Earlier this week, I participated in a Zoom call with Pastor Joe Thomas, Jane Finney, and two others who are interested in helping our district be more intentional about reaching the mission field that has come to our neighborhoods. The call reminded me, the Church of the Nazarene has always been a missionary-sending church. Jesus’ command to “Go and make disciples” remains true for us today. We must continue to send missionaries around the world by praying, learning, and giving so the Church can share the message of conversion, redemption, and new life.
Today, people from the far corners of the world are coming to our towns and neighborhoods. This gives all of us the opportunity to live out Jesus’ command right where we are. Pastor Joe, Jane Finney, and the Nazarene churches in Beardstown are helping immigrants with language, the immigration process, and—most importantly—the redeeming and transforming love of Jesus Christ.
Their work is one example of how we can fulfill Jesus’ directive. It also challenges each of us to ask: What am I doing to be obedient to His call to make disciples? His words are not a casual suggestion; they are a command for all who follow Him.
Eight of our churches reported at least one conversion in July, for a total of 29 conversions. I am thankful for these reports of new life and believe we will hear even more stories of transformation in the weeks and months ahead as we continue to “Go and Make” disciples.
“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 command-ed you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Jesus