In the Bible, a missionary is one who is sent to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Missionaries are called to spread the message of salvation and establish churches among unreached peoples.
Scripture
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Biblical Definition of a Missionary
The concept of a missionary in the Bible encapsulates the divine call to spread the transformative message of the Gospel, extending beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. Central to this mission is the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This mandate emphasizes both evangelism and discipleship, highlighting that the missionary’s role is not merely to share the message of salvation but also to cultivate new believers into a community of faith. The term “nations” (Greek: “ethnos”) signifies a mandate that transcends ethnic and cultural barriers, underscoring the inclusivity of the Gospel for all humanity (Revelation 7:9).
Moreover, the Biblical foundation for missionary work is further illustrated through the apostolic missions of figures like Paul, who traveled extensively to plant churches and nurture believers (Acts 13:2-3). Missionary activities are characterized not only by preaching and teaching but also by acts of service and love, reflecting the heart of God towards the marginalized and lost (James 1:27). This alignment with Christ’s mission as depicted in Luke 4:18-19 — to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the prisoners, and recovery of sight for the blind — illustrates that missions are not merely about conversion but about holistic transformation. Ultimately, the missionary endeavor can be seen as a continuation of Jesus’ work on Earth, inviting believers to participate in God’s redemptive plan (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), fostering a global community united in the love and grace of Christ.
In addition to the foundational call in the Great Commission, the Bible provides various scriptural examples that illustrate the role and essence of a missionary. One significant aspect is found in the ministry of the Apostle Peter, whose pivotal encounter with Cornelius in Acts 10 demonstrates that the church was being prepared to embrace Gentiles into the faith. This groundbreaking moment not only signals the removal of barriers that hindered the spread of the Gospel but also models the inclusive nature of missionary work, which is to actively seek out those who have been marginalized or excluded from the community of faith. Peter’s willingness to engage with Cornelius exemplifies the openness required from missionaries to listen to and understand the context of those they serve.
Furthermore, the letters of Paul reinforce the ethos of missionary work as a foundational element of church life. In passages such as Romans 10:14-15, Paul articulates the necessity of preaching for individuals to understand and accept the message of Christ. This highlights the urgency and responsibility of believers as they carry the message of salvation to others, underlining that missionaries are not just bearers of knowledge but are called to actively pursue the proclamation of the Word. The emphasis on preaching and the sending of people to share the Gospel reflects a reciprocal relationship between the sender, the message, and the recipients, fostering a deep sense of community rooted in a shared mission of faith. Thus, the biblical view of missionary work transcends mere evangelism, inviting believers to become conduits of God’s love through intentional and reflective engagement with the world.
The Call to Evangelism
In the biblical context, a missionary is often seen as an individual called to spread the message of the Gospel. This calling emphasizes the importance of evangelism, which involves sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ and the principles of Christianity with those who have not yet heard or accepted them. The missionary’s role is to proclaim the good news, inviting others into a relationship with God and fostering spiritual growth within communities.
Service and Compassion
Another broader meaning of being a missionary in the Bible encompasses the idea of service and compassion. Missionaries are not only tasked with preaching but also with demonstrating love and care for others through acts of service. This includes addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. By embodying Christ’s love through tangible actions, missionaries reflect the heart of the Gospel and fulfill the command to love one’s neighbor.
Cultural Engagement and Transformation
Missionaries also play a crucial role in cultural engagement and transformation. They are often called to enter diverse cultural contexts, understanding and respecting local customs while sharing the message of Christ. This aspect of missionary work involves not only the dissemination of religious beliefs but also the transformation of societies through the application of biblical principles. Missionaries seek to influence cultures positively, promoting justice, peace, and reconciliation in alignment with the teachings of the Bible.
How to Share the Gospel Effectively as a Christian
Sharing the Gospel effectively is a beautiful journey that begins with genuine love and understanding for those around you. It’s essential to approach conversations with humility and an open heart, listening more than speaking. Start by building authentic relationships; people are more receptive to the message of Christ when they feel valued and understood. Share your personal testimony—how your faith has transformed your life—because stories resonate deeply and can spark curiosity. Remember, it’s not about winning arguments but about planting seeds of hope and truth. Pray for guidance and the right words, and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Ultimately, embody the love of Christ in your actions, as your life can be the most compelling testimony of all.
Bible References to Missionary Definitions:
Acts 1:8: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Romans 10:13-15: 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Acts 13:2-4: 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
2 Corinthians 5:18-20: 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Acts 8:26-40: 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place.
27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship
28 And he was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.
And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”
30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.
34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?”
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.
36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”
37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
40 Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Acts 16:9-10: 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 22:21: And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
Matthew 9:37-38: 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;”
38 Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
Luke 10:1-12: 1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.
2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.
3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.
4 Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.
5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’
6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.
7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.
8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.
9 Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say,
11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’
12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.
John 20:21-23: 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Acts 14:21-23: 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,
22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Acts 26:16-18: 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,
17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Romans 15:18-21: 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed,
19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ;
20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation,
21 but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”
1 Corinthians 9:19-23: 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law.
21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.
22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
2 Timothy 4:1-5: 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,
4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Titus 1:5: 5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—
1 Peter 3:15-16: 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;
16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.