Every church on the planet ought to have something about making disciples as part of their mission statement. However, what often gets forgotten is the last part of Jesus’ words: “and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Before we get to work making disciples, we must first remember to remain connected to Jesus as disciples ourselves. The making of disciples flows out of first being disciples.

A mission statement is a rallying cry, a purpose to exist, something to call the people of the church to. Why then did we choose to put something that seems passive in our mission statement? It was certainly not because we wanted to be novel or original. Instead, this part of the mission statement was born out of the realization that all of the Christian life is one of grace.

In part 2 of this series, we said that our mission as a church begins with God’s glory. Anything and everything else we do serves that ultimate goal and purpose. God’s glory is displayed in a variety of ways – in nature, in beauty, in wisdom, in truth. But, as we saw in the previous post, the ultimate display of God’s glory is in the person and work of Jesus.

The mission statement of Sound City Bible Church starts with the most important aspect of what it means to be human seeking to live according to God’s divine design – glorifying God. As the Westminster Confession puts it, “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”

Everyone wants their life to count for something. Each person is looking for purpose and meaning. That’s why books about finding your calling, your purpose, your life’s mission – both Christian and otherwise – sell millions of copies. As people who are created in the image and likeness of God, we are inherently drawn to the idea of mission and purpose. This is because God is himself is “sent and sending God,” a God of intentionality and purpose, who is himself missional.