Is it still valid to say American churches play a role in carrying out the Great Commission? Should they continue to mobilize and send cross-cultural missionaries to the regions beyond? Many churches and missions organizations have found themselves asking these questions. I believe the answer is yes—it is vital that churches in America continue sending missionaries. In fact, God established the church for this very purpose.

Nearly every generation of believers has wrestled with this same concern: Does the responsibility of the Great Commission still rest on the American church? Today, we seem to be hearing more reasons why we should rely more heavily on churches from other nations to send missionaries. While we are grateful for the growing involvement of churches around the world, we must also address some of the reasons often used to excuse the American churches from sending:

• A lack of surrender among younger generations.
  • Less preaching/teaching on surrender in youth groups and churches.
  • Fear of going into a chaotic world.
  • Parents discouraging their children from going.
  • The idea that “the world is moving to America – let’s reach them here.”
  • Greater interest in social matters over spiritual needs.

These reasons may sound compelling, but they do not remove the church’s responsibility.

The question remains: Is the Great Commission optional for us? If God works through the church, then He is not finished using American churches in His mission. Missions should remain at the very heart of any healthy church – making disciples of all nations. When local churches focus on making disciples, it naturally follows that they will produce more men and women who are prepared and willing to go globally. Furthermore, if God is not calling them to the foreign field, they are equipped to teach and train those coming into our country from around world. Either way our people are looking to see where God is working, and they are compelled to join in.

When we teach our people to reach into the lives of family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, friends at school, and people they meet in everyday life, they in turn begin to realize the need to go around the world. One church member remarked, “I don’t know why, but for some reason I had never thought that witnessing to my own family was legitimate evangelism.” That simple realization changed their outlook on reaching others.

When church members begin to sense God stirring them to “GO”, whether that be here at home or across the ocean, that is a sign of spiritual health and cause for celebration within the church. Wherever God’s church is healthy, missions will be present. This is why we must desire for continued involvement from our American churches in sending missionaries.

Yes, the Great Commission is still for us today!

-by Jon Konnerup, BBFI Mission Director