Embracing Our Role in God's Mission Together

Devotional

Day 1: Every Believer Is Called to Join God’s Mission

God calls every follower to participate in His redemptive work.
No matter your background or experience, God invites you to be part of His mission to reach others with His love. This calling is not reserved for a select few; it is an invitation for every believer to step out in faith, overcome doubts and fears, and join in the work He is already doing in the world. Whether through going, sending, or welcoming, each person has a unique role to play in God’s unfolding story of salvation. [28:56]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to actively join in God’s mission—whether by going, sending, or welcoming someone into your life?

Day 2: Building Relationships Is Central to Sharing Jesus

Genuine relationships open doors for sharing the love and message of Christ.
Mission is not just about projects or programs; it’s about building authentic relationships where the love of Jesus can be experienced and shared. Whether constructing homes, hosting someone in your family, or simply living out your faith in daily life, it is through real connections that hearts are softened and lives are transformed. Even small acts of hospitality and kindness can have a lasting impact, sometimes reaching just one person in a profound way. [31:22]

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV)
So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally build a deeper relationship with this week, showing them the love of Jesus through your actions?

Day 3: Faithfulness Over Fruitfulness—Obedience Is Our Part, Results Belong to God

God calls us to be faithful and obedient, leaving the results to Him.
When serving in God’s mission, it’s easy to become focused on visible outcomes or immediate results. Yet, the true measure of success is faithfulness—preparing our hearts, obeying God’s call, and trusting Him with the fruit. Even when we feel unqualified or uncertain, God honors our obedience and uses it in ways we may never fully see. Our role is to do our part; the transformation and growth are in God’s hands. [53:02]

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV)
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to shift your focus from results to simply being faithful and obedient to what God is asking you to do?

Day 4: Everyone Has a Role—Going, Sending, and Welcoming

Mission is a team effort, and every role is vital.
Not everyone is called to travel or serve on the front lines, but every believer can participate in God’s mission. Some go, some send, and some welcome—each role is essential and deeply valued. Praying, encouraging, supporting, and opening your home are all ways to be part of God’s work. The impact of a mission is multiplied when the whole church comes together, each person contributing their unique gifts and resources. [01:03:56]

Romans 12:4-6a (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.

Reflection: Which role—going, sending, or welcoming—do you sense God inviting you to embrace more fully right now, and what is one practical way you can step into that role?

Day 5: Small Acts of Love Can Have Eternal Impact

Reaching even one person with Christ’s love matters deeply.
You may not be able to reach everyone, but you can reach someone. Sometimes, the most significant impact comes from simple acts of love and hospitality shown to just one individual. God uses these moments to change lives, create ripple effects, and expand His kingdom in ways we may never expect. Never underestimate the power of reaching out to one person; your faithfulness can be the catalyst for transformation in their life and beyond. [01:09:28]

Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Reflection: Who is the “one” God is putting on your heart to love or reach out to this week, and how can you take a step toward them today?

Sermon Summary

God is actively at work in and through our church, inviting each of us to participate in His mission to reach the world. This calling is not reserved for a select few, but is extended to every believer, whether that means going, sending, or welcoming. Through the stories shared today—from building homes in Baja, to hosting Japanese youth, to leading a youth retreat in the Philippines—we see that God uses ordinary people, often in ordinary circumstances, to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom. The heart of missions is not about grand gestures, but about building relationships, sharing the love of Jesus, and being faithful in whatever role God calls us to.

Daniel’s journey to Baja began with hesitation and fear of rejection, but stepping out in faith led to deep relationships and opportunities to share Christ’s love. The partnership with the local church in Baja ensures that the seeds planted continue to grow, reminding us that missions is a long-term investment in people, not just projects. Kalani and Dan’s experience as a host family for the Japan Homestay Program highlights how simply opening our homes and living out our faith in daily life can have a profound impact on individuals, sometimes even more than we realize. Their story is a testament to the power of welcoming and loving just one person as an act of mission.

Dylan’s preparation for the youth retreat in the Philippines revealed that the most important preparation is of the heart, not just the program. Faithfulness, rather than visible fruitfulness, is what God asks of us; the results belong to Him. The support of the “covering crew” demonstrates that those who pray, encourage, and send are just as vital to the mission as those who go. Jocelyn’s perspective as the receiving church in the Philippines reminds us that missions is a partnership, and the impact continues long after the trip ends, creating a ripple effect in the community.

Ultimately, none of us can do everything, but each of us can do something. Whether by going, sending, or welcoming, we are all called to find our place in God’s mission and to step out in faith, trusting that He will use our obedience for His glory.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Mission Is for Everyone God’s invitation to join His mission is not limited to those who travel overseas or serve in visible roles. Each believer is called to participate, whether by going, sending, or welcoming. The mission field is wherever God has placed us, and every act of faithfulness—no matter how small—matters in His kingdom. [28:56]
2. Overcoming Fear and Doubt Opens Doors Stepping out in faith often means confronting our fears of inadequacy or rejection. Daniel’s story shows that when we move beyond our doubts, God meets us with opportunities to build relationships and share His love. Our willingness to obey, even when hesitant, can lead to transformation in others and ourselves. [31:22]
3. The Power of Welcoming One Mission is not always about reaching the masses; sometimes it’s about loving just one person well. Kalani and Dan’s experience as a host family demonstrates that opening our homes and sharing everyday life can deeply impact someone’s spiritual journey. God often works through simple acts of hospitality and presence. [46:39]
4. Faithfulness Over Fruitfulness Preparing for mission is less about perfect plans and more about preparing our hearts to be faithful. Dylan’s insight—“faithfulness over fruitfulness”—reminds us that God is responsible for the results. Our role is to obey and trust Him with the outcome, knowing that even unseen acts of service are significant. [53:02]
5. Mission Is a Partnership, Not a Solo Endeavor The story of the covering crew and Jocelyn’s perspective as a receiving church highlight that mission is a collaborative effort. Those who pray, encourage, and support are as essential as those who go. The impact of mission extends beyond the trip itself, creating lasting change through ongoing relationships and community. [63:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:56] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[31:22] - Daniel’s Baja Mission Testimony
[35:10] - The Importance of Building Relationships
[37:45] - Partnership with Baja Local Church
[40:44] - Kalani and Dan: Japan Homestay Experience
[46:39] - Impact of Hosting Japanese Youth
[49:30] - Reflections on Missional Hospitality
[53:02] - Dylan: Preparing for the Philippines Youth Retreat
[56:15] - Faithfulness Over Fruitfulness
[58:40] - The Covering Crew: Sending and Supporting
[63:56] - Jocelyn: Receiving Church Perspective
[67:20] - Ripple Effect of Missions
[69:28] - Everyone Has a Role in God’s Mission
[70:00] - Next Steps and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission) — > And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

2. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 18-20 (The Body of Christ)
> For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many... But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the specific actions Jesus commands his followers to do as part of His mission?
In the sermon, what were the three main ways people participated in God’s mission? ([01:09:28])
What did Daniel share was his biggest hesitation before going on the Baja mission trip, and how did that change? ([31:22])
How did Kalani and Dan’s family impact the Japanese youth they hosted, according to the testimonies shared? ([46:39])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus includes “I am with you always” at the end of the Great Commission? How might this encourage someone who feels afraid or unqualified for missions?
The sermon emphasized that “God’s mission is for everyone.” What does it mean for the mission field to be “wherever God has placed us”? ([28:56])
The phrase “faithfulness over fruitfulness” was highlighted in Dylan’s story. What does this mean, and why is it important in the context of serving God? ([53:02])
How does the idea of the “covering crew” and the receiving church in the Philippines show that mission is a partnership, not a solo effort? ([01:03:56])

Application Questions

Daniel shared about his fear of rejection and hesitation before stepping out in faith. Is there an area in your life where fear or doubt is holding you back from obeying God’s call? What would it look like to take a small step of faith this week? ([31:22])
Kalani and Dan’s story showed the impact of welcoming just one person. Is there someone in your life—maybe a neighbor, coworker, or student—whom you could intentionally welcome or show hospitality to this month? What’s one practical way you could do this? ([46:39])
The sermon said, “You can’t do everything, but you can do something.” What is one specific role—going, sending, or welcoming—that you feel God might be inviting you to take part in right now? ([01:09:28])
Dylan talked about preparing his heart more than preparing a program. How can you focus on preparing your heart to serve, rather than just planning or doing tasks? What might that look like in your daily life? ([53:02])
The “covering crew” supported the mission team through prayer, encouragement, and practical help. Who is someone you could support in their ministry or mission, even if you’re not the one “going”? How could you encourage or pray for them this week? ([01:03:56])
The sermon highlighted that the impact of missions continues long after the trip ends, creating a ripple effect. Can you think of a time when a small act of faithfulness in your life had a bigger impact than you expected? How does that encourage you to keep serving, even when you don’t see immediate results? ([01:07:20])
Looking at your current season of life, what is one “ordinary” way you can participate in God’s mission—at home, work, school, or in your community? How can the group pray for you as you take this step?

Sermon Clips

Just to hear them say that they've never experienced a love like they did when they were here. And most of them didn't want to go back to Japan. And I know you made an impact on Reo because after the first year, he had requested to come back and stay with you the second year. [00:46:47] (22 seconds) #LoveThatChangesHearts

Praise God for that transformation in the boys, boys' hearts from shame to freedom, you know. That's, that's what we've experienced, and that's, that's the grace of God, and there's nothing better than that, right? Amen. [00:58:44] (15 seconds) #GraceTransformsHearts

We want to make sure that we're doing it in a good way. We want to send off our teams well. We want to make sure it's a good experience for our church as a sending church. But we also want to consider the impact that we're having on the people we're serving and the church that's receiving us. We want this to be a positive experience and beneficial for them as well. [01:04:43] (24 seconds) #ServeWithPurposeAndCare

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