I may fumble over my words here a bit as I try to explain what’s in my mind and thoughts. I do often struggle with keeping things simple, but I’ll attempt to do so in this post.

I have been pondering for many years (literally, years!) the concept of our “mission,” as Christians. More specifically, when you strip away just about everything else, do we (the Church) have one mission as a whole, or do we each have our own unique mission?

If you visit individual churches or peruse the internet for church “mission statements,” are they all generally the same mission or do they vary?

Before going further, to clarify, I’m not saying this is a “thus sayeth the Lord” type post. These are simply my thoughts as I see it right now. I’m continually trying to piece the puzzle together, read Scripture, dig deeper, and see the bigger picture.

On we go …

Though we may find (great or minimal) variations in church mission statements worldwide, I would venture to say the church’s primary mission is universal. In short, this mission as Jesus tells us, is to simply Love God, love people, obey his commands, and tell the world about Him. Sure, there is a bit more to it when you dig deeper, but those words of Jesus sum it up quite perfectly.

The reason I bring this up is because I think we might have confused a couple of things along the way. Specifically, the difference between the mission and the means.

Mission or Means?

One of the online dictionaries defines “means” as …

an action or system by which a result is brought about; a method.

I believe God has made it clear what we are to do, as Believers (as stated earlier with Jesus’ instructions), but we each have unique means in which to carry that mission into the world. The “action or system” by which the mission (result) is brought about, can be vastly different between individuals and churches.

I think it’s easy to have a tendency to focus on the means as the end-all-be-all. But, it would be of great valuable to remember, the means is actually not the focus. The means is simply the process or the method to get to the end result, which is to carry out the mission.

Where are we setting our sites, our eyes, our focus? Is it on the mission, or is it on the means?

I don’t feel like I’m being very clear. So, to help draw a distinction between these two (mission and means), below are a few “means” we see around us today:

• Caring for orphans
• Involvement in the political realm
• Owning a business
• Providing jobs
• Discipling teens
• Investing in friendships
• Protecting the innocent
• Making food for people in need
• Producing movies
• Fighting sex-trafficking
• Praying for others
• Writing songs
• Teaching children
• Saving and improving lives through the medical field
• Serving the community (firefighters, policemen, caseworkers)
• Visiting shut-ins
• Making jewelry that brings hope
• Preaching
• Supporting life in unwed mothers
• Being the head of your household
• Loving your spouse
• Coaching a sports team
• Counseling people
• Brewing coffee for those in the cold
• Praying and interceding for others
• Valuing life
• Giving of your time, possessions, money, and/or talents

As you may have noticed, these are not our actual mission, they are simply the means of fulfilling it.

There are many ways (means) we can love God, love people, obey His commands and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Maybe you are able to identify with a few on the list? Many of them are shared in Scripture (i.e. taking care of the widows and the orphans, giving to the needy, and praying for others), while others are not mentioned at all. For example, producing movies is not specifically stated in the Bible (as movies didn’t exist then). But, it is a very valid and powerful way to share Christ with the world.

There are many and varied means for carrying out the universal mission.

So, what do we do now?

For starters, I encourage you to not neglect what you have been given. In Scripture, we are simply encouraged to use those gifts for God’s glory (1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, and 1 Corinthians 12:28). Whatever gifts and talents they may be, use ’em. Share them with those around you. If it’s hospitality, welcome people in. If it’s encouraging others, do it with all of your heart. If it’s teaching, teach with diligence. If it’s leading, lead with integrity, honor and faithfulness. Be creative, organize, play, work, serve, lead, follow, write, sing, forgive … in whatever means you have been given, do it with everything you’ve got. There is value in what you have to share and give. And, as I said in a recent blog post, “leave it all on the court.”

A word of caution, be careful not to focus solely on discovering and carrying out the means. Instead, keep your eyes set on the greater mission: love God, love people, obey Christ, and tell others about Him.

As Christians, we have a part in the Body of Christ (the Church), unified under Him, but each with a unique function and effect. We work together and all have value and purpose. Step back and see the big picture. It’s quite an amazing picture to behold.

One mission, many means.

To God be the Glory, Honor and Praise … forever and ever, Amen.