Recently, a colleague sent me a link to an article about a Barna Group survey. In case you are not familiar with the Barna Group, they are a Christian organization out of California that conducts research as a service to Christian ministries. This particular survey was on “the Great Commission.” According to the article by Lindsay Steele in Mission Network News, 51% of churchgoers do not know the term “the Great Commission.” In fact, only 17% of them knew the term, what it meant, and where it is found in scripture. The article goes on to say that only 10% of millennials, those born between 1984 and 2002, recognize it. Is there any wonder our churches are dying? This is shocking! If churchgoers are so biblically illiterate, what are we doing in our churches – and in our homes?
I am sure that those who read this Together in Prayer newsletter are in that first 17%. However, just to be clear, in case someone less informed picks this newsletter up, the term “the Great Commission” refers to the parting words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20:
Then Jesus came to them and said, “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 commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus also said earlier in Matthew that his message would be told to all people groups before the end would come (24:14). God’s love and salvation are for all peoples and we have
been honored by receiving a role in the spread of that message. The Great Commission is an imperative command for all Christians. The well- known Baptist preacher from Minneapolis, Rev. John Piper, says that in light of this passage a believer has three choices: go, send or disobey.
The Prayer League’s slightly different motto: “Pray, Go, Serve,” is rooted in the same passage. You, as a praying member, are partnering with us in this “Great Commission” and we are very grateful for your support. Please pray that the Lord will guide us all in encouraging churches to teach their congregations to recognize and obey this wonderful calling.