Core Values: A Missionary Community

Aim

To show that simply following Jesus and obeying his commands is naturally evangelistic. When

we are prophetic, inclusive, sacrificial and worshipping we become a missionary community.

You will need...

A Bible, pen & paper, items that represent mission from your perspective.

Starter

The Bible uses many symbols to describe mission, or the way that the love of God influences

people. Consider symbols of mission most significant or helpful in understanding mission; make a

note describing them in the space below:

“Peace be with you”

We participate in Mission, because it is God’s activity and our creator invites us to join in the

movement of God’s love towards the whole of creation. We also participate in mission because it

is part of following Jesus.

Read John 20:19-33

• Put yourself in the position of the disciples.

- What would you have felt? What would you have wanted to say to, or ask Jesus?

• Jesus says “Peace be with you” twice, was this more than just a conventional greeting?

• “As the Father sent me” How did the Father send Jesus?

- What was surprising about the way he came and the things he did?

Forgiveness as a lifestyle choice

Look again at verse 23. This seems to place responsibility for forgiveness of sins into the hands of

the followers of Jesus. How significant should forgiving people be in an evangelistic strategy?

What can our church learn from this?

It has been suggested (Lohfink) that the quality of living of the early believers was so distinctive

and attractive that people were intrigued to find out more and were naturally led to repentance and

conversion so organised evangelism was unnecessary.

Do you think this would work today?

Would you say that our lifestyle is evangelistic?

Go into all the world

Read Matthew 28:19

The mission of the church is a global calling – consider ways in which our church is involved in

God's global mission.

Do we have a ‘right’ balance? What is the ‘right’ balance?

Closing Prayers

Let us offer prayers for the area in which we live, and for our witness as a missionary people.