What Is God’s Mission? With Justin Schell

What is God’s mission—and how does the church fit into it?

Christians often talk about being “on mission,” but before asking what we should do, we need to understand what God is doing. In this episode, Alex and Scott talk with Justin Schell, author of The Mission of God and the Witness of the Church, about the biblical story of God revealing himself and drawing people into communion with him. From Genesis to the Great Commission, they trace how God’s desire to dwell with his people shapes our understanding of both the church and missions.

The conversation also explores the church’s role as God’s witness in the world. Good works can display something true about God, but people need the proclaimed gospel to know the saving work of Jesus Christ. Rather than viewing the church simply as a tool for accomplishing mission, Schell explains how God’s mission leads to a people who know him, worship him, and invite others to share in that joy.

Key Topics

• What we mean by “the mission of God”
• God’s desire for communion with his people
• Why the church is more than a means to accomplish mission
• The church’s calling to bear witness to Christ
• The relationship between good works and gospel proclamation
• How the Great Commission fits into the whole story of Scripture

Explore your calling to global missions at ABWE’s 24-Hour DEMO event. These events, held throughout the year, help individuals and churches explore how they can help fulfill the Great Commission and explore God’s calling on their life and church. Learn more at demo.abwe.org.

The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.