The Reformed Life

It’s easy to fall into the mindset that our local church is the ultimate goal of God’s work. We cherish our fellowship, worship, and ministry so much that we sometimes forget we are part of a grander story—a global mission that transcends our walls. This misunderstanding can lead to insular thinking, where we see our local church as the endpoint rather than the instrument God uses to fulfill His global purpose. But Scripture and church history remind us of a broader, more glorious vision.

1. The Global Vision of God’s Mission

From the beginning, God’s heart has been for all nations. In Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham, “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” This promise finds its fulfillment in Christ and echoes throughout Scripture, culminating in Revelation 7:9, where we see “a great multitude… from every nation, tribe, people, and language” worshiping before God.

The local church is central to this mission, but it is not the destination. John Piper puts it succinctly: “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” The purpose of the church is to glorify God by making disciples who make disciples, reaching the nations with the gospel so that God will be worshiped everywhere.

2. The Danger of a Narrow Focus

When a local church adopts a mindset that places itself at the center of God’s mission, it risks becoming stagnant. The temptation to prioritize internal programs, comfort, and preferences can overshadow the call to participate in the global work of the gospel. R.C. Sproul warns, “When we focus solely on our own little corner of the world, we risk neglecting the breadth of Christ’s kingdom.”

To avoid this, we must recognize the signs of an insular church mindset. Here are five questions pastors and church leaders can ask to assess whether their church is kingdom-focused or inwardly focused:

1. Are we praying regularly for the nations and other churches?
   If our prayers are exclusively about our church’s needs, programs, and ministries, we may be neglecting God’s larger mission. 
2. Do we view other churches as partners or competitors?
   A kingdom-focused church celebrates the growth of other gospel-preaching churches and seeks ways to collaborate for the spread of the gospel.
3. Are we sending and supporting missionaries?
   Churches that neglect global missions or fail to equip members for cross-cultural ministry are likely too inwardly focused.
4. Is our budget primarily directed inward?
   While it’s essential to steward resources for the local church, a kingdom-focused church allocates significant funds for missions and church planting.
5. Are we equipping members to live on mission?
   An insular church may focus solely on internal discipleship without training members to engage their communities and the world with the gospel.

3. How the Local Church Fits into God’s Global Purpose

The local church serves as a training ground and launching pad for gospel mission. It’s where believers are discipled, equipped, and sent out. Consider Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 4:12—to equip the saints for the work of ministry and build up the body of Christ. This equipping is not just for internal benefit but for external mission.

Historically, the local church has played a vital role in sending missionaries, supporting global efforts, and partnering with other churches. Churches like the one in Antioch (Acts 13:1-3) modeled this beautifully, sending Paul and Barnabas to proclaim the gospel beyond their immediate context.

4. Overcoming a “Single-Church” Mentality

Shifting our mindset requires seeing the church as part of something much bigger. Here are three practical steps to help foster this perspective:

• Pray for the Nations: Regularly incorporate prayers for missionaries, unreached people groups, and other churches worldwide into your worship services (Matthew 9:37-38).
• Partner with Other Churches: Collaborate with like-minded churches for missions and ministry efforts, demonstrating unity in the gospel.
• Send and Support Missionaries: Be intentional about identifying, equipping, and sending members to serve cross-culturally. Financially and prayerfully support those who are called.

5. A Call to Action: Embrace Your Role in God’s Story

Every local church is a chapter in the larger narrative of God’s redemptive plan. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.” Similarly, a church that does not engage in God’s global mission is missing its identity and purpose.

God has chosen to use the local church as His primary instrument for spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. But He has also given us the privilege of partnering with Him in this work. Let us not limit our vision to what God is doing within our walls but joyfully join Him in His global mission.

Conclusion: Lift Your Eyes

As we reflect on the role of the local church, let us lift our eyes beyond the immediate to see the eternal. The mission of God is not confined to one church, one city, or one nation—it encompasses the entire world. Will your church be a means to His glorious end? Let’s labor together, knowing that our work is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58) and that one day, the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

Reflection Questions

1. How does your local church contribute to God’s global mission?
2. In what ways can you personally support global missions through your church?
3. Are there areas where your church may need to refocus its efforts on equipping and sending for the sake of the nations?
4. What steps can you take to ensure your church avoids becoming insular and remains kingdom-focused?

Let us be a means to His purpose, not the end.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Josh Chambers

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