Equip Yourself as an Everday Missionary

One of our church's values is that we expect and embrace challenges to become more like Jesus. This year, our challenge is to view ourselves as missionaries, wherever we go. Most of us view missionaries as people who move overseas and raise money to share who Jesus is in a different culture. But the Bible describes all followers of Jesus as missionaries because we are ambassadors of Jesus  and shining lights to point people to who God is (Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 2 Cor. 5:20, Phil. 2:15, 1 Pet. 2:12). It is natural to fall into a rhythm of everyday life without thinking much about how we are representing God to the world around us. So our challenge is to take time and intentional effort to determine what our mission field is, how we plan to represent God and love others, and how we will remain dependent on him. Once we have this launching point, we need training so we can be effective in our mission. So how can you be a successful missionary in your family, at the grocery store, and in your daily life?

It is God’s character that pursues people.

First, we have to recognize that it is God's character that pursues people. It is God who first loved us and sent Jesus to us in order that we even come to know him in the first place. This isn't a marketing strategy for a particular church and it shouldn't feel like you're selling something, either for you or for anyone you talk to. God already wants to know and lead the people around you. He is already working through his Holy Spirit to that end. Being a missionary just means joining him in what he is already doing and has a heart for. This takes the pressure off you getting everything perfectly right so you can focus on just being present and willing. Sharing Jesus is just introducing others to God's love that you already know. The closer you are to God, the more closely you will know his love and the more natural it will be to share about who he is and what he does for you. So stay close to God in prayer, Scripture, worship, and church to let God reveal more of who he is to you in personal ways. And the added bonus of being closer to God is that you will be closer to people who need him, as well. Because God's heart is to share his love with others, following him will lead you to places where you can introduce him to others.

The starting line for sharing your faith is your life.

Second, the starting line for sharing your faith is your life. Jesus instructed his followers to "let their light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). This is echoed throughout the New Testament. The Gospel that we are meant to share is not a set of propositions that we must agree to; it is a relationship with a loving God who changes lives for the good. Therefore, you shouldn't treat sharing the Gospel like administering a pre-test for an exam, trying to get people to say the right answers. Instead, share your life with others and let them see how the loving goodness of God has transformed you in positive ways. If your life doesn't show reverence for God, then it will be a barrier for others to believe and trust whatever you say about who God is. Constantly strive to live in obedience and submission to God and don't hide how loving and forgiving our God is even when you mess up.

Third, be prepared to invite others to experience faith for themselves. If there's something you do that is meaningful in your relationship with God, like Bible study, a type of prayer, a special place for quiet time, worship at your church, invite them into it with you. I always think of Christianity as a "pull" religion and not a "push" religion. Instead of pushing others toward what they should do, we should pull them into what we are already doing so they can experience it with you. It is much easier for someone to try something new if they have a trusted person to do it with. So be willing to share what your faith looks like with them. 

The strength of the relationship should dictate the weight of the conversation.

Maybe you don't even know how you would start to invite someone to share your faith or feel that is far too big of a step in any of your relationships now. Relationships develop at their own pace and I think that the strength of the relationship should dictate the weight of the conversation. Talking about religious beliefs can be a very personal and a heavy topic that sometimes includes baggage. So if you feel more comfortable moving slowly, make sure you spend time and enjoy their company. Demonstrate your love through your friendship or whatever relationship you have. At some point as you get to know each other, share the importance of your relationship with God. Let it come naturally as you talk about church attendance or the reason for how you make choices and order your life. If your relationship has deepened past superficial topics and they are comfortable with religion, ask them what their background is with church or what they have experienced or want. These questions often give many opportunities to listen well and love them. Based on their response, it may be appropriate to invite them to experience something with you or try praying or reading their Bible or attending church again. The key point is to remember their faith isn't dependent on you. God already wants to know them so he will give you opportunities to invite them if that's the role he wants you to play. 

Sharing your faith means sharing who Jesus is and why he is important to you.

But how are we supposed to actually share our faith in Jesus if asked? I sometimes stumble over my words and can't seem to express exactly what I want to say and end up talking way too much. There just feels like so much pressure to say it just right without sounding mechanical. If you're like me, it can be helpful to simplify what we are aiming to do if someone is interested in knowing what our faith is all about. It essentially comes down to two questions about Jesus and two responses. We should clearly state 1. Who Jesus is and 2. Why he is important. Answer these questions for yourself with biblical basis that includes his death and resurrection. This personal answer is what you should be prepared to share with others. And when sharing the Gospel, always create an opportunity to respond. The two responses are whether you accept God's love through Jesus and whether you are willing to submit to it in obedience. If your friend chooses both of these things, that makes them a follower of Jesus and you can talk to your friend about attending church, being baptized, and learning more about Jesus and following him.

And that's it, a quick guide to how you can be a missionary right where you are. Throughout the entire process, be praying and listening to God to hear how and where he is already moving and how you can fit into what he is doing. God already wants everyone to know his goodness and love. You just have to be willing to help.