CONNECTing The Church With The Commission Of Christ

by Sean Lunday

Why get your church involved in a missions trip?

In 2025, the Lord allowed us to lead five missions teams through BIMI CONNECT. Two of the teams were involved in construction and helped to build two new church plants. The other three teams were medical evangelism teams working in remote regions. In all, over 100 church members volunteered for one of the teams to spread the Gospel in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Suriname. We have often heard the quote from Missionary C.T. Studd: “The light that shines the farthest shines the brightest nearest home.” The Great Commission begins where we are! Missionary Studd did not stop there; he turned his back on a career as a professional cricket player to take the Gospel to China, India, and Africa. It was Studd who wrote the poem “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last” as a testament to his own desire that his life would count fully for Christ. He understood the importance of the truth that God has given us one life that we can invest for eternity. Jesus made clear where that investment should begin when he gave us the Great Commission to Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).

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Why GO on a missions trip?

TO CONNECT us with and support the local church
Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).
Though perhaps not the only way to fulfill the Great Commission, we believe that church planting is the best way. We believe that the local church is the hope of the world because we carry the only real hope and that is the Gospel. Jesus said, “I will build my church” and we can partner with Him in that endeavor.

TO CONNECT us with God’s heart to give us a greater burden for lost souls
Jeremiah the prophet said, “Mine eye affecteth mine heart” (Lamentations 3:51).
One of the most widespread ways that a missions trip can change someone is by shaping and changing their worldview. Realizing that God is concerned about the entire WORLD and wants to use us to impact lives with the Gospel, we returned from the field changed and that has an impact in our local church.

TO CONNECT us with a community of believers on the field
Paul the apostle was refreshed and comforted . . . by the coming of Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6).
Going and serving alongside a community of believers and missionaries will help one grow in his faith and strengthen those who may be struggling on the field by encouraging them to continue to be a light in a dark place.

TO CONNECT us with God’s purpose for our lives
Romans 12:2 says that the will of God is good, and acceptable, and perfect.
Serving others will get us out of our comfort zones and shape our character in Christ. It challenges us to speak more boldly about His Gospel and to be more sensitive to his purpose for our lives. 

TO CONNECT us with making a lasting impact on the field where we serve
Paul said of the Thessalonians For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
Short-term missions often gets a bad rap! Some will say that they do more harm than good. We work to actively avoid that from happening by developing long-term relationships and partnering alongside local churches. The national pastors/missionaries are the key to continue the follow-up work with discipleship to plug new converts into a local church. Our role is to serve alongside the local leadership, encourage, and support them so they have the fuel needed to expedite the church planting process. 

TO CONNECT us with a common goal to fulfill the Great Commission
Jesus commands us to Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15).
To share the Gospel with the nations, Jesus told us to be witnesses BOTH in Jerusalem and unto the uttermost part of the earth. We are to start at home and move towards the ends of the earth. We are to tell people from far and wide about the saving grace of Christ! 

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