Catechism: Living on MissionSample

Living as a missionary doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to pack your bags, renew your passport, and start a new life in a foreign country (though maybe you will do that one day). God has created you with unique talents, interests, and skills, and he’s placed you where you can start living on mission right now.

One of those places is your church community. God designed the church as a group of people who need each other and where we all use our different gifts and talents to build each other up. Each of us has a unique way we can contribute to our church community, whether that’s through giving our time, using our talents, or sharing what we are passionate about.

Just as God sent Jesus into the world, Jesus now sends us, the Church, into the world to continue his mission as his Body on earth. When we are grounded in our church, it functions like our home base. It’s the place that launches us into mission work. We then go out into the world to show them what belonging to Jesus is like, and we can do that in unique ways. For some, it looks like becoming a full-time missionary in a faraway place. For others, it looks like being the church in the classroom, on the field, and with your families.

God intends to use what makes us unique for his mission in the world. So think about it: What talents and skills has God given you that you can start using in your spheres of influence right now?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:6-12

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever experienced what it’s like to belong to a church community? Think about a time someone encouraged you or supported you in your community.
• What fears have held you back from using your gifts? What are some ways you could overcome those fears?
• What are some of the little things God has entrusted you with right now? How can you be faithful with those things?