This past weekend, we kicked off Missions Week. In this special message, Pastor Doug Sauder shared how the Great Commission is a call for us all, what God is doing around the world, how God’s using the Church to fight injustice, crisis, and poverty, and how we get to bring the gospel to places where Jesus is not known. We also heard from various missionaries and discovered different ways we can get in the global story.

In this week’s study guide, we’ll discuss missions and how you can make a global impact.

THIS WEEK’S STUDY GUIDE RESOURCE

Below, you’ll find some key questions to reflect on and consider in your group, with your family, or in your circle of friends, some action points for the week, and a look ahead.

Ice Breaker: What’s the most amazing place you’ve ever been to? What was so special about it? Go around and share about any international experiences you’ve had!  

Getting the Conversation Going: God is on a mission! He reveals His nature by serving His creation and sending His son Jesus to redeem and restore us. Jesus came to save us, but also to send us. In John 20:21 (NIV), He says, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you,” in Mark 16:15 (NIV), He says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation,” and in Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV), He says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” He declares we will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Now, notice how He doesn’t give this command to just a special few. The Great Commission is for all of us, and it’s not an optional command either!

“How do we change the world? We change the world by showing up!”

Discussion Question 1: Why did Jesus give us the Great Commission? Why doesn’t He just do it all on His own?

Discussion Question 2: In your experience, what are some of the obstacles to living out the Great Commission? What makes it hard? What are some things you can do to overcome and step out in faith?

Understanding the Role of the Church in the World: We are part of the largest global organization in our world with branches in virtually every city and village around the world! The Church transcends language, race, culture, and socioeconomic status; it’s bigger than Coca Cola, Starbucks, Amazon, Walmart, Sony, McDonald’s, or Apple. In 1,000 years when all those organizations have faded from memory, the Church of Jesus will still exist because it’s His Bride, He is the Head of the Church, and the Church carries the promise of Jesus that even the gates of hell cannot prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). The Church is the reality of Christ’s presence in the world. He fills us with Himself, and then He fills the world with us. So, let’s step out into all the world and pour out His presence upon those who don’t yet know Him!

“Where Jesus is not known, the Church shows up.”

Discussion Question 3: Who in your life is God positioning you to share the gospel with? What are some things you can do this week to show and share Jesus with them?

“Where injustice crushes the weak, the Church shows up.”

Discussion Question 4: What are some ways you can join the fight and defend those who are experiencing injustice both here and around the world? 

“When disasters strikes, the Church shows up . . . When crisis scatters, the Church shows up.”

Discussion Question 5: Why is it so important for the Church to step up in the midst of crisis?

The Practice of Service: While it’s not realistic to expect that every single one of us is going to become a global missionary (though God certainly has given that amazing calling to many), the call to make disciples wherever we are is for us all! The apostles and those who served alongside them were missionaries who traveled the ancient world, but believers at the churches they planted were expected to carry on their work in their communities and also had the privilege of making a global impact by supporting the work of the apostles, helping people in need in other regions, and praying for and with those doing the work of global missions. We have the same opportunities today!

“Changing the world is not just a slogan on the wall, it’s a God-given command and the heart of our mission.”

This Week: Get in the global story! Here are a few things you can begin doing  . . .

• PRAY: Pray on your own and in your group for people groups around the world, for missionaries on the front lines, and for this nation and other nations. Participate in Missions Monday! Go to CalvaryFTL.org/Missions, select a missionary, and pray for them, their family, and the work God is doing in and through them.
• GIVE: As a group with your family or friends, or on your own, support a missionary! Go to CalvaryFTL.org/Missions and pray about who God is calling you to support. You can also give to our Global Outreach fund by visiting CalvaryFTL.org/Give.
• GO: Take part in a new experience we’re doing called the VR mission trip—more details to come! You can also sign up for the “Get in the Global Story” class this February, where you’ll learn about God’s heart for the world and discover how you can become a globally-minded Christian.

Pray It Out: Share prayer requests in your group. Write down the requests of your group members, spend time praying over these requests, and keep praying individually over them throughout the week. And ask the Lord to provide opportunities for you to serve this week!

MORE MISSIONS RESOURCES

Check out our latest article explaining our new initiative called the Puerto Rico Entrepreneurial Program.

Read the Article

Want to dive deeper into God’s heart for global and local missions work? Subscribe to our new seven-day devotional reading plan titled, “Into All the World: Why Missions Matters” on the Bible app!

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A LOOK AHEAD

This Wednesday, we hope you’ll join us either in person at our Fort Lauderdale campus or online for a churchwide Night of Prayer and Worship. Then on the weekend, we’ll kick off a brand-new study through the Gospel of Mark! Discover who Jesus is in this intimate look at His life and ministry.

To get all the need-to-know info on the Gospel of Mark before we begin the series, like date, author, historical context, and key themes to look for, check out our overview blog by clicking the button below!

Gospel of Mark Overview

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