The Mission of God refers to advancing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It is the missional mandate for every follower of Jesus Christ:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18–20)

Paul described the mission of God as the ministry of reconciliation:

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. (2 Corinthians 5:18–20)

We are not just disciples; we are missional disciples. God redeems, transforms, and equips us so we can advance his mission. Preparing for and serving in the mission of God transforms infant believers into mature missional disciples. See Ephesians 4:14-16.

It’s Time to Get in the Game

If you want to experience the transformational grace available through the mission of God, then you’ve got to leave the bleachers.

Going to football games will not transform you into a football player. If that’s the goal, you must report to the coach and let him know you’re ready to join the team. He will evaluate your physical condition and start you on a conditioning regimen. You won’t like it. It will cause your muscles to burn and cramp. You will be tired and sore. But if you choose to submit to the training, you will get faster and stronger.

Then, the coach will evaluate your body type and natural abilities. The coach’s job is to find the right place for you to help the team advance the mission of winning a championship.

When your position is determined, the coach will require you to study the playbook so you’ll know your exact assignment for every play. He’ll have you watch videos of the other team to learn their strategies and discover their weaknesses.

Now, take a look in the mirror. Your decision to leave the bleachers has transformed you into a football player. It was hard work, and took time and sacrifice, but it was worth it.

The same is true for becoming a missional disciple. If you want to be transformed, you must leave the pews and get into the game. It won’t be easy. You will sometimes question your decision. But if you put in the work and remain faithful in the little things, you will hear the Master say:

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21).

That’s what my dear friend Glenn did. After trusting in Jesus, Glenn decided to get involved in the mission so that others could learn about the Jesus who had saved his life. His first job was serving as a greeter on Sunday mornings. He took his role seriously, and God began transforming him. He was a natural at helping people feel welcome and got to know quite a few men. I then invited him to lead a men’s small group. He was nervous about the opportunity but decided to stretch beyond his comfort zone. He did a great job, so I invited him to teach an adult class. Being faithful in the little things also led Glen to serving on the church board and the building committee. He even helped to lead worship and preached to the entire church on several occasions. Glen always served humbly and faithfully.

Do you see the connection? Over the course of ten years, Glen grew from an infant believer to a mature, trusted, and influential leader, and much of that transformation was fueled by his willingness to leave the pews and get into the mission.

Are you ready to get in the mission? If so, here are four steps you can take:

First, schedule an appointment with your pastor or a ministry leader and let them know you are ready to serve. You do not need to know your spiritual gifts to take this step, nor do you need to be an expert in the Bible. You don’t even need to be a long-term Christian. All you need is the desire to serve and the willingness to learn.

Second, serve with excellence. Whatever opportunity you are given, do it wholeheartedly and give it your best. Being faithful in little things demonstrates to God and your leaders that you can be trusted with more responsibility.

Third, be open to opportunities to rise to greater responsibility and influence. You may feel inadequate, and that’s okay. Stepping out of your comfort zone will force you to rely more heavily on your spiritual disciplines. Be assured, God will continue transforming you until you mature and attain the full measure of Jesus Christ.

Finally, don’t ever forget that grace is what pulls you upward. Forgetting about grace is a mistake too many good men make. As you gain elevation, keep your focus. Don’t let religious pride sneak into your heart. The law of gravity reminds you that the higher you go, the greater the risk. Don’t ever stop relying on the power of the Word, prayer, Spirit, Body, and mission. Through these sources of transformational and empowering grace, God has raised you, and if you choose to rely on grace as you humbly serve in the mission of God, you will never fall and suffer ruin.