As a church, Southern Hills wants to be identified mainly by fulfilling the Great Commission. The Great Commission comes from Matthew 28:18-20, and we have made this our mission as a church—making disciples who make disciples. I’ve spoken to many people who have some fears when it comes to actually taking part in our mission; fears of not knowing where to start, or even what to say. One way to fulfill our mission is by inviting a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker to church. While a good start, I want like to encourage you to do even more.

The Scriptures give lots of description of what happens when someone becomes a Christian. I have taken much comfort from these passages and I would like to share a few with you, in hopes that the Word would embolden you. Here are a few realities of what God is up to when we share the gospel with people (and reminders of what He did for us):

• opening blind eyes and shining light (see 2 Corinthians 4:1-6)
• changing us from slaves to sons and daughters (see Galatians 4)
• giving spiritual life, where before we were spiritually dead (see Ephesians 2)
• granting repentance (see 2 Timothy 2:25).

Of course, we must actually share the gospel in order to make disciples, but these truths give me comfort because they take the spotlight off of me (see Romans 10:14-17). When we share the gospel, God is at work through the message and His Spirit—and that’s the only reason anyone becomes a disciple. The work of heart transformation is done by God. God is the agent at work in salvation and you are His instrument.

Your fears may be justified—maybe when the opportunity arises, you don’t know all of the answers. But you do know the Gospel because you’ve experienced it yourself.

Pray diligently. Share boldly what Christ has accomplished. Pray again.

I want to challenge you to be intentional in your relationships and find times when you can share the Gospel.

Another way to fulfill our mission is to get involved in helping other disciples mature. You can teach and disciple your children at home, have Gospel-centered conversations in the lobby at church, grab coffee with another Christian, meet with your life group members outside of your regular meetings, and mentor a younger Christian.

If the Church was left with Pastors only, very little discipleship would take place. The Church grows when the Church goes and fulfills the mission. As you continue to grow in the Word, look for opportunities to share what you learn with someone else. Get involved in a life group or volunteer at the church. Love God, love people, and make disciples.