Nurturing a 2 Corinthians 10:15-16 Vision for Mission Expansion

In 2 Corinthians 10:15-16 Paul writes "…Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, {16} so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you."

How does God want your church to be involved in the expansion of God's Kingdom on earth? Many churches never get beyond the walls of their building, the A-Z list of their own members or the hoped for move-ins of Lutherans to their community when they think about the influence they might have for Jesus Christ.

How would you define that term "the regions beyond you"?

Global - Most Christians can easily identify with God's global mission. Supporting World Missions will always be vitally important. Your congregation's tithe or better is an important way to expand influence in the regions beyond you. Many congregations also are beginning to personally connect with God's global mission by creating opportunities for people to travel to those countries to serve, encourage and teach.

Regional - The phrase "regions beyond you" suggests stretching to expand the kingdom. Church planting used to a way of life for many Lutheran Christian congregations which sought to serve growing under served communities. That vision is getting recaptured by many Texas District congregations along with the District itself. The 2009 budget has committed $2,670,237 to partner with churches that become involved in mission planting. Has your congregation begun to stretch its vision, looking as Paul did to the "regions beyond you"? Where might you begin to think about planting a church in the regions near you? Call your Mission and Ministry Facilitator if you want help exploring that possibility. If we really believe the words of Jesus in John 10:10 "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly," we will want to be faithful in exploring how we might be part of planting churches in our sphere of influence so that the Gospel of Jesus is shared.

Local – The "regions beyond you" might not only be geographical but might suggest a cultural, ethnic or linguistic divide that missional churches will need to cross in order to expand the influence of God's Kingdom. This is not only true in large cities but also in small towns and regional areas. Many of our congregations are situated in places of such change. For them, "regions" may people groups who are across the street and just around the block. Because this kind of reaching feels uncomfortable to some, many congregations and leaders are fearful of disturbing the comfort level of current members. Some congregations and leaders, however, have begun to identify with the vision given to John in Revelation 14:6 "Then I saw another angel … and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth--to every nation, tribe, language and people." What people groups are in arm's length of your church that you have yet to stretch toward? Be bold in raising that question in your congregation.

Personal – "Regions beyond you" is also personal. Paul didn't just pray for the opportunity for the church to expand its influence – he was part of the action himself! That is what God wants for each of us: 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"