Living Our Purpose: The Church's Mission of Discipleship

Summary

### Summary

Good morning and welcome to this 14th Sunday after Pentecost. Today, we delve into the mission of the church as part of our worship series, "On Purpose." We explore how our individual purposes align with the greater mission of the church, which is to make disciples of all nations. This mission is rooted in the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples, instructing them to go forth, baptize, and teach all that He has commanded.

We began by gathering together, acknowledging the diverse journeys that brought us here. We then moved into a children's story, illustrating the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to His disciples on a mountain, where He commissioned them to continue His work. This story serves as a reminder that we, too, are commissioned to spread the gospel and live out the teachings of Jesus.

The essence of our mission is not just about Sunday attendance or financial giving, although these are important markers of church vitality. Rather, it is about living a life of discipleship that transforms the world. This involves daily practices, much like the early Methodists, who were known for their methodical approach to living out their faith.

We also discussed the importance of radical inclusivity in our mission. Historically, the church has excluded various groups, but Jesus' mission is for everyone. This means welcoming all people, regardless of their background, gender, or orientation. Living out this radical welcome can be uncomfortable, but it is essential for true discipleship.

Finally, we are reminded that our mission involves proclaiming the gospel, nurturing believers, and sending them out to serve the community. This continuous cycle of discipleship and mission is what transforms the world and brings us closer to the kinship of God.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Great Commission: Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations is the cornerstone of our mission. This involves baptizing and teaching others to obey His teachings, thereby spreading the kingdom of God. This mission is not just for the original disciples but for all of us who follow Jesus today. [29:44]

2. Radical Inclusivity: The mission of the church is for everyone, without exception. Historically, the church has excluded various groups, but Jesus' message is clear: all are welcome. This radical inclusivity challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace those who are different from us. [42:41]

3. Daily Discipleship: Like the early Methodists, our faith should be lived out daily through specific practices and disciplines. This methodical approach helps us grow in our faith and strengthens our community. It is through these daily acts of discipleship that we transform the world. [31:06]

4. The Importance of Community: Participation in the church is not just about what we receive but also about what we give. Our presence and involvement help nurture others and build a stronger community. This mutual formation is essential for the vitality of the church. [34:56]

5. Continuous Mission: Our mission to make disciples and transform the world is ongoing. It involves proclaiming the gospel, nurturing believers, and sending them out to serve. This continuous cycle ensures that we are always growing in our faith and extending God's love to others. [47:20]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[13:16] - Gathering Together
[17:58] - Children's Story: The Great Commission
[20:11] - Jesus' Commission to the Disciples
[22:22] - The Disciples' Mission
[27:52] - Living a Life of Discipleship
[29:44] - The Great Commission in Scripture
[31:06] - Methodism and Daily Practices
[32:29] - Importance of Sunday Worship
[34:56] - Community and Mutual Formation
[36:55] - The Role of Giving
[38:27] - Mission of the United Methodist Church
[42:41] - Radical Inclusivity
[47:20] - Continuous Mission
[50:47] - Prayer and Reflection
[56:36] - Joys and Concerns
[59:03] - Offering and Thanksgiving
[01:03:25] - The Lord's Prayer and Sending
[01:06:01] - Announcements and Closing Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20: "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. John 20:21: "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.'"
3. Mark 16:15: "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20?
2. According to the sermon, what does "radical inclusivity" mean in the context of the church's mission? ([42:41])
3. How did the early Methodists practice their faith daily, and what was the significance of these practices? ([31:06])
4. What are some ways the sermon suggests the church can nurture believers and send them out to serve the community? ([47:20])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 apply to modern-day Christians? What challenges might arise in fulfilling this command?
2. The sermon emphasizes "radical inclusivity." How can this principle be both challenging and transformative for a church community? ([42:41])
3. Reflect on the daily practices of the early Methodists. How might adopting similar practices impact one's personal faith journey and the broader church community? ([31:06])
4. The sermon mentions the importance of community and mutual formation. How does active participation in church life contribute to personal and communal spiritual growth? ([34:56])

#### Application Questions
1. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? ([29:44])
2. Radical inclusivity means welcoming everyone, regardless of their background. Think of a group or individual you find challenging to welcome. What steps can you take to extend a genuine welcome to them? ([42:41])
3. The early Methodists had specific daily practices to live out their faith. Choose one spiritual discipline (e.g., prayer, Bible reading, service) to focus on this week. How will you incorporate it into your daily routine? ([31:06])
4. Reflect on your participation in church activities. How can you contribute more actively to nurturing others in your community? What specific action will you take this month? ([34:56])
5. The sermon highlights the continuous mission of the church. What is one way you can proclaim the gospel or serve your community this week? ([47:20])
6. Consider the concept of mutual formation. How can you be more intentional about forming and being formed by others in your church community? ([34:56])
7. The sermon mentions the importance of giving as an expression of joy and obedience. Reflect on your current giving practices. Is there a way you can increase your support for the church's mission? ([36:55])

Devotional

Day 1: The Great Commission: Our Universal Mission
The Great Commission, given by Jesus to His disciples, is the cornerstone of our mission as Christians. This command to make disciples of all nations involves baptizing and teaching others to obey His teachings, thereby spreading the kingdom of God. This mission is not just for the original disciples but for all of us who follow Jesus today. It is a call to action that transcends time and culture, urging us to share the transformative message of Jesus with everyone we encounter. This mission is not limited to church leaders or missionaries; it is a collective responsibility that each believer must embrace. [29:44]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "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: Think of one person in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you share the love and message of Jesus with them this week?

Day 2: Radical Inclusivity: Embracing Everyone
The mission of the church is for everyone, without exception. Historically, the church has excluded various groups, but Jesus' message is clear: all are welcome. This radical inclusivity challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace those who are different from us. It means welcoming all people, regardless of their background, gender, or orientation. Living out this radical welcome can be uncomfortable, but it is essential for true discipleship. By embracing inclusivity, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who reached out to the marginalized and the outcast. [42:41]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Identify a group or individual you have unintentionally excluded. How can you extend a genuine welcome to them in your church or community?

Day 3: Daily Discipleship: Living Faith Every Day
Like the early Methodists, our faith should be lived out daily through specific practices and disciplines. This methodical approach helps us grow in our faith and strengthens our community. It is through these daily acts of discipleship that we transform the world. Daily discipleship involves prayer, reading Scripture, serving others, and living out the teachings of Jesus in our everyday lives. By committing to these practices, we not only grow closer to God but also become a light to those around us. [31:06]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: What daily practice can you start or improve upon to deepen your discipleship? How will you hold yourself accountable to this practice?

Day 4: The Importance of Community: Mutual Formation
Participation in the church is not just about what we receive but also about what we give. Our presence and involvement help nurture others and build a stronger community. This mutual formation is essential for the vitality of the church. When we engage in community, we support one another, share our burdens, and grow together in faith. The church is a body, and each member plays a crucial role in its health and function. By actively participating, we contribute to the spiritual growth and well-being of the entire community. [34:56]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of your church community this week? What specific action will you take to support someone in your congregation?

Day 5: Continuous Mission: Proclaiming, Nurturing, Sending
Our mission to make disciples and transform the world is ongoing. It involves proclaiming the gospel, nurturing believers, and sending them out to serve. This continuous cycle ensures that we are always growing in our faith and extending God's love to others. The mission does not end with conversion; it includes the lifelong process of discipleship and service. By continually engaging in this cycle, we help build a vibrant and dynamic church that impacts the world for Christ. [47:20]

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: What is one way you can actively participate in the continuous mission of the church? How can you help nurture and send others to serve in your community?

Quotes

1. "It is about this life of discipleship. Where we've heard the call of Jesus to come and follow. And we really aren't sure where it's going to lead, but we've decided to follow. And you've discovered along the way that there is something unique just for you. Something very personal just for you. You've suspected. But you've discovered the way that God has called you to be part of this greater mission in the world." [27:52] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When you prioritize the common good. And when your love is looking like Jesus' love. This life of discipleship. This life of living our purpose. It is an amazing life. It is not easy. And it is thriving. And so, when we think about our own purpose. It requires reflection. And it requires discernment of what is unique just for us. Because none of us came with a manual. To the lament of most every parent." [28:55] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are a community. That is the body of Christ making disciples. And our discipleship transforms the world. The United Methodist Church names it well. Our mission is to make disciples for the transformation of the world. And we do this by proclaiming the good news of God's grace. And by exemplifying Jesus' command to love God and to love neighbor." [38:27] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So how we live out our mission matters. I visited a lot of church websites. I find them fascinating. The way different churches present themselves on their website. Many have a statement of faith. And you know frankly. They're all pretty much identical. We believe Jesus Christ is the son of God. But if you walk into their church. They are not identical. They're quite different." [39:10] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Who is this mission for? Like we all agree on the mission of the church. But there's real difference in who the mission is for. Who is this neighbor? Who is my neighbor? That I am called to love and welcome. And form. And disciple. It's as if we seem to think. There's only so much grace going around. And we need to know how to keep out. So there's enough for us. So we want to know who's excluded." [40:34] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Throughout the history of the church. We have excluded people. Excluded people of color. Excluded women. Excluded people in poverty. And if you weren't a member of that church. You weren't welcome. That is true. In some churches today. And today. Our growing edge. For us. Who is my neighbor. Who do we welcome. Is LGBTQ folks. That in some churches. People are excluded. Based on their gender. And orientation." [41:59] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "When we radically. Welcome. Others. For the first. Time. It occurs. To us. That God. Radically. Welcomes. Each. Of us. That there. Is. Truly. Nothing. That can. Separate. Us. From. The love. Of God. Nothing. About. Us. Nothing. In. Our. Sinfulness. Can. Exclude. Us. From. The love. Of God. And. We. Get. That. Taste. When. We. Practice. That. Radical. Welcome. Of. Others." [44:35] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We are to proclaim. To witness. Your faith. To tell. About. What. Jesus. Means. To. You. And. What. Your. Faith. Means. To. You. To. Tell. Your. Friends. And. Neighbor. To. Lead. People. Into. Discipleship. To. Welcome. People. Into. Belonging. Maybe. Even. Through. Challenge. To. Nurture. To. Nurture. Yourself. And. Others. Through. The. Church. And. Then. To. Send. To. Send. Into. The. Community. To. Serve. The. Community." [47:26] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "This life. Of discipleship. This living. Our purpose. It is an amazing. Life. And frankly. It guarantees. Discomfort. If we're going. To be. With people. Who are different. Than us. If we are going. To make disciples. And be disciples. With people. Who are different. Than us. We are guaranteed. Discomfort. Every one. Of us. It guarantees. That we have. To become. Robust." [43:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "And so Sunday attendance does matter. Giving does matter. Giving is what makes the work of the church possible. That's how we pay the bills. It's how we fund Messy Church and worship. It funds my salary. And the salary of our secretary. And our pianist. And our custodian. It sends our kids to camp. It funds the maintenance of this beautiful building. And as a small church. The bulk of our budget goes to funding a full time pastor. That's typical with small churches. That's me." [35:36] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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