Christians often hear the phrase “the Great Commission” in sermons, discussions, and other contexts of the gospel’s message. But what does it mean, and how does it impact our lives as followers of Christ? In this article, we will explore the meaning of the Great Commission, its significance for discipleship, and how organizations like Spoken Worldwide work to fulfill this command.
What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is a command that was originally assigned by Jesus to His apostles. At the core of the Great Commission is the calling to make disciples of all nations – and to do this, one must go throughout the world, to find the lost and teach them about Jesus. The Great Commission is the foundation for all global missions. It is a call to evangelism, discipleship, and obedience to Christ’s commands.
Jesus’ commission to his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations” is not only a command to grow in numbers, but also to disciple. Making disciples involves more than just leading people to salvation through the gospel’s message. It consists of teaching them the principles and practices of the Christian faith and helping them grow in their relationship with God. The goal is to produce mature believers who can disciple others and carry on the work of evangelism.
The Significance of the Great Commission for Discipleship
The Great Commission is more than just global missions – it is a call to action for ALL believers. As followers of Christ, we are called to go out into the world and share the Good News of salvation with others. This means that we must be actively engaged in spreading the gospel, both through our words and our actions.
The Great Commission also highlights the importance of discipleship in the Christian faith. Making disciples is not just about converting people to Christianity; it is about teaching them to live out their faith and follow Christ’s commands. This requires a commitment to ongoing discipleship and mentoring, as well as a willingness to invest in the lives of others.
3 Ways Every Christian can Help Fulfill the Great Commission
1. Be led by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit guides us into all Truth and He gives us the power to do what God commands. The same Holy Spirit who was with Jesus’ disciples and Jesus Himself, is in us today!
To be led by the Spirit requires that we are sensitive to what He tells us to do and quick to listen and obey. This may include allowing the Spirit to get us out of our comfort zone to walk boldly where He wants us to go. It’s easy to let our fears overcome us and let feelings of inadequacy take over, but God will always provide for us when He leads us to do His calling.
2. Nurture relationships and share the Good News
Many Christians believe the Great Commission is fulfilled only by overseas missions. While global ministry is extremely important, it’s not the only piece. Jesus said to make disciples of all nations and ALL includes our own.
The easiest way to participate is by making an impact on the lives of the people around us, especially the people to which we are closest:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Through our example of a life lived by Christ, we show others the life-changing truth of the gospel. Even more so when we exemplify Christ during challenging times or times of crisis. When others see Christ’s peace displayed in us during these times, they understand it’s a supernatural power – one that is greater than us!
3. Give
When we give to and support ministries, we extend our influence to make a greater impact on His Kingdom. Some people may think giving is an inadequate way to take part in the Great Commission, but even when we can’t be the direct messenger, we become a receiver of righteousness that is birthed from the support we give:
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10
Even when we cannot physically be involved in spreading the gospel, we still play a key part in saving and changing lives. A financial gift isn’t measured by how much is given, but rather by the heart that gives it – no matter the amount.
The Role of Spoken Worldwide in Fulfilling the Great Commission
At Spoken Worldwide, the Great Commission is at the heart of our mission. We believe that everyone deserves to hear the gospel, regardless of their literacy level or the language they speak. Spoken is committed to using orality, the art of communicating through speech, to reach those who may not have access to the written word, and we aim to make the gospel accessible to all people, regardless of their background or location.
We believe that the Great Commission is not just a commandment for the early disciples but a call-to-action for every believer. It is a call to share the hope and love of Christ with those around us, to make disciples, and to baptize new believers. It is a call to live out our faith and to obey Christ’s commands, knowing that He is with us always.
Yet, Spoken Worldwide takes a unique approach to the Great Commission, focusing all of our efforts on reaching Oral Learners – people who don’t or can’t read and therefore aren’t able to engage with Scripture in traditional formats. Together in partnership with indigenous Christian leaders, we produce oral Bible translations, and Bible stories in oral format. The local leaders then share these oral translations with the people of their communities. This distinct approach to global ministry allows Oral Learners to engage with the gospel in a way that is meaningful and accessible to them.
By providing oral resources in local languages, Spoken Worldwide is breaking down barriers and making it possible for oral communities to engage with the gospel in their preferred method of communication.
Our work is helping to fulfill the Great Commission by making disciples and sharing the Good News of salvation worldwide. We are dedicated to reaching those who have not yet heard the message of the gospel and to creating resources that are accessible to all.
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