What is a missionary disciple?

WE SEE JESUS IN THE Gospels calling and sending out ‘missionary disciples’ to transform the world in the power of the Spirit. All are called to live in this gracious and life-giving rhythm of coming together to be with Jesus and being sent out (Mark 3.14). But what does that mean for us day to day?

We are a church of people whose lives are shaped by Jesus Christ. We participate in God’s mission in and to the world. We are called to gather around Jesus through worship, prayer and fellowship, and we are also called to be sent out by him, both in groups and individually, in every aspect of our lives.

Sometimes, it seems that it’s the vicar’s job, and that we don’t need to do anything but turn up on a Sunday. But even before Christian churches were established, Jesus was sending out disciples to live out their calling in every aspect of life (Luke 10:1–17; Matthew 28:19–20). We are all called, regardless of who we are, to share God’s love with others wherever we go.

In practice

For some, this might involve spreading love and encouragement. Others might be part of a group at work or feel called to share their faith with colleagues or friends at school. For others, faith in God is what sustains them through difficult situations. Prayer is an important part of this.

God calls every one of us to be a missionary disciple. In the New Testament, the same twelve who are named ‘disciples’ are also called ‘apostles’. There is no point at which they ‘graduate’ from one to the other. They are always people who gather around Jesus and follow him, and they are always people who are sent out by him.

It must be the same with us. We are called to gather around Jesus in worship, prayer and fellowship. In the power of the Holy Spirit, we are sent out by Jesus to be his witnesses and ambassadors in the world.

Find out more

In this short film, we hear from people from different walks of life about how they live out their faith throughout the week.

You can find out more about missionary disciples as part of the Church of England’s Vision and Strategy for the 2020s.

Try this during your week

You can pray as you go about your everyday life, walking to the shops, waiting for the bus, catching the train or taking the children to school. You can even pray as you drive (with your eyes open!).

As you pass a local shop, café, business or someone working on the street, take a moment to pray for them.

• Give thanks for the people who work there and the services they provide.
• Remember that God knows each person, their worries and challenges, and the things that bring them joy.
• Ask God to bless them and to show them something of his great love today.

It is a simple way to bring prayer into your everyday routine and to share in God’s love for the people and places around you.