Mission impact and an eager church

From the Pastor's Desk

I've never been more proud to be a part of the Wellspring body than yesterday, Missions Sunday. I already knew about the ministry partners we were connected with and what they were doing for the kingdom, and for the past 3 years, I've been getting to see the spirit that God has put in this local church. Something was different and even MORE awesome when we got all our ministry partners together with the people of Wellspring. 

Sunday evening, we had a chance to hear from each of our ministry partners, and during that time, it struck me just how much impact we are having in our own backyard and around the world. I was proud to see and even moved by the enthusiasm and eagerness of the people of Wellspring. This church wants to get involved, to get its hands dirty doing the ministry's work.  

Thanks for being such an awesome church!

The next event in our Missions Week is Bless our Ministry Partners Night on Wednesday night. We will focus on praying for and blessing our ministry partners. It will be during our Wednesday night prayer meeting from 6-7 p.m., with a dinner to follow (register for the dinner here).

Notes from the Sermon

Sermon Title: Mission of the Church

Sermon Video: Mission of the Church

Scriptures: |Matthew 28:19-20 | Acts 1:6-8 |1 Peter 3:21 |

What we Believe

• What makes a missionary? If you are called to follow Jesus, you are called to missions. 

• Missions are the heartbeat of the church. 

• Matthew 28:19-20 provides the marching orders for the church. We are told to make disciples by Going into all the world, Baptizing believers, and Teaching all Christ's commands. 

• Baptism answers the question engraved on every person's heart: What must I do about my shame and guilt? 1 Pet 3:21 teaches that just like the ark brought Noah safely through the water, baptism saves us, not through removing dirt from our bodies but as an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• The questions of when, how, and what to do are answered in Acts 1:6-8. 
• When? It is not for us to know times or seasons the Father has fixed by his own authority. 
• How? You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. 
• What? You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

• Jerusalem - Missions start at home, in our neighborhood. Missions are not events; they are lifestyles, and they require the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Judea - Our next mission focus is the country in which we dwell. 

• Samaria - Missions take you to your enemies.

• To the ends of the earth - Missions take you outside your home, comforts, and country.      

How to Obey:

• Ask this question: “What is your personal assignment to make disciples?”

• How to obey the Great Commission: Go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. At the root of these commands is the call to make disciples

• It’s not for us to know when, where, or how God will do what He will do. We must remain available to Him so that He can use us as He pleases for His plan. We must remain at His feet and obedient to Him because of the love in our hearts for Him.

• The only thing standing between us and where God may send us is a willingness to say yes.

• Be willing to say yes, put in the time, go through the training, and develop the character, and then God will answer your prayer for more of Him.

How to Walk Intimately with God:

• Pray for God’s direction for which ministries to support by learning more about them. Support the ministry in prayer, giving financially, and actively volunteering. 

• God’s heart is for all people to come to Himself. All tribes, all nations, all tongues. He wants all people to know Him. Pray and ask God to align your heart with the same desire. Ask God for a desire to see all people come into a relationship with you. Pray for Him to speak into how you can reach the people around you. Ask Him for the desire to speak into the lives of the people you live with, work with, and do life with. He cares.