The Mission of the Church // Ekklesia

In a world filled with distractions, it's easy to lose sight of our true purpose. As believers, we are called to a mission that transcends the noise and chaos of everyday life. At Bethel Church, our mission is clear: to love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. This mission is rooted in the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, and it serves as the foundation for everything we do.

Loving God: The Greatest Commandment

Our journey begins with the greatest commandment, as Jesus articulated in Matthew 22:37-38: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This command is not a mere suggestion; it is a call to wholehearted devotion. Loving God involves more than just emotional or verbal expressions; it requires a life surrendered in obedience to His will.

To truly love God, we must know Him. This knowledge comes through gospel-centered discipleship, worship, and biblical teaching. As we draw near to God, we experience His love more fully, and our lives become a reflection of His grace and truth.

Loving People: The Natural Outflow

The second commandment, as Jesus stated in Matthew 22:39, is to "love your neighbor as yourself." This love is a natural outflow of our love for God. If we truly love God, we will love what He loves—people. This includes both an internal love for our church community and an external love for the world around us.

Loving people means being present, engaging in discipleship, and extending gospel-centered love beyond the church walls. It involves caring for others with the same concern and attention we naturally give to ourselves. As we embody God's love, we become His witnesses to the world.

Making Disciples: The Great Commission

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives us the Great Commission: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This commission is not optional; it is the defining call of the Christian life.

Making disciples involves more than just gaining converts; it means forming followers of Christ who obey His teachings. At Bethel Church, we are committed to this mission through community groups, Christian education, and intentional discipleship pathways. We believe that everyone is already making disciples of something, and we want to help them become disciples of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: Living Out Our Mission

As we navigate the distractions of life, we must remain focused on our mission. Loving God, loving people, and making disciples are not just words; they are the essence of who we are as a church. By living out this mission with intentionality and passion, we ensure that our actions reflect the love and purpose God has given us.

Join us at Bethel Church as we commit to this mission, drawing near to God, loving others, and making disciples of Jesus Christ. Together, we can make a difference in our community and beyond, shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.