How to Stay “On Mission” for Jesus in Daily Life

Last week my husband and I spent time with a beautiful family with a Hindi background, and next week my husband and son will go on a mission trip. So, how to be “on mission” is on my mind and heart. 

All Christians are called to obey The Great Commission: Go and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:18-20) The call is not just for those who are vocational missionaries. It is a command from Jesus to all of His followers.

I’ve heard those who have studied New Testament Greek say that a better translation of Matthew 28:19 would be “as you are going” make disciples of all nations. We are to be on mission as we go about our everyday lives, not just on mission trips.

How can we be on mission this week? Here are 4 low pressure ways we can live out the Great Commission by discipling others.

4 Low Pressure Ways to Stay On Mission for Jesus

1. Make disciples at home. 

Our first ministry is always to our own family. Deuteronomy 6:7 calls us to talk about God’s Word naturally in daily life. If you don’t feel equipped to disciple your children, try Little Habits, Big Faith: How Simple Practices Help Your Family Grow in Jesus  just released by Christie Thomas. Christie makes it easy to get started with practical suggestions anyone can use.

2. Use modern technology for God’s glory.

We talk so much about the negative effects of always having a cell phone in hand, and we should use caution, but the internet has given us revolutionary, but simple ways to share the gospel and make disciples. Use text, email, and social media to stay on mission by sharing scriptures, your testimony, links to Biblical posts or articles, or just words encouraging others as they follow Jesus.

3. Plan to serve. 

As we serve, God often gives us small opportunities for both evangelism and discipleship. It’s okay if you’re not comfortable teaching a class or getting up in front of people. You’re not limited to official roles or traditional ways serving, sharing, and discipling, but don’t dismiss those ways either! God often calls us out of our comfort zones to serve Him. 

Here are just a few ways: Assist in a class, offer to bring snacks, write letters to those on the prayer list, start planning to participate in a local outreach program or future mission trip.  

But we won’t do any of these by accident. How can you make plans to serve with opportunities for making disciples this week?

4. Pray, of course!

Prayer should be the obvious first step in staying on mission for Christ, but we often forget to ask God to keep His call in the front of our minds and to open our eyes to those who need an encouraging Word based on God’s Word–that is a part of discipleship. Pray for yourself. Pray for those who don’t know Jesus. Pray for disciples who are learning and growing. Pray for your pastor and church leaders. 

Then let people know you are praying for them with a simple text or word.

When we are caught up our own world as I have been, it’s easy to forget our call to be on mission, but even in seasons of crisis and healing, when we respond by turning to and trusting God with our doubts, questions, and pain, we can show others how to walk with Jesus with hope through the hard times. That is a part of discipleship also! God can use our seasons of brokenness as testimony of His work in our lives.

I remember just before the end of 2023, when I finally felt able to serve by hosting a couple’s night for homeschooling parents. Just to feel emotional stable enough to even make that kind of commitment felt good after a time when I was very reluctant to volunteer for anything at all. 

Although I did share tears that evening, God gave us the opportunity to share the gospel, as well as to be encouraged/discipled ourselves by another godly couple. I’m so glad God both uses and comforts us in our pain. 

Remember, God is working ALL things for our good. That means we can be on mission even in our trials.

 Do you have any suggestions on how to stay “on mission” for Christ?Leave a comment below!