By Pastor Ken
During a mission conference, the speaker tried to motivate the audience about the Great Commission. “Jesus said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations.’ Jesus didn’t say come to the church to hear the gospel.” He then emphasized the difference between “go” and “come” and encouraged everyone to march out with the gospel.
Is it true that all believers have no choice but to “go?”
When we look at the early church, indeed, many disciples left their hometowns and went to other places to preach the gospel. The apostle Paul and his co-workers traveled all over the major cities in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Wherever they went, they stayed for a short time, rarely exceeding three years. Thus, they spread the gospel to many people.
Some preachers nowadays follow Paul’s example and choose to go to places where the gospel hasn’t been preached. After a church is established, the preacher then moves on to another place.
However, it’s critical to point out that before Paul left a place, he always selected and trained a few local leaders to continue shepherding and teaching the believers. He didn’t just leave. Those leaders would stay put and minister to the local congregation. Naturally, believers invited their relatives and friends to come to church. They would welcome newcomers into the church family and fulfill Jesus’ calling, “Follow me and be my disciple.”
There is this saying, “Starting a business is easier than maintaining its growth.” Actually, neither is easy. Different skills and personalities may be needed. Entrepreneurs who start a new venture must be visionary, outgoing, creative, passionate, and courageous. Those who come after to take care of the existing business must be good at managing with great patience and endurance.
The same is true for preaching the gospel versus taking care of an existing church. A pastor at a local church can’t just “go” and preach the gospel without teaching and meeting the needs of his congregation. To leave before training leaders to manage the ministry seems irresponsible. On the other hand, if a pastor only focuses on maintaining the church’s internal activities but doesn’t train believers to go out to preach, the introverted approach will reduce the impact of the gospel on the world.
As believers, we must evaluate our personalities and gifts and keep learning to make up for our shortcomings. Those extroverts may wish to participate more in missions and develop new friendships to share the gospel. The introverts may participate more in training and caring and to serve in different capacities inside the church. Either way, they can team up with one another to reach out to the community. No matter what our personalities are, we should carry the spiritual character with us and live out our Christian faith.
We are to “go” to spread the gospel, make disciples of Jesus, and form a community of believers. We shall also stay put and invite people to “come” to the local churches and enjoy God’s grace and blessings.
