Fulfilling the Great Commission

CONNECT GLOBAL PRESENTS

FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION What is the Great Commission, Why is it important, and How do we take action

CONNECTGLOBAL.ORG

CONNECT GLOBAL

PRESENTS

JAVIER & DANIELLE MENDOZA Founders of Connect Global Together, Javier & Danielle Mendoza, have been leading mission trips since 2004 and upon its founding in 2011 have been instrumental in building Connect Global, a worldwide organization built on providing sustainable solutions to solvable problems like poverty, hunger, lack of education, and lack of clean drinking water.

Danielle and Javier have one daughter, Saige, who completed her first international service trip at the age of 4 to Thailand.

Along with their daughter Saige, the Mendoza Family has called La Ceiba, Honduras home twice since January 2015. They lived and worked in Honduras for a total of 3 years establishing the programs and partnerships that continue growing and thriving today.

Their home and organizational headquarters is Tampa Bay, Florida, U.S.A. F u l f illing the G r e a t C o m m i s s io n -

FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION

CONNECT GLOBAL MISSION We provide sustainable solutions addressing poverty, food scarcity, access to education, and maternal & newborn healthcare.

VISION

We exist to follow the biblical model of Jesus meeting both physical and spiritual needs to fulfill the Great Commission.

VALUES

Biblical Integrity We follow the highest standard of integrity and character as outlined to us through our faith in Jesus Christ to be found above reproach and instill trust not only in us as faithful stewards but as representatives of Jesus above all.

Fiscal Responsibility We are committed to the highest standards for the use of funds.

We use the donations for the purpose, for which they are given. We keep our administrative and fundraising costs as low as possible.

Relational Accountability We keep our donors, informed of the ongoing projects and share the joy of each achieved milestone. Our annual impact report and monthly updates to donors as well as our public communication via social media give everyone the chance to understand the work we are committed to.

C O N NECTGLOBA L . O R G

CONNECT GLOBAL PRESENTS

FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION What is the Great Commission, Why is it important, and How do we take action

CONNECTGLOBAL.ORG

FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION

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CONTENTS

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THE FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH Define the Great Commission and what it means for you, your church, and your greater community.

OUR IDENTITY Knowing who we are is of vital importance to understanding our place in completing the Great Commission.

OBEDIENCE OVER SACRIFICE Scriptures tell us that God requires our obedience over our sacrifice which is key to fulfilling the Great Commission.

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FIND THE RIGHT PARTNERS

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We are called to work with one another in unity. We are many parts of one body. It will take each part working together to finish the Commission He gave us.

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THE HEART OF LEADERSHIP

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DEPLOYMENT

In order to Lead well we must learn to serve well.

Jesus himself gave us the model to follow.

We have a full understanding of the Need and the Calling, now is the time for action.

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THE FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH What is it? — the Great Commission is a command given by Jesus Christ to his disciples before he ascended into heaven.

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus 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."

This commission is a call to all believers to go and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything that Jesus has commanded.

It is a call to spread the message of salvation to all people, regardless of their nationality or background.

The Great Commission is found in several areas throughout the scriptures.

The great commission is stated for us in 5 places in the New Testament: Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:14–18, Luke 24:44–49, John 20:19-23, and Acts 1:4–8.

Each of these accounts gives us the premise for what we are called to do as Christ followers. The Great Commission is clear, concise, and a call to action.

In order to fully become disciples of Christ we must be about the fathers business by actively completing the Great Commission.

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When it comes to carrying out the Great Commission, many Christians may feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start. Here are a few suggestions: Start by praying: Ask God to give you opportunities to share the gospel with others and for the courage to do so.

but in order to get started we need to first decide if we "believe" in the Great Commission. It is easy to quote the reference in scripture, there are countless commentaries by very wellrespected theologians, pastors, and practitioners but if we ourselves are not able to unequivocally believe what the bible says and what it demands there is no point in going any further.

Look for opportunities in your daily life: You don't only need to travel to another country to fulfill the Great Commission. Look for opportunities to share the gospel with friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers you meet in your daily life.

As Christians, we believe that the Great Commission is not just a suggestion, but a command that we are called to obey. Jesus' command to go and make disciples is not limited to a certain group of people or a certain time period but applies to all believers throughout history.

Get involved in your church: Your church has outreach programs and mission trips that you can get involved in to help spread the gospel to others.

Support missionaries and evangelists: Everyone is called to fulfill this Great Commission whether in long or short-term mission trips or here at home.

Either way, you can still support those who are committed to the work of the ministry by giving financially or praying for them.

Over the next few sessions, we will dive much deeper into the why, and how of completing The Great Commission,

Here are some of the ways in which we can determine whether we believe this Great Commission is in fact for us, for today: 1. We Do what we believe in. If we are not actively participating in one way or another to fulfill this mission then it is fair to say we do not believe in this command.

2. We Say what we believe in. We share tv shows we love, give restaurant suggestions we love, and we even share our political beliefs with others. Can the same be said about us when it comes to The Great Commission and the Good News of Jesus?

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3. We Give to what we believe in.

We spend our money in line with what we value. Matthew 6:21 states, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." This implies that what we value and where we direct our money reside together. If our hearts and "treasure" are made up of worldly possessions and not in following Jesus’ commands we are not believing in His word.

North Americans spend about the same on Halloween costumes for their pets as they do on outreach to unreached people groups” Source: JoshuaProject.Net

We are challenged to Go which involves action. The fact that, "There are more people alive today that do not know Christ than at any other time in history.” (- JoshuaProject.net) should quite frankly alarm us as Christians.

This Commission comes with challenges, obstacles, and many road blocks. However, It is a worthy endeavor and God promises to be with us.

Jesus tells his disciples just before ascending to Heaven that not only will He be "with us to the very end of the age", but in Acts 1:8 it is described this way, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

What a great thing to know that we will not be alone on this journey.

Later in this course, we will discuss the importance of gathering a team and making sure to lead those around you well in order to be effective at completing the Great Commission.

Lastly, in building upon The Foundational Truth, we must be able to identify the need. We must ask, ‘ Is this Great Commission still relevant in our current world.’ YES! We have to understand that there are still places on earth with no access to The Good News, no bibles in their language, and people who are still considered UNREACHED. “An unreached or least-reached people is a people group among which there is no indigenous community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize this people group without outside assistance.” - Source JohuaProject.net

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Here are some facts about the 50 largest Unreached People Groups All these people groups have less than 2% self identified Christfollowers.

Individuals in these groups have very limited, if any, access to the Gospel.

None have an indigenous church capable of taking the Gospel to the entire group.

These 50 unreached people groups are comprised of 1.48 billion souls.

Almost one in five people on earth live in these 50 unreached people groups.

Every group is larger than 10,000,000 in population.

Primary religion: 26 are Muslim, 17 Hindu, 5 Buddhist, 1 Ethnic Religions, 1 non-Religious For every dollar given toward Christian resources less than one penny is directed at reaching the unreached

“We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first.”

—Oswald J Smith

Here is a list of the top five countries with the greatest number of Unreached People Groups (UPGs) 1. India - 95.6% 2. Pakistan - 99.1% 3. China - 10.1% 4. Bangladesh - 99% 5. Nepal - 90.3% If we are to be true disciples of Jesus, one who is committed to completing The Great Commission, we must be able to have a firm foundation built on the truth.

We need to know what the Great Commission is, and what our level of belief is in it. We need to be actively pursuing avenues in which to fulfill this Great Commission in ways both big and small, near and far.

How will we know when we’ve reached “the tipping point”— when a body of believers is able to evangelize its own people group.

When those who have now "heard and heeded" the Good News begin to duplicate the process of completing the Great Commission within their own borders as well as being consumed with sending their own missionaries to continue reaching people around the globe we will begin seeing the numbers of those still unreached decline.

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THE FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH S e c t ion Check-Up, pl e ase answe r e a c h q u e s t i o n , i n d i v i d u a l l y , a n d th e n take time t o t a l k a b o u t t h e G r o u p D i s c u s s i o n Q u e s t ion with o t h e rs.

Question 1

Question 2

What is the Great Commission in your own words?

Where is one place in the Bible you can find the Great Commission?

Question 3

Question 4

What is one thing that God is telling you about the Great Commission?

Describe a time when you were presented with an opportunity to share the Good News

Group Discussion Question W h a t are the o b s t a c l e s y o u s e e i n t h e C h u r c h t h a t m i g h t h inder it fr o m being abl e t o c o m p l e t e t h e G r e a t C o m m i s s i o n ? W h a t are some o f t he persona l o b s t a c l e s y o u s e e t h a t m a y k e e p y o u f r o m being in v o lved in fulf i l l i n g t h e G r e at C o m m i s s i o n ?

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OUR IDENTITY WHO AM I? In order to know our part in completing the Great Commission we must know and have confidence in Our Identity.

We need to know what the bible says about who we are and the promises of God that allow us to take action in this life and move toward those who are unreached around the world.

There are two stories in the bible we can look to as examples of the importance of Identity and fulfilling our purpose, the story of a young shepherd boy, and the story of a young orphan girl.

A SHEPHERD When the Philistine giant Goliath challenged the army of Israel to send out a champion to fight him, the Israelites were filled with fear and despair. But David, a young shepherd boy who had been anointed by God as

the future king of Israel, stepped forward to face the giant.

David's confidence in the face of overwhelming odds was not based on his own strength or skill, but on his identity in Christ. He knew that he was a child of God, chosen and anointed for a specific purpose, and he trusted that God would give him the strength and wisdom he needed to fulfill that purpose.

As David faced Goliath on the battlefield, he did not rely on conventional weapons or tactics.

Instead, he used his identity in Christ as a shepherd to defeat the giant. He chose five smooth stones from a stream, symbolic of the five-fold ministry of the Church, and used his sling to strike Goliath in the forehead, the very place where his pride and arrogance resided. The stone that was "sent" was accurate and effective because it was anointed by God.

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David's victory over Goliath was not just a physical triumph, but a spiritual one. It demonstrated that when we know our identity in Christ and trust in His power and provision, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges and obstacles.

Moreover, David's story also reminds us that our identity in Christ gives us a unique perspective and purpose in the world. David was not a soldier or a trained warrior, but he was uniquely equipped for the task at hand because of his identity as a shepherd.

The story we read in 1 Samuel 17:3839 also places emphasis on how David was given a tunic and armor to wear into battle but chose not to wear it as it did not fit him. This reminds us that we cannot be successful in this mission if we are attempting to take on an identity or role that is not our own.

We may not have the same skills or abilities as others, but we can trust that God has equipped us for a specific purpose and will use us in ways that are uniquely suited to our identity in Him.

When we trust in God's power and provision and rely on our identity in Him, we can overcome even the

greatest challenges and obstacles, and fulfill the purpose that God has called us to.

A YOUNG ORPHAN Hadassah an orphan (raised by her cousin) becomes a Queen set in a position of affluence and influence to save her people.

Research shows that many orphans struggle with the formation of their identity. In Hadassah’s case as she developed and grew in her most formative years we have to conclude that she likely had no idea how the very area that she needed the most healing in would also be the very area in her life that God would use as a position of strength and leadership through her in the future.

Her true identity was initially concealed because Mordecai forbid her from revealing her nationality and her familial background. Her entire family had been exiled from Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon.

This young orphan is who we more commonly know today as Esther and when the King sent out the commissioners to locate beautiful young women to add to his harem Esther was selected to go live at the palace.

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FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION Esther was entrusted to Hegai who had charge over the harem. I imagine insecurities about her identity had the opportunity to creep in but from what we see through scripture Esther did not allow her identity or any insecurities surrounding that reality to cripple her from walking in her destiny.

After months and months of specific beauty rituals and perfumes and fine clothing being made fit for a queen, Esther is presented to King Xerxes. He is very pleased with her and she wins his favor. We learn that Esther was given not one, not two but seven attendants for personal use from the King and she was then placed in the best position within the harem.

After only 10 short months Esther goes from being the Jewish orphan girl, raised by her cousin to being appointed Queen over all of Persia.

But even with this new identity, Esther could not freely approach the King.

She had to be summoned upon his request. It could never be the other way around, and if this custom was not respected the consequences could result in death.

Now, let’s fast forward to a scene in which Mordecai does not bow down to Haman who had previously been given the highest seat of honor above every noble by King Xerxes.

You will remember that Mordecai was Jewish and because of this he followed the religious customs of the Jewish people. He was not going to bow down or pay honor to Haman.

There are some gaps that we have to infer or fill in but it is believed that Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman because it would have been considered idolatry among the Jewish people.

Mordecai’s decision was found to be intolerable by Haman who then begins to work overtime to get the King's permission to release an edict set to destroy, kill and annihilate all of the Jews, young and old, women, and children, ALL of the Jews.

This of course brings tremendous heartache to Mordecai and all of the Jewish people. They begin fasting, weeping, and wailing as they face their fate. Esther discovers Mordecai is in the city center wailing and wearing sackcloth and ashes.

This is significant because sackcloth and ashes were worn only during times of mourning, sorrow, or regret. Esther sends one of her attendants to him with traditional clothing but Mordecai refuses to accept them or put them on. This is the timeline in which Esther’s true identity becomes crucial. Mordecai sends word to her that everything she has gone through and all that she is was meant for such a time as this. He instructs her to go before the King to plead for the lives of the Jewish people.

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Esther’s true and full identity has been concealed all this time and what may have always seemed like her biggest set back has now become the most important opportunity in her life.

To acknowledge what makes her vulnerable required her to depend solely on God’s favor and power and in return was able to deliver an entire nation of people.

Mordecai with great confidence states that if she is unwilling to risk her life, approach the King, and speak boldly against this edict relief and deliverance would arise from another place.

How powerful is it that God used an orphan who was not born into a family of status or even cultural/ religious conformity to deliver an entire people group in the nation? How appropriate that she be informed that if she did not exercise her obedience and faith at this moment deliverance would arise from some other outlet?

While it is important to realize and confidently operate within our God-given identity, we also need to explore how obedience and having a tactical plan will set us up for success. We will discuss these topics later in the course.

As a part of "Our Identity", we will next look at how understanding our location and our giftings and personality also work together to set us up to fulfill the Great Commission.

WHERE AM I? Our geography has a lot to do with who we are and our purpose in fulfilling the Great Commission. We must be able to identify our "mission fields" if we are to reach them. We have a mission that needs to be completed both locally and globally.

Not "either/"or but "both/and".

In Acts 1:8, we read, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.“ In other words, the Holy Spirit will be with you and you will be HIS witnesses in Asheville and Waynesville and the US AND the ends of the earth. (be sure to substitute your town and state so you get an accurate picture.)

Where are we on this scale? How are we doing? These are certainly questions to ask ourselves as a church body but these questions must also be asked of ourselves as individuals. Do you have a particular passion for a specific group, nation, or community?

Do you feel a sense of compassion when watching or hearing updates from specific geographical areas?

These may be indicators of the Holy Spirit speaking to you and sharing with you the specific purpose you may be being drawn toward.

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WHAT AM I? Ephesians 4:11, "It was He (Jesus) who gave some to be (1) apostles, some to be (2) prophets, some to be (3) evangelists, and some to be (4) pastors and (5) teachers."

In this passage, we are given a short list of roles in which the disciples of Jesus can be defined. This is for us in our current stage within the church body to be able to identify who we are and how we go about operating within these roles and within our spiritual giftings so we can best achieve what God has called us to.

Along with our giftings and our identity our personality can play a huge part in how we work and function within the framework of ministry.

God gives us a way to connect with others and if we take the time to understand ourselves and others better we can truly optimize our efforts and maximize our success in completing the Great Commission and realizing our purpose.

We have taken the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality inventory assessment and have shared our results via our podcast. We do not directly endorse one personality assessment tool over another but we recognize the benefit of identifying

and understanding our own personality as well as the personality of those we live with and work alongside.

Ministry and missions is a lifelong pursuit and it is for our long-term benefit and a prerequisite to success to be as prepared as possible. The Holy Spirit gives each believer gifts as described in 1 Corinthians 12 and so you must fervently seek His giftings in your own life and choose to operate within them.

We have included a link to a gift assessment you may want to take and a description of gifts that can be used in ministry in the next segment.

Above all we must not forget 1 Corinthians 12:27 — "I am a member of Christ's body."

Ephesians 1:3-8 — "I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child."

Colossians 1:13-14 — "I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins."

Colossians 2:9-10 — "I am complete in Christ."

This knowledge along with any personality trait Assessment you may choose to explore may help you along your journey to go and make disciples in all nations.

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OUR IDENTITY

S e c t ion Check- U p , p l e a s e a n s w e r e a c h q u e s t i o n , i n d i v i d u ally, and th e n take time t o t a l k a b o u t t h e G r o u p D i s c u s s i o n Q u e s t ion with o t h e rs.

Question 1

Question 2

What is one powerful realization that helped David and Esther?

How is our identity in Christ central to our fulfilling of the Great Commission?

Question 3

Question 4

Are there things in our life that we are identifying with that are holding us back?

Describe a time when you were properly aligned with your giftings in your identity and you served someone in need.

Group Discussion Question W h a t are the w a y s i n w h i c h t h e m o d e r n c h u r c h i s u n i q u e l y gifted to r e a c h today's cu l t u r e a n d t h e L o s t ?

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SPIRITUAL GIFTS A description of 22 spiritual gifts and the corresponding scripture references to support each gift. A Spiritual Gift Assessment can be taken in 5 mins online here.

Administration The gift of administration is the divine strength or ability to organize multiple tasks and groups of people to accomplish these tasks.

Luke 14:28-30; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Corinthians 12:28 Apostleship The gift of apostleship is the divine strength or ability to pioneer new churches and ministries through planting, overseeing, and training.

Acts 15:22-35; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Galatians 2:7-10; Ephesians 4:11-14 Craftsmanship The gift of craftsmanship is the divine strength or ability to plan, build, and work with your hands in construction environments to accomplish multiple ministry applications.

Exodus 30:22, 31:3-11; 2 Chronicles 34:9-13; Acts 18:2-3 Discernment The gift of discernment is the divine strength or ability to spiritually identify falsehood, to distinguish between right and wrong motives and the spiritual forces at work in situations.

Matthew 16:21-23; Acts 5:1-11, 16:16-18; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 John 4:1-6 Evangelism The gift of evangelism is the divine strength or ability to help non-Christians take the necessary steps to becoming a born-again Christian.

Acts 8:5-6, 8:26-40, 14:21, 21:8; Ephesians 4:11-14

Exhortation The gift of exhortation is the divine strength or ability to strengthen, comfort or urge others to action through the written or spoken word and Biblical truth.

Acts 14:22; Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:24-25 Faith The gift of faith is the divine strength or ability to believe in God for unseen supernatural results in every arena of life.

Acts 11:22-24; Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 11 Giving The gift of giving is the divine strength or ability to give by tithes and offerings for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God on earth.

Mark 12:41-44; Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 9:2-7 65 Healing The gift of healing is the divine strength or ability to act as an intermediary in faith, prayer, and by the laying-on of hands for the healing of physical, mental and spiritual sickness. Acts 3:1-10, 9:32-35, 28:7-10; 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28 Helps The gift of helps is the divine strength or ability to work in a supportive role for the accomplishment of tasks in Christian ministry with the ability to often see the need before others do.

Mark 15:40-41; Acts 9:36; Romans 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:28

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Hospitality The gift of hospitality is the divine strength or ability to create warm, welcoming environments for others in places such as your home, office, or church.

Acts 16:14-15; Romans 12:13, 16:23; Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:9

Pastor/Shepherd The gift of pastor/shepherd is the divine strength or ability to care for the personal needs of others by nurturing and mending life issues.

John 10:1-18; Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-3

Intercession The gift of intercession is the divine strength or ability to stand in the gap in prayer for someone, something, or someplace, believing for profound results.

Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 1:9-12, 4:12-13; James 5:14-16

Prophecy The gift of prophecy is the divine strength or ability to communicate God's truth and heart in a way that calls people to a right relationship with God. Acts 2:37-40, 7:51-53, 26:24-29; 1 Corinthians 14:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Word of Knowledge The gift of knowledge is the divine strength or ability to bring truth to a situation by supernatural revelation. This is often accompanied by a word from God. Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:8; Colossians 2:2-3

Service The gift of serving is the divine strength or ability to do small or great tasks in working for the overall good of the body of Christ.

Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:7; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 1:16-18; Titus 3:14

Leadership The gift of leadership is the divine strength or ability to influence people at their level while directing and focusing them on the big picture, vision, or idea.

Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 3:1-13, 5:17; Hebrews 13:17 Mercy The gift of mercy is the divine strength or ability to feel empathy and to care for those who are hurting in any way.

Matthew 9:35-36; Mark 9:41; Romans 12:8; 1 Thess. 5:14 Miracles The gift of miracles is the divine strength or ability to alter the natural outcomes of life in a supernatural way through prayer, faith, and divine direction.

Acts 9:36-42, 19:11-12, 20:7-12; Romans 15:18-19; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28

Teaching The gift of teaching is the divine strength or ability to study and learn from the Scriptures primarily to bring understanding and depth to other Christians.

Acts 18:24-28, 20:20-21; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-14 Tongues (and Interpretation) The gift of tongues is the divine strength or ability to pray in a heavenly language to encourage your spirit and to commune with God. The gift of tongues is often accompanied by interpretation and should be used appropriately.

Acts 2:1-13; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:1-14 Word of Wisdom The gift of wisdom is the divine strength or ability to understand and to bring clarity to situations and circumstances often through applying the truths of Scripture in a practical way.

Acts 6:3,10; 1 Corinthians 2:6-13, 12:8

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OBEDIENCE OVER SACRIFICE It is God who has set us apart and called us into His ministry. We are to obey not in our own strength or with our own outcomes in mind but simply because He has told us to Go. There are many times in life in which we think we know better than The Lord. Maybe it is in a job, or in a relationship. We have our own ideas on how to move forward. Our focus and our commitment has to be rooted in the fact that our obedience is what He wants from us not our sacrifice.

In the story of Adam and Eve, we read that there was only one tree that God said not to eat from. God was clear in his command in Genesis chapter 2 that Adam was to not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam could eat from ANY Tree in the entire Garden of Eden but God’s only instruction in his placing Adam as

steward over creation was to not eat from this one tree. Right After this instruction, God says in verse 18 of chapter 2, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

So, even after commanding Adam to abstain from something God chose to Give Adam something that was missing, his wife and helper.

God is a giving God. It is who He is, and what He does. He was not trying to keep things from Adam, He was trying to Give him something. Something He couldn't find or get on His own. All God was asking for was Obedience.

Well As we know, the story comes to a head in Chapter 3. The serpent comes in and introduces doubt and discontent.

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FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION Doubt and discontent to this day are challenges we must overcome if we are to grow and mature and ultimately fulfill this Great Commission. We must not be swayed by doubts or discontent that come as we choose to follow and obey.

We have our own “serpents” in life that make things not so clear. Things that try to distort the truth and take our eyes off all that God has done for us, all He has promised, and all He has provided us. Sometimes, just like in this story of Adam and Eve, we make our own choices that take us away from the perfect plan God set forth for us and we, therefore, become our own worst enemies.

Things certainly changed that day.

The relationship between Adam and Eve changed as distrust and blame were introduced. Their relationship with God changed as well. They were now afraid of God and ashamed of themselves — scripture also tells us that consequences were introduced such as pain in childbirth, toil, sweat, proximity to God, and even death.

WHAT HAS GOD BROUGHT US THROUGH God still used Adam and Eve to bring forth humanity. He can and will still use us but we must remember that to obey is greater than to sacrifice.

In 1 Samuel 15 we read about a very important battle in which Samuel, under God's authority anoints Saul as King and instructs him to attack and defeat the Amalekites. Saul accomplishes that but the instruction was to defeat and destroy everyone and everything. Saul disobeyed by sparing the King of the Amelekites, Agag, as well as saving the best sheep and cattle so that he could create a sacrifice and ceremony celebrating himself instead of truly showing honor by complete and unequivocal obedience to God. Let's catch up with the conversation between Samuel and Saul in verse 17 of 1 Samuel chapter 15. Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel. And he sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalekites; wage war against them until you have wiped them out.’ Why did you not obey the Lord? Why did you pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the Lord?”

“But I did obey the Lord,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” ...

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FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord?

To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.

Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”

God brought Saul through so much. He even made him King over Israel but in the end and because of Saul"s disobedience, God “regretted” making Saul King, and until the day Samuel died he never again went to see Saul.

I want you to think about the things God has brought you through. Maybe something traumatic in your childhood, maybe the loss of someone close.

What did He save you from? What or who do you have in your life now that you might not have even dared dream about when you were younger?

Make a list of these things so that you can know what you have and How God was instrumental in your history. He is calling us to be His and to be on His mission. We need to remember where we came from in order to remember that there is a purpose in our obedience.

WHAT DOES GOD PROMISE? God's instructions are almost always followed by promises. God is a giving God and He desires us to have full and abundant life. He wants to give us hope and a future. His desire for us is not to keep goodness from us but to give us the desires of our heart as we strive to reconcile the world to His heart.

The following is a list of promises, compiled by Pastor Shawn Johnson of Red Rocks Church, that God has for us.

I want to focus and meditate on these promises before we move forward so that we can align with the fact that His promises are available to us and that He wants our obedience without question and without exception.

I AM LOVED "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

I AM VALUED "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

(Matthew 6:26).

I AM ACCEPTED "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).

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FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION I AM CHOSEN "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight" (Ephesians 1:4).

I AM CALLED "He has saved us and called us to a holy lifenot because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace" (2 Timothy 1:9).

I AM SAFE "The LORD will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life" (Psalm 121:7).

GOD IS WITH ME "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE ME "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).

GOD WILL STRENGTHEN ME "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13 NASB).

GOD WILL GUIDE ME "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path" (Psalm 119:105).

HIS SPIRIT LIVES IN ME Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

GOD IS GREATER "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

I AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).

NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER "No weapon formed against you shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17 NKJV).

GOD HAS A PLAN WHEN I CAN'T SEE IT "For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).

GOD IS WORKING WHEN I CAN'T FEEL IT "And we know that in all things God works for the good Those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

GOD WILL EMPOWER ME What then, shall we say in response to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us* (Romans 8:31).

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GOD IS WITH YOU

God requires obedience but He provides empowerment. He promises in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world”.

So we can have confidence that as He calls us into obedience He has also set forth a path that brings success in the mission. He has established our victory ahead of us.

Our preparation is certainly key to our success but it is God who ultimately gives us the triumph. “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” —Proverbs 16:9

There are things in our life that can weigh us down and keep us from reaching our destiny and completing the mission we are on. Some of these things are self-imposed like doubt and distractions. Some are outside of our control like trauma and grief. Others still are temporal things of this world that are holding us back. They may not be inherently bad but as maturing disciples of Jesus, we must take account and see what is bringing us down and holding us back from obeying His command to Go into all the world and share His good news.

Paul understood challenges maybe more than almost anyone else in the Bible. He had been through so much in part because of his own zealousness

and immaturity of his faith but also because of the cost of following Christ so closely. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, cold, naked, thirsty, hungry and so much more.

Yet, In Philippians 3 starting in verse 7, we see a more mature and experienced disciple speaking on what he had been through, and more importantly, we see what his obedience to God is bringing him to, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

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OBEDIENCE OVER SACRIFICE S e c t ion Check- U p , p l e a s e a n s w e r e a c h q u e s t i o n , i n d i v i d u ally, and th e n take time t o t a l k a b o u t t h e G r o u p D i s c u s s i o n Q u e s t ion with o t h e rs.

Question 1

Question 2

What is God asking of you?

Why is obedience better than sacrifice?

Question 3

Question 4

What is currently "weighing you down"?

How could God use you if you walked in obedience in all he is asking?

Group Discussion Question W h a t is someth i n g d i f f i c u l t G o d h a s b r o u g h t y o u t h r o u g h ? And How d o y ou see one o f t h e p r e v i u s p r o m i s e s a c t i v e i n y o u r l i f e today?

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FIND THE RIGHT PARTNERS As Christians, we are all called to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. However, this task cannot be accomplished alone. We need each other to fulfill the Great Commission.

When we are in relationships with other believers, we can encourage each other in our faith and hold each other accountable to living a life that honors God. This type of community is essential to our spiritual growth.

You Need People As humans, we are wired for relationships. We were not meant to live life alone. In order to fulfill the Great Commission, we need to build great relationships with people.

People Need You There are people in this world who are lost and searching for meaning. They are looking for something to fill the void in their lives. As Christians, we have the answer to their search. We have the Gospel.

This means getting out of our comfort zones and talking to people who may not look like us or believe the same things as us. When we form relationships with people, we have the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.

Additionally, relationships provide us with accountability and encouragement.

However, people cannot come to know Christ if they do not hear the Gospel.

This is where we come in. We are called to share the Gospel with those who do not know it. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. We cannot do this if we do not form relationships with people.

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People need to see the love of Christ in us before they will be willing to listen to what we have to say. "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?

And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" —Romans 10:14 The Church Needs Us All The Great Commission is not a task that can be accomplished by a few people. It requires the entire body of Christ to work together. We all have different gifts and talents that can be used to further the Kingdom of God. When we form relationships with people, we have the opportunity to bring them into the Church. We have the opportunity to help them find their place in the body of Christ. This is essential to the growth and health of the Church. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

—Hebrews10:24-25

THE BODY OF CHRIST Building Great relationships is essential to fulfilling the Great Commission. We need people, people need us, and the church needs us all.

We need to be intentional about forming relationships with people and sharing the Gospel with them. We also need to be very intentional about working with others in order to get this Good News in the ears of those who need it most.

You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts—limbs, organs, cells—but no matter how many parts you can name, you’re still one body. It’s exactly the same with Christ. By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he has the final say in everything.

—1 Corinthians 12:12-13, MSG Working together is not easy.

Most relationships fail because of a lack of selfless pursuit of the relationship. We want to be served, or for our needs to be met but life-giving relationships, the kind of relationships that change the world, need to be nurtured and cared for.

Relationships and community are among our greatest assets in fulfilling the Great Commission and can also be the hardest built and toughest to maintain commodities we have in our lives.

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3 KEYS TO GREAT RELATIONSHIPS

Great relationships are built on the foundation of trust, stability, and consistency. When these three elements are present, they create an environment where people feel secure, valued, and respected.

Trust is the foundation of all great relationships.

It is the belief that the other person is reliable, honest, and has your best interests at heart. Without trust, relationships can quickly deteriorate, causing anxiety, suspicion, and conflict.

To build trust, it is important to be transparent and open about your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is also crucial to keep your promises and to always act with integrity.

John C. Maxwell is a renowned speaker, author, and leadership expert. He emphasizes that trust is a critical aspect of any relationship and must be built over time through consistent behavior. According to Maxwell, trust is built through integrity, honesty, transparency, and keeping one’s promises. He also emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and being reliable in all situations. Maxwell believes that trust is the foundation for building strong relationships and that it is essential for success in both personal and professional life.

By building trust through consistent behavior, we create an environment of respect, security, and confidence, which allows relationships to grow and flourish.

Stability is also an important aspect of building great relationships.

This means having a consistent pattern of behavior, communication, and support. When people know what to expect from you, they feel secure and confident in the relationship. Stability also helps to foster a sense of comfort and predictability, which is essential for building a strong and lasting bond.

Stability in relationships is crucial for building trust and creating a sense of security and comfort. A stable relationship is one in which both partners are committed to each other and work together.

The Benefits of emotionally safe & stable relationships include: You feel valued and valuable.

You can truly be yourself without the risk of judgment.

You can show your weaknesses without being taken advantage of.

You can share boldly and express yourself freely.

You feel seen, heard, and understood.

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Brené Brown is a researcher and author who studies vulnerability, courage, shame, and empathy. She believes that stability in relationships is built on a foundation of trust, empathy, and vulnerability. According to Brown, stability is created when people feel seen, heard, and understood by their partners. She also emphasizes the importance of being vulnerable and open with one’s partner, which helps to build trust and intimacy. Brown believes that relationships need stability to thrive and that this stability is achieved when people are willing to be vulnerable with each other, share their fears and insecurities, and support each other through challenges.

By creating a stable and supportive environment, we can build relationships that are strong, resilient, and fulfilling.

Consistency is the third key to building great relationships It is the ability to consistently act in a certain way, even in challenging or stressful situations. This can be demonstrated by consistently following through on commitments, showing up for important events, and being reliable in all areas of life.

Consistency builds trust and strengthens relationships over time, as people come to know that they can count on each other no matter what.

By working to build trust, stability, and consistency, we can build strong and lasting relationships with those we care about most.

When these three elements are present, they create an environment where people feel secure, valued, and respected.

Strong relationships are the foundational building blocks of all worthy pursuits including fulfilling The Great Commission. We must get community and relationships right if we are going to make a lasting impact in this world.

Jesus called his disciples into this life and asked them to leave everything they knew and follow Him. Their decision made them into something NEW. They were no longer their former selves but they were now disciples, fishers of men, and those who would be ultimately responsible for spreading the gospel around the world. They began creating a legacy that endures today. If we are obedient and faithful we can be a part of the very same ministry Jesus started when He walked this earth.

The Partners we choose and the relationships we make along the journey to complete this mission as we share the Good News with the world will have one of the single greatest impacts in our ministry efforts.

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FIND THE RIGHT PARTNERS S e c t ion Check-Up, pl e ase answe r e a c h q u e s t i o n , i n d i v i d u a l l y , a n d th e n take time t o t a l k a b o u t t h e G r o u p D i s c u s s i o n Q u e s t ion with o t h e rs.

Question 1

Question 2

Name some of the benefits of building community while fulfilling the Great Commission

What are 3 keys to building Great Relationships?

Question 3

Question 4

What role do trust, stability, and consistency play in your current relationships?

Make a List of current or potential partners you have in your life.

Group Discussion Question L i s t the potenti a l p i t f a l l s o f "g o i n g " a l o n e , a n d d i s c u s s t h e damage th a t can be do n e b y n o t w o r k i n g t o g e t h e r w i t h i n t h e b o d y of Christ w h i l e completi n g t h e G r e a t C o m m i s s i o n .

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THE HEART OF LEADERSHIP Leadership is not about being the boss — it is about serving others and empowering them to achieve their full potential .. So, what does it mean to lead well?

Let us explore the following to understand how we can lead well.

Service to Others One of the essential aspects of leading well is serving others. As a leader, you should jump in and do the messy work.

You should not be afraid to get your hands dirty and do whatever is necessary so your team can succeed.

When you take on the work, it shows that you care and are willing to do what it takes to make sure the team is successful.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Phil. 2:3-4

What Paul is describing in his letter to those in the congregation in Philippi is the importance of serving others and valuing them above ourselves.

As leaders, we should be humble and put the needs and interests of our team members before our own.

Another way to serve others is to take the call. As a leader, you should be available to your team.

Author and Speaker, Bob Goff talks about the benefits of being available in his books, "Love Does", and "Dream Big".

According to Goff, being available means being willing to interrupt your plans and agendas to help others when they need you.

He says that being available is not just about having an open schedule, but it's about having an open heart and being willing to make time for people.

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Bob Goff's message about being available is one of radical hospitality and selfless love. He believes that by making ourselves available to others and saying "yes" to God's call, we can make a real difference in the world and bring hope to those around us. He states that being available produces a legacy of generosity.

Making space for others to succeed is a form of generosity that you as a leader should be willing to practice.

As a leader, you should be willing to give your team members opportunities to shine. Encourage them to take on new challenges and responsibilities, and provide them with the support and guidance they need to succeed.

Fulfilling the Great Commission is a task designed with community in mind.

We are not called to do this life alone.

Nor, are we expected to fully embrace making disciples alone.

People will not care how much you know before they know how much you care. You should have a deep concern for their well-being and create an environment that supports their personal and professional growth.

Your own depth of character is essential when taking care of others. As a leader, you should demonstrate integrity, honesty, and respect for others.

These qualities build trust and make it easier for your team to follow you.

Serving the needs of your team is crucial. You should take the time to understand their strengths and weaknesses, their goals, and their giftings as we discussed in the chapter on Identity. By doing so, you can tailor your leadership style to meet their needs and help them achieve their goals.

Compassion and empathy are critical qualities for any leader. It is essential to anticipate the needs of your team as well as your partners to model how much you care about their well-being.

Being decisive is also crucial. When making tough decisions, you should show compassion and empathy while being firm and making the best decision for the team. This will help to instill confidence in your team and allow them to follow you as you work to complete the Great Commission.

Lastly, celebrating wins is an essential part of leadership and serving your team well. You should take the time to recognize the achievements of your team members and celebrate their success. It creates a positive culture and motivates your team to do the work of making disciples.

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MAKING DISCIPLES Jesus gave his disciples a clear mandate to go and make disciples of all nations, and this mandate still applies to us today.

So how can we make disciples of Jesus?

Let's walk through some of the practical pillars of disciple-making together. Be sure to lean into each of these and see what God is telling you about your progress and where you may be in the process.

Teach The first step in making disciples is to teach. We must have and be able to communicate a foundation of sound doctrine. We need to teach the truth about who Jesus is, what he has done for us, and how we can follow him. This is the most basic yet essential action for a healthy and growing disciple.

We are blessed with many resources and tools to learn and teach the Gospel. We have many translations available, smartphone apps, and many have even used social media and video platforms to teach and train from a distance.

There are many obstacles that the early church had that have been broken down for us — there really is not excuse for having or sharing bad doctrinal truth.

Train We need to give essential support for ongoing education and the sharing of models of disciple-making that are relevant to the culture we are trying to reach. As disciple-makers, we should have a growing understanding of unreached people groups and how to best engage with them.

We need to train our teams how to live out their faith in their daily lives and how to share their faith with others.

We must model disciple-making ourselves and be open to learning from others. Discipleship is a way of mentoring those who are new in Faith to begin sharing their faith with confidence and with consistency. Paul shares with Timothy the following instruction, "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." - 2 Timothy 2:2. Paul knows that in order for this Gospel message or Good News to continue moving, it needed to be shared with those who would in turn share with others. The success of our training will be in direct correlation to the relationships we build.

Equip

We need to provide our teams or those we are reaching with the right tools/resources with an emphasis on sustainability and multiplication.

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This means providing resources that will help our disciples grow in their faith and share their faith with others.

We must equip our disciples to be God-sustained and to multiply their efforts. One example of this is to teach bible memorization and to find ways to share biblical truth in a conversational way.

Using your own story is a way in which you don't rely on fancy presentations, or tools that may be unavailable to those you are attempting to reach.

Some of you may want to sketch out the story of Jesus and salvation on a sheet of paper to make it personal.

Remember the key is to equip your team with duplicatable ways to share their faith by not complicating or overburdening them with too many modern devices.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

—2 Timothy 3:16-17 Send Another crucial pillar is to send. We must always be sending. The harder we hold onto something or "the way it has always been done," the less open we are to new people, resources, and strategies.

Disciples are made to be sent. In the Gospel account from John it is written, Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” —John 20:21 This is the model. The Great Commission will not be completed or fulfilled without sending those who call themselves followers of Jesus.

All who call out to the Lord will be saved.

How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them?

And how can anyone tell them without being sent by the Lord? The Scriptures say it is a beautiful sight to see even the feet of someone coming to preach the good news.—Romans 10:13-15 We need to be available to opportunities and people, and we need to empower our disciples to go and make disciples of others.

Trust

We must not try to control outcomes or people. We must trust the Holy Spirit to finish the work of salvation. We can not worry about controlling people or donors or our partners. We should trust God to work on their hearts and complete this good work. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

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THE HEART OF LEADERSHIP S e c t ion Check- U p , p l e a s e a n s w e r e a c h q u e s t i o n , i n d i v i d u ally, and th e n take time t o t a l k a b o u t t h e G r o u p D i s c u s s i o n Q u e s t ion with o t h e rs.

Question 1

Question 2

Why is servant leadership important?

What are some obstacles that the early church faced? And how is that different from today?

Question 3

Question 4

What is one area in your life you feel God is asking you to grow and stretch in?

Describe a time when you felt properly equipped by a leader.

Group Discussion Question M a k ing disciples o f J e s u s i s no t a n e a s y t a s k , b u t i t i s a t ask that we h a v e been give n b y o u r L o r d a n d S a v i o r . D i s c u s s s o m e o f the ways in w h i c h you have f o u n d s u c c e s s o r w a y s i n w h i c h y o u h a v e found r o a d blocks to t h e d i s c i p l e - m a k i n g p r o c e s s .

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DEPLOYMENT GETTING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE One thing that I know is that many successes only come as a result of us getting out of our comfort zone. We don’t grow where it is comfortable. We grow when we are stretched. We make an impact most often when we put ourselves in positions where we do not have all the answers, where we are forced to learn new things and come up with solutions that did not exist before.

The same holds true for making disciples. It can often times be a very messy business. Jesus called his disciples from a group of fishermen.

They would most likely have even smelled like their profession because they were all in. They came out and chose to follow Jesus as he promised to make them into something brand new —fishers of men.

This was a new path, and it was unfamiliar. For all the knowledge and experience they had accrued in their profession, there were certainly as many if not more things they would learn along the way.

Let’s look at this verse again. "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

—Philippians 3:13-14:

On this journey to fulfilling the Great Commission, you will not have all the answers. You will need your team, you will need tools and resources, and you will need Him who sent you. You will need to be God-sustained.

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EMBRACE VULNERABILITY

Researcher and Author Brené Brown defines Vulnerability as "the feeling we get during times of uncertainty, risk, or emotional exposure."

She goes on to say that it is not a weakness but in fact, it is our most accurate measure of courage.

Uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure make us more known to one another. As we embrace this uncomfortable trait we will be able to connect with others in profound ways.

We can more organically connect with the stories of others, we can better exchange shame for triumph, and guilt for grace. When we are seen by one another we can offer faith in a future never before seen. So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived! —2 Corinthians 5:17 Vulnerability can set the stage for creating ways to engage, evangelize, disciple, and send.

As we share our strengths, our successes, our failures, and even our sins with one another we become whole and therefore are equipped to make others whole as well.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

—James 5:16

TAKE ACTION This mission will not be completed without taking action. Taking the first step is necessary for all endeavors. We must be willing to learn or even unlearn or deconstruct what we may think we know about His people and His promises for them, in order to be effective disciple-makers.

One action we can take is prayer. Are we praying for the nations? Are we praying for one another? The prayer life of many Christians is centered on self and sounds more like complaining to God rather than intercession on the behalf of those around us or those who are still far from God. I've heard people pray "Lord, break our heart for what breaks yours", but I often wonder if we truly see the heartbreak will we take action?

If God answered all of your prayers would it change anyone's life but your own?

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—Bob Goff

FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION

As God begins to reveal compassion for those who are still unengaged or unreached you will need a plan. You need clarity of approach. You need to learn as much as you can about those you are called and moved to reach. You need to learn about their culture, upbringing, their knowledge or misconceptions about who Jesus is, and begin relationships. Effective, organic relationships are not those of agenda but of genuine care.

In Luke 14:28-30 we are reminded of the value and necessity of "counting the cost". When we take action and assume the mantle of disciple-maker we must count the cost. How do we count the cost of life yet unseen and of challenges not yet faced? The point He is making is for his disciples to say yes, no matter the cost.

Fulfilling the Great Commission will certainly cost you. It will cost money, empathy, time, and countless other resources. At times it will even cost you relationships. You must be clear on your mission and know that every action you take is in accord with His will and He will be with you through it all.

“Authentic discipleship may exact from you the highest price relationally and the highest price physically.” —John Piper

EMPLOY ACCOUNTABILITY Accountability is an essential component of growth and development, as it helps us remain true to our goals and commitments. Here are 3 ways we can employ accountability in our process.

Invite Others It is much easier to let ourselves off the hook when we are the only ones aware of our goals or commitments. However, when we involve others, we become more accountable because we don't want to let them down. This approach has proven to be highly effective in achieving accountability in various aspects of our lives, including our professional, personal, and spiritual lives.

Be Transparent Being transparent means being honest about our progress, challenges, and setbacks. It means sharing our journey with others and seeking their input and support. When we are transparent, we invite others to hold us accountable, and we are less likely to make excuses or hide behind our failures.

Be truthful

We cannot achieve accountability if we are not honest with ourselves and others about our goals and progress. It is essential to be truthful even when it is difficult and to seek help when we need it. "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." —Proverbs 10:9

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FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION

ASSUME RESPONSIBILTY Assuming responsibility means taking ownership of our actions, accepting blame for our shortcomings, and giving credit to God first, and our team as well as others for the successes we experience in fulfilling the Great Commission Don't expect others to fulfill the calling God has given you.

Your calling is unique to you. God has a specific plan and purpose for your life, and it is your responsibility to fulfill it. Don't wait for someone else to do it for you or assume that it is someone else's responsibility. You are uniquely gifted to fulfill your own unique calling.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." —1 Peter 4:10

Accept blame.

We must be willing to ultimately accept blame for our shortcomings. We cannot blame others for our failures or make excuses for our mistakes. We must take responsibility for our actions and the consequences that come with them. This approach helps us learn from our mistakes, grow in character, and become more like Christ. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9

Give away credit.

We must be able to share or completely give away credit for successes. We must recognize that our accomplishments are not solely ours but are the result of teamwork, collaboration, and the grace of God. This approach fosters a spirit of humility and gratitude, strengthens relationships, and honors others for their contributions. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

—Philippians 2:3-4 Assuming responsibility is a critical step toward becoming the people God created us to be and completing the mission He set out for us.

Let us all strive to assume responsibility in our daily lives, and we will undoubtedly see the benefits in our relationships, our work, our ministry, and in fulfilling the Great Commission.

"It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself."

—Eleanor Roosevelt

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CONCLUSION

"Fulfilling the Great Commission" is not just a statement but a commandment and a call to action that demands our commitment and failthfulness to the end.

We started by establishing the foundational truth that the Great Commission is the primary mandate of every Christian, which requires us to go and make disciples of all nations. This mandate is not just for some special group of people but for every believer.

We then explored the importance of understanding our identity as children of God and how it is crucial to fulfilling the Great Commission. Our identity shapes our worldview, influences our decisions, and impacts how we interact with others, especially when it comes to sharing the Gospel.

We also learned that obedience to God's call to fulfill the Great Commission is more important than any sacrifice we can make. It is not about what we give up but about our willingness to obey God's instructions without reservation.

Furthermore, we discussed the significance of building great relationships in fulfilling the Great Commission. Our relationships with others provide an opportunity to share the Gospel, demonstrate God's love, disciple others, and multiply.

"Here am I. Send me!"

We also explored the heart of Godly leadership, which is servant leadership. Jesus showed us the importance of serving others as a leader, and this model should be emulated by all leaders in the Church as we share His Good News.

Finally, we learned that we need to be unlocked and released from anything hindering us from fulfilling the Great Commission. This includes fear, doubt, and control, among other things. When we are free from these hindrances, we can boldly and confidently fulfill the Great Commission.

Fulfilling the Great Commission is a lifelong journey that requires us to continuously seek God's guidance, obey His call, and rely on His strength. May we all be inspired and empowered to go and make disciples of all nations, fulfilling our divine purpose and bringing glory to God. Amen.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS Here are 6 key takeaways and quotes from "Fulfilling the Great Commission"

THE FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH

01

In order to fully become disciples of Christ we must be about the fathers business by actively completing the Great Commission.

OUR IDENTITY

02

In order to know our part in completing the Great Commission we must know and have confidence in Our Identity.

OBEDIENCE OVER SACRIFICE

03

It is God who has set us apart and called us into His ministry. We are to obey not in our own strength or with our own outcomes in mind but simply because He has told us to Go.

FIND THE RIGHT PARTNERS

04

As Christians, we are all called to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations. However, this task cannot be accomplished alone. We need each other to fulfill the Great Commission.

THE HEART OF LEADERSHIP

05

06

We need to be available to opportunities and people, and we need to empower our disciples to go and make disciples of others.

DEPLOYMENT: BEING UNLOCKED AND REALEASED This mission will not be completed without taking action.

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FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION

ONLINE COURSE COMING SOON The entire "Fulfilling the Great Commission" course will be available online soon. Access to video content, commentaries, and interviews will all be included in the all-access subscription.

Thank you for your interest and your commitment to sharing the Good News around the world.

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THANK YOU! We want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to follow along on this journey with us. We are glad to be connected to you and take fulfilling the Great Commission seriously. We are here to encourage, support, and pray for you.

Until All Have Heard!

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