Catechism: Motivation for the MissionSample

Have you ever thought of yourself as a minister? We usually reserve that title for people who have earned a particular degree or work in full-time ministry. But according to Scripture, every Christ-follower is a minister: someone tasked with leading others to a restored relationship with God! To be reconciled means that you’ve been reunited with God. And now that you are, you can play a part in reuniting others to God, and in turn, with each other!

Part of how God calls and leads others to himself is through people like you, who share the transforming work God is doing in their lives with others. Let’s be clear: God doesn’t need to use people as part of his mission. He could draw people to himself in any way he wants. But he chooses to use ordinary people to announce the extraordinary message of salvation to the world.

This is the heart of missions: God transforms us and then invites us to be part of his transforming work in our world. That’s a humbling, awe-inspiring thought that should fill us with a sense of wonder, urgency, and passion.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Reflection Questions:

• How has Jesus changed your life? Even if you came to know him at a very young age, can you imagine how different your life would be without him? Take some time to reflect on how Jesus has changed the way you think, talk, and act. Thank him for reconciling you to God and making you new!
• How does reflecting on your experience of God’s grace and love in your life affect your desire to share it with others?
• How does thinking of yourself as a “minister of reconciliation” make you feel? Awed? Humbled? Inspired? Intimidated? Scared? If you are struggling with feelings of fear or doubt, take some time to reflect on God’s unconditional and transforming love for you. Ask him to fill you with his strength and power as you live on mission for him.