Introduction
In every age, the Church faces the temptation to turn inward, to become comfortable in its established structures and rhythms. Yet, from the very beginning, Jesus Christ made it clear that His Church exists not for itself, but for the world. He commissioned His followers with a direct and undeniable command:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
The Church is, by its very nature, missionary. If a parish, a ministry, or a group within the Church fails to embrace this mission-oriented identity, it risks becoming stagnant, inward-looking, and ultimately disconnected from the very purpose of its existence. Ministry leaders, therefore, have a sacred duty not only to nourish their existing members but to reach out beyond their walls, seeking those who are lost, suffering, or distant from God.
A Church That Does Not Evangelize Ceases to Be the Church
Throughout history, the great saints and theologians have affirmed this truth:
- St. Paul declared, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). He did not build enclaves of self-satisfied believers; he tirelessly spread the message of Christ to all people.
- St. Augustine taught that our faith is restless until it is fully given over to God’s purpose, which includes transforming the world, not simply maintaining the status quo.
- St. Thomas Aquinas insisted that faith is not meant to be hoarded, but shared, proclaiming that “it is greater to enlighten others than merely to shine.”
- Pope Paul VI, in Evangelii Nuntiandi, wrote, “The Church exists in order to evangelize.” This is not a secondary function—it is the very reason for our existence.
- Pope Francis warns against a self-referential Church that clings to comfort instead of going to the margins. He calls for a Church that is “bruised, hurting, and dirty because it has been out on the streets.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 27)
Ministry leaders who reject a mission-oriented vision may feel justified in doing so—after all, they see fruit in their current work. But true fruitfulness in the Christian life is never about mere maintenance. It is about multiplication. Jesus did not call His disciples simply to sustain one another; He called them to bring others into the Kingdom.
The Dangers of Maintenance Mentality
A “maintenance” approach to ministry, while perhaps offering stability, is ultimately insufficient for the following reasons:
- It Limits the Gospel’s Reach – If we only serve those already within our community, we neglect the lost whom Jesus specifically came to save (Luke 19:10).
- It Creates Spiritual Stagnation – Without mission, faith becomes routine rather than radical, diminishing the transformative power of the Gospel.
- It Ignores the Call of Christ – Jesus did not establish a self-sustaining club; He founded a movement meant to transform the world.
- It Risks Institutionalism Over Evangelization – The Church must never become so focused on preserving structures that it forgets its primary call to spread the Good News.
A Call to Ministry Leaders: Shift from Maintenance to Mission
If you are leading a ministry within the Church, ask yourself these questions:
- Are we actively seeking new people to share Christ with, or are we only serving those already within our circle?
- Does our ministry extend beyond the parish walls to impact the wider community?
- Are we equipping our members to evangelize, or are we content with their personal spiritual growth?
- Would Jesus look at our ministry and see a reflection of His Great Commission, or would He challenge us to do more?
Practical Steps to Embrace Mission
- Identify a Community Need – Serve beyond your parish by engaging with the poor, the marginalized, or those who have left the faith.
- Encourage Evangelization – Train your members to share their faith in their workplaces, families, and social circles.
- Collaborate with Others – Work with other churches, organizations, and community groups to extend your outreach.
- Integrate Faith and Action – Service should always be grounded in prayer, reflection, and the sacraments.
- Measure Impact and Adjust – Regularly evaluate how well your ministry is fulfilling its mission and make necessary changes.
The Church That Goes Out is the Church That Thrives
Ministry leaders must be willing to challenge the status quo. Jesus Himself never allowed His disciples to become complacent. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, did not remain in the Upper Room—they went out, preached, healed, and ultimately changed the world.
If we truly desire to follow Christ, we must do the same.
The Church does not exist for comfort. It does not exist merely for community. It exists for mission. Without mission, the Church would cease to be the Church of Jesus Christ.
Let us not settle. Let us not retreat. Instead, let us go forth and make disciples, just as our Lord commanded. Anything less is not worthy of the Gospel we profess.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post