The following reflection was originally written for the service sheet at St Christopher’s Anglican Church on Sunday, 29th June 2025, as part of our celebration of Missions Sunday. I share it here again to encourage us all – wherever we are – to reflect deeply on our shared calling to participate in God’s mission, both locally and globally.
“Today is Missions Sunday. Not just overseas mission, nor only local mission, but mission in its broad and inclusive sense. Whether across the world or right here in New Zealand, God is actively at work – on mission to redeem a people for himself, to become his covenant people. Scripture affirms several foundational truths about mission. First, because of sin, people are estranged from God and live in enmity toward him. Therefore, all are in need of salvation. This salvation has been graciously provided by Christ through his saving work – his substitutionary, atoning death on the cross, and his victorious resurrection. In a broken, dark and pluralistic world, the good news of Jesus shines brightly. He alone remains the true Saviour and Lord of all. Second, the central aspect of God’s mission is spiritual, rather than merely physical or material. Humanity’s deepest need is not external but internal: to be born again, to be spiritually renewed and regenerated. We must not lose sight of this. Evangelism, therefore, remains a central task of mission – lovingly and wisely presenting the good news and the claims of Jesus, using good words that are supported by good works. Third, the Church is God’s chosen instrument for accomplishing his mission. Our participation in God’s mission should shape everything we do – whether it’s caring for and teaching our children and youth, serving the elderly, ministering to those in need, evangelising, discipling, teaching, preaching, or worshipping together as God’s people. Finally, every Christian is called to be part of God’s mission. While not all are sent overseas, all of us are sent into our daily contexts – to bear witness to Christ among our families, friends and co-workers. At the same time, we called to support and send those whom God leads to other parts of the world. Happy Missions Sunday! May we each be reminded of our shared calling and renewed in our commitment to God’s great mission.” (Rev Dr Deo Vistar)
