Remaining Mission Challenge

Study Guide: The Unfinished Task – Our Role in Global Mission

Introduction:
This study guide is based on a sermon that presented a macro-level view of the global mission field. It explores both the incredible progress being made and the significant challenges that remain before Jesus returns. The goal is to move from information to transformation, helping each participant discover their role in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Overall Structure: This guide is divided into five sessions, each focusing on a key theme from the sermon. Each session includes an opening question, key scripture, discussion questions, and a practical application step.

Session 1: The Mission Mandate

Opening Question: When you hear the term “Great Commission,” what comes to mind? Is it an exciting call or a burdensome duty?

Key Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

Summary & Discussion:
The sermon emphasized that the central command is to “make disciples.” This is not a suggestion but the core calling of every believer. We do this by “going” (stepping out in faith), “baptizing” (leading to commitment), and “teaching” (nurturing growth). This mission is backed by Christ’s total authority and His promise to be with us.

Discussion Questions:

The speaker said the main verb is “make disciples,” not “go.” How does this shift in focus change your understanding of your personal responsibility?
What does it mean to you that this command comes from someone with “all authority”? How does that impact any fear or hesitation you might have?
The promise is “I am with you always.” Share a time when you felt God’s presence as you shared your faith or served others.

Application:

Reflect: Write down the name of one person you can begin praying for and building a discipleship-oriented relationship with.
Pray: Ask God for one opportunity this week to take a small step of faith in “going” – whether it’s a conversation, an act of service, or an invitation.

Session 2: The Global Picture – The “Waffle” and the Unreached

Opening Question: If you had to explain the global mission challenge to a teenager, how would you describe it?

Key Scripture: Matthew 24:14

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Summary & Discussion:
The sermon introduced the “pancake vs. waffle” analogy. Mission is like a waffle: the gospel gets stuck behind barriers of language, culture, and history. The Greek word for “nations” is ethne—people groups. There are roughly 17,500 people groups, and about 7,400 are “unreached” (no indigenous church to evangelize them). This represents over 3 billion people. These are the “empty seats at the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

Discussion Questions:

What was your reaction to the statistics about unreached people groups (e.g., 7,400 groups, 3.1 billion people)? Were you surprised, overwhelmed, or motivated?
How does thinking in terms of “people groups” instead of “countries” change your perspective on the task?
The speaker said these groups represent “empty seats.” How does this image impact you emotionally and spiritually?

Application:

Explore: Visit joshuaproject.net. Find one specific unreached people group and learn about them. Commit to praying for them by name for the next month.
Discuss: As a group, talk about what “unreached” means right in your own community. Are there cultural or sub-cultural “waffle squares” nearby that need targeted effort?

Session 3: Reasons for Hope & Celebration

Opening Question: When you watch the news, it’s easy to get discouraged. Where do you see God actively at work in the world today?

Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:2

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Summary & Discussion:
Despite the challenges, God is moving powerfully. The sermon highlighted five positive trends:

Explosive growth of Christ-followers in China, Iran, and Mongolia.
Acceleration of Bible translation through technology and collaboration.
The rise of the Global South as the new center of Christianity.
The harvest field (Global South) is becoming the harvest force (missionaries).
The growth of Church Planting Movements (CPMs) that multiply disciples.

Discussion Questions:

Which of these five positive trends encouraged you the most? Why?
2 Timothy 2:2 describes a chain of disciples making disciples. How can we apply this multiplication principle in our own church or small group?
How does hearing about the growth of the church in places like Iran challenge or strengthen your faith?

Application:

Encourage: Share a story you’ve heard about God’s work around the world with someone who needs encouragement.
Multiply: Identify one person you can “entrust” with a spiritual truth or skill. This could be mentoring a newer believer or training someone for a ministry role.

Session 4: Sobering Challenges & Our Response

Opening Question: What do you think is the biggest obstacle to fulfilling the Great Commission in the Western church today?

Key Scripture: Luke 10:2

“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”

Summary & Discussion:
The challenges are significant: the number of non-believers is growing faster than the church; there’s a loss of mission focus in the West; a desperate need for pastoral training; and a tragic lack of financial resources directed to the unreached. In response, Jesus’ first command is not “go,” but “ask.” Our primary work is prayer.

Discussion Questions:

The sermon stated that less than one penny of every dollar given by Christians goes to the unreached. What does this say about our priorities? How does this make you feel?
Why do you think Jesus tells us to pray for laborers as a first step, rather than just telling us to go?
The speaker mentioned that “prosperity” can be a greater threat to the church than “persecution.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

Application:

Pray: Make a list of missionaries you know or have learned about. Commit to praying for them by name each day this week.
Evaluate: Review your personal and/or your church’s budget. Is there a way to increase the percentage that directly supports frontline mission work among the unreached?

Session 5: Your Place in the Story – Pray, Give, Go

Opening Question: If you were to summarize what God is asking you to do about global missions in one sentence, what would it be?

Key Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-26

“…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word…”

Summary & Discussion:
The sermon concluded with a clear, three-fold call to action for every believer. We are all called to Pray, Give, and Go.

Pray: Become a prayer warrior.
Give: Be generous with finances, hospitality, and encouragement.
Go: Use your spiritual gifts locally and globally. Be a “boot on the ground.”

We are prepared for this through the daily cleansing of God’s Word, which sanctifies us for His service.

Discussion Questions:

Of the three (Pray, Give, Go), which one do you feel most drawn to? Which one is most challenging for you?
The speaker said, “When you engage in ministry for Jesus Christ, Satan will push back.” Have you experienced this? How can we prepare for and stand firm in this spiritual battle?
What is one practical, specific step you can take in the next month to actively respond to this call?

Application & Commitment:

Personal Action Plan: Write down your commitment.
- PRAY: I will pray for _________________ (specific people group/missionary) regularly.
- GIVE: I will increase my mission giving / offer hospitality by _________________.
- GO: I will use my gift of _________________ to serve in this way: _________________.
Group Prayer: Close your study by praying for one another, that each person would be faithful in their specific calling and hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”