The Church Sends
Key thoughtThe church participates in God’s mission by sending people out — through prayer, giving, and support.
“Listen for what the church does after the Holy Spirit calls Paul and Barnabas.”
3Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
After the Holy Spirit called Paul and Barnabas, the church did something beautiful. They fasted. They prayed. They laid hands on them. Then they sent them off. The church did not just say, “Go do great things for God.” They worshiped, they prayed, they sacrificed, and they sent.
Missions is not just the work of missionaries. It is the work of the whole church. Some go. Some send. Some pray. Some give. Some support. Every person who trusts in Jesus has a role in His mission.
This Sunday is also Family Sunday. As families, we can participate in God’s mission together. We can pray for Justin in Europe. We can give to support missions. We can encourage someone who is sharing the gospel. The question is not whether we participate but how — as a family and as a church.
How can you support someone who is sharing the gospel? Choose one way — pray, give, encourage, or send — and do it this week.
- What did the church at Antioch do before sending Paul and Barnabas? Why does that matter?
- What is your family’s role in God’s mission? How can you participate together?
Pray for your church’s missionaries — by name if you know them. Pray for Justin in Europe. Ask God how your family can be part of sending: through prayer, through giving, through encouragement.
Amen