What Is a Biblical Missionary?
Who could argue against Paul being the quintessential missionary? From his life, we can discern a clear definition.
"A missionary is a disciple of Jesus set apart by the Holy Spirit and sent out by the local church to cross cultural, linguistic, and usually geographic barriers as part of a team focused on establishing healthy churches among every people group, prioritizing the least reached." -Engage Global
Every Christian is not a missionary. However, all Christians have a part to play in the mission of God.
The Great Commission
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."— Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus left us with clear instructions. No matter when or where a church exists, it has one mission—to fulfill the Great Commission under Christ's absolute authority.
How Does the Gospel Advance?
God's Sovereign Work
Conversion begins with God shining light into our hearts to see the glory of God in Christ Jesus. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand.
Our Faithful Response
We become like lights that God uses to enlighten others as we preach the gospel. We don't produce the light—we reflect it, and God directs it into the hearts of those He is saving.
Magnify Christ. Multiply Disciples. Wherever We Go.
This is the mission of Wildwood Church. Three simple phrases that capture our calling as followers of Jesus. Let's unpack what each of these means and how every believer participates in Christ's work.
Magnify Christ
To magnify God is to behold His true greatness, exalt Him publicly, order your life around it, and treat Him as supremely weighty and worthy. Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." The Christian life is oriented on the glorious One who created and redeemed us.
Treasure His Glory
Humbly receive Christ's love and respond in love. God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.
Reflect His Light
Let your light shine before others so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Live in Obedience
Do all to the glory of God, whether by life or death, glorifying Christ in your body.
Multiply Disciples
Jesus commanded us to make disciples, teaching them to obey everything He commanded. We're saved by faith alone, but saving faith never remains alone—it always bears fruit.
Our standard for faithfulness cannot be seeing someone go from unbeliever to fully mature disciple. Like Paul realized, we play different roles in people's lives. We may plant, or we may water, but only God gives the growth.
Be faithful with each encounter and opportunity you have, trusting God to produce the fruit.
Ordinary Faithfulness
Disciple-making happens through ordinary faithfulness in everyday life. The church exists today because disciples make disciples who make disciples.
Parents & Children
Educating children in the fear and admonition of the Lord through family worship and daily instruction.
Fellowship & Encouragement
Believers encouraging one another in regular fellowship at church, in homes, and throughout the community.
Ministry & Service
Volunteers in kids and youth ministries, elders equipping saints, neighbors sharing hope in Christ.
Missionaries Sent
Teams sent around the world to plant churches and reach unreached people groups with the gospel.
Wherever We Go
Jesus said, "As you go, make disciples of all nations." This assumes movement—wherever you find yourself under God's providence, that's where Jesus calls you to faithfulness. Jesus leads His people in their local community, their region, and to the nations.
Jerusalem
Your local community and neighborhood
Judea & Samaria
Your region and surrounding areas
Ends of the Earth
The nations and unreached peoples
Be faithful wherever you go—whether at the grocery store, at your kitchen table, or selling everything to reach an unreached people group. The key is not where or to what extent, but faithfulness.
Unless the Lord Builds the House
"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."— Psalm 127:1
As we set out with new vision and mission statements, let's remember that unless we are attuned to the leading of the Holy Spirit, these will be just words. But as we listen to the Spirit and follow Jesus in loving obedience, we will have meaningful impact on God's kingdom both in the Quad Cities and around the world.
Magnify Christ. Multiply Disciples. Wherever We Go.