OUR CALL · LESSON 1 OF 10
God’s Mission and the Call of the Church
The church does not invent a mission for itself; God gathers a people to participate in the purpose He has revealed from the beginning.
Scripture focus: Genesis 18:16–19; Matthew 28:18–20; Ephesians 3:7–12
WHAT THIS LESSON EXPLORES
Why does the church exist?
The final module begins by gathering the threads of Our Bible, Our Faith, and Our Life. God has spoken, formed a people around the gospel, and taught them a new way to live. This lesson now asks about shared purpose. Rather than imagining the church first and then searching for useful activity, Scripture reveals a missionary God whose plan gives the church its identity and call.
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The video frames mission as communal and comprehensive. It is more than occasional travel, one church department, or the work of specialists. The whole body is formed to display and announce God’s wisdom.
QUESTIONS THE VIDEO ANSWERS
Does the church have a mission—or does God’s mission have a church?
How does Abraham’s call connect to the Great Commission?
What would a mission-shaped congregation look like?
LISTEN FOR THESE THREADS
Three ideas that hold the lesson together
01
A missionary God
God’s outward-moving purpose precedes and creates the church’s call.
02
One purpose across Scripture
Abraham’s blessing and Christ’s commission belong to one unfolding biblical plan.
03
A people for God’s mission
The church exists as the community through whom the gospel is embodied and proclaimed.
WHY IT MATTERS
Discover the purpose larger than your congregation
When mission begins with God, the church is freed from self-preservation as its highest goal. Worship, teaching, fellowship, mercy, and witness are gathered into participation in what God is doing.
This vision also brings humility. The church does not control God’s mission; it is graciously included. Faithfulness means listening to His Word, receiving His power, and orienting common life toward His glory among the nations.
