Churches and church leaders must be greenhouses of missionary calling. We need pastors who will not only preach the gospel, but also gladly send and celebrate those who spread the gospel globally. Here are a few ways pastors and church leaders can do that.
1. Start With Identity
Mission doesn’t start with geography but with identity. Mission is not so much about where we go as much as who we are. We are called and sent to show and share the love of Jesus. We must disciple students with a gospel that reconciles all things in Christ and sends us to participate in that renewal.
2. Reawaken Missional Imagination
The Student Volunteer Movement of the late 19th century carried the slogan, “The evangelization of the world in this generation.” That’s a vision that inspired many for mission. We can’t mobilize mission with guilt—at least not for long. We must mobilize with glory. Show the beauty of Revelation 7:9, every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping before the Lamb. God’s heart beats for the world, and that should get our hearts racing too.
3. Create Room for Discernment
Students need room to listen, where they can discern their calling. Churches can host “mission nights,” mentor groups, or global prayer gatherings so that students can ask, “What is God calling me to do with my life?”
Our moment presents a huge opportunity. Technology, travel, and collaboration have shrunk the world in many ways, but the need for the gospel has never been bigger. I hope a lot of pastors and leaders will join us at Urbana 25. I hope you will join us. I pray that God will raise up a generation of goers and senders. I pray that it will start with us.
