Partnering With Others in the Gospel

Here at Faith Bible Church, we believe that the acrostic DNA can easily capture the characteristics of a disciple:

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Under each of these, we affirm three behaviors or affirmations that are part of each component of DNA. For example, the three affirmations we make for Advancing the Gospel include:

1) I share my story

2) I give my life

3) I partner with others in the gospel

Let’s take a look at that third affirmation a bit more. When Jesus was about to leave Earth, he left his disciples with a mission:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

This passage has been known as “The Great Commission” since it constitutes Jesus’ mission for his disciples, both at the time of Jesus and here and now. Wherever we go, we are on Jesus’ mission of making disciples of all people.

And think about this: Jesus’ mission for his disciples is a “co-mission.” In other words, our mission of making disciples is with others. Not just individually but collectively.

To summarize this belief, we say that disciples partner with others in the gospel. What does this look like in the everyday stuff of life? Here are a few ways to think of partnering with others on Jesus’ mission in the nations, neighborhoods, and the next generation:

Be a Sender. Senders play the role of using material resources and prayer covering to send others. These people seem gifted with discernment, generosity, and a great heart for those willing to go to unreached places. They gladly provide a place of respite for others who are engaged in the church’s mission.

Be a Welcomer. Welcomers have gifts of mercy and hospitality. They gladly welcome people from their neighborhoods into their homes and reach out to culturally or spiritually different people. They provide a safe environment for people to discover Jesus through conversation and friendship.

Be a Mobilizer. Mobilizers “rally the troops” around a common cause. Typically, mobilizers have gifts of vision, leadership, and organization and play an essential role in ensuring the endeavor is a “co-mission.” They see how the parts fit together and enlist people with various spiritual gifts to accomplish the goal.

Be a Goer. Goerschoose to imbed themselves strategically in a particular opportunity to advance the gospel. Often these people have the gift of faith. To be successful, they must typically be people of persistence and perseverance. These people are often “entrepreneurs,” and they are often the first to acknowledge the necessity of all of us working together to accomplish God’s Great Co-Mission.

As you read the above, where do you see yourself? Sender? Welcomer? Mobilizer? Goer? Maybe a few of them?

What sphere of mission seems compelling to you –– The nations? Our neighborhoods? The next generation?

If you’re unsure where you gravitate, take some time to pray and ask God to show you how he wants you to Advance the Gospel here and now.

God gives each of us opportunities to reach others with the good news of Jesus, and partnering with others in the gospel is essential in our co-mission in seeing God “reconcile the world to himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Partnering with you in the gospel!

–Pastor Wade