while also celebrating the victories and growth that result from faithful mission work.

So, What is the Role of the Local Church in Missions?

The role of the local church in missions is to serve as the primary engine of the Great Commission by identifying, equipping, and sending out believers to share the Gospel while simultaneously providing robust support—both financial and prayerful—to those on the mission field.

Mission Quest believes, the local church is more than just a building or a weekly meeting; it is a dynamic, missional community that cultivates a mindset where every member understands they are either called to go or to send. By fostering leadership development, nurturing accountability, and building global partnerships, the local church becomes the heartbeat of global missions, ensuring that the message of Christ reaches every corner of the world.

Mission Quest’s Vision: Mobilizing Local Churches for Global Impact

Mission Quest’s ministry philosophy aligns closely with the biblical mandate we have examined. Their approach emphasizes that every local church is not merely a passive recipient of mission initiatives but a proactive partner in God’s global mission. According to Mission Quest, the local church must:

• Adopt a Missional Mindset: Recognize that every member is either a goer or a sender. This mindset shifts the focus from isolated evangelism to a comprehensive, community-based approach to disciple-making.
  

• Invest in Leadership Development: Equip church leaders to identify, nurture, and send out those called to missionary work. By investing in leadership, the local church creates a sustainable pipeline for future mission efforts.
  

• Create a Culture of Prayer and Support: Understand that mission work is not solely about crossing oceans—it begins at home. A vibrant local church is characterized by a deep commitment to prayer, mutual accountability, and practical support for those called to serve in the mission field.
  

• Bridge the Gap Between the Local and Global Church: By fostering relationships with other churches and mission organizations, local congregations can share resources, wisdom, and encouragement. This networked approach is essential for reaching the 3.11 billion unreached people around the globe.
  

Mission Quest’s philosophy serves as a clarion call to churches everywhere: the Great Commission is not just the task of a select few but the mandate of every believer and every local church. When churches embrace this vision, they become vital nodes in a global network that is relentlessly pursuing the salvation of souls.

The Urgency of the Mission Field

In our modern context, the scope of the Great Commission can seem overwhelming. With billions of unreached people and cultural, linguistic, and political barriers, it is easy to feel discouraged. Yet, the biblical pattern and Mission Quest’s vision remind us that this challenge is not insurmountable when we operate as part of a global, interconnected community.

Consider these points:

• Multiplication through Discipleship: The process of making disciples who make disciples creates exponential growth. Every new believer is not just a recipient of salvation but a potential ambassador of Christ.
  

• Global Partnerships: Local churches, when connected through organizations like Mission Quest, gain access to resources, training, and strategic partnerships that amplify their efforts. This collaborative approach transforms what might seem like an impossible task into a vibrant, collective endeavor.
  

• Christ’s Enduring Presence: The promise of Christ’s presence “to the end of the age” is the anchor for all mission work. Regardless of the obstacles, the assurance that our Savior is with us provides the courage to press on.
  

When local churches grasp the urgency of the mission field and align themselves with God’s purpose—as articulated in both Scripture and Mission Quest’s ministry philosophy—they become unstoppable agents of transformation. The Great Commission, then, is not just an ancient command but a living mandate that drives us to reach every corner of the earth.

Holding the Rope in a Global Mission

The biblical mandate is clear: local churches are at the heart of God’s mission. They are called not only to send missionaries but also to equip, nurture, and hold accountable those who go out to proclaim the Gospel. Whether you are stepping into the field as a missionary or staying behind to “hold the rope,” you are participating in the dynamic work of God’s Kingdom.

Mission Quest’s philosophy reinforces that this dual role is essential for a healthy, missional church. By adopting a missional mindset, investing in leadership, fostering a culture of prayer, and building global partnerships, the local church becomes a powerful force for change in an increasingly unreached world. It is a call to every believer: your involvement matters, and your commitment is critical.

As we reflect on the words of Christ in the Great Commission, we are reminded that our identity as believers is defined by our response to His call. We are either called to go—to actively engage in disciple-making—or to send—to support, encourage, and hold accountable those who answer the call. There is no neutral ground.

May our local churches, inspired by the enduring vision of Mission Quest and the unchanging truth of Scripture, be ever committed to fulfilling the Great Commission. Let us be a community that not only sends out missionaries but also stands steadfastly behind them, knowing that the promise of Christ’s presence is our ultimate source of strength.

In the spirit of William Carey’s challenge and his companions’ unwavering pledge, let us remember: “While we live… we should never let go of the rope.” Whether you are called to go or to hold the rope, know that you are an indispensable part of God’s redemptive plan for the world.