The Power of Words: Inspiring Action Through Quotes on Missions
For generations, Christians dedicated to missions have found inspiration and motivation in the words of missionaries, pastors, and theologians. These powerful quotes encapsulate the heart of a missionary’s calling, emphasizing sacrifice, obedience, and a burning passion for sharing the Gospel.
This collection explores some of the most impactful quotes related to missions, evangelism, and global Christian work. We’ll look at words from missionaries on the front lines, reflections from pastors and theologians on the importance of missions, and scriptures that highlight the biblical mandate to spread the word of God.
By examining these impactful quotes on missions, we hope to illuminate the essence of Christian missions and encourage a deeper commitment to global outreach.
The Biblical Foundation for Missions
For many Christians, the idea of missions is inseparable from the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands his followers to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This passage forms the theological foundation for missionary work and evangelism. It’s a call to action.
Other scriptures also inspire those called to missionary work. For example, Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Ultimately, engaging in missions is seen as an act of obedience. Missionaries are committing to fulfilling God’s purpose for the world and following his explicit commands.
Missionary Quotes: A Life of Sacrifice and Faith
Missionaries often face hardship, danger, and isolation, but they are sustained by their faith and a sense of purpose. Here are a few inspiring quotes from missionaries of the past.
William Carey: The Father of Modern Missions
William Carey, a British missionary to India, is often called the “father of modern missions.” He translated the Bible into several Indian languages and worked to abolish the practice of Sati.
- “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” This quote embodies the bold faith and unwavering determination required for missionary work.
- “You have been speaking about William Carey. When I am gone, say nothing about William Carey – speak only about William Carey’s Saviour.” This underscores the importance of humility and focusing on Christ.
C.T. Studd: A Passion for Souls
C.T. Studd was a British cricketer who gave up his wealth and fame to become a missionary to China, India, and Africa.
- “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.” This emphasizes the eternal significance of serving Christ.
- “Some wish to live within the sound of church and chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell!” This highlights the urgency and dedication to reaching the lost.
Jim Elliot: Eternal Perspective
Jim Elliot was an American missionary to Ecuador who was killed by the people he was trying to reach. His story has inspired countless others to dedicate their lives to missions.
- “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” This reflects the willingness to sacrifice earthly possessions for eternal rewards.
- “Missionaries are very human folks, just doing what they are asked. Simply a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody.” This highlights the humility of missionaries.
Hudson Taylor: Following God’s Call
Hudson Taylor was a British missionary to China who founded the China Inland Mission. He was known for his commitment to living among the Chinese people and adopting their customs.
- “God isn’t looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him.” This emphasizes that obedience is more important than perceived strength.
Quotes from pastors and theologians about the church’s role in missions
Theologians and pastors throughout history have emphasized the crucial role of missions in the life and purpose of the church. Here are a few of the most powerful quotes:
John Piper: Missions and worship
Piper frames missions as a way to spread worship of God throughout the world. For Piper, worship is the ultimate goal, with missions serving as a means to achieve it. He also stresses the importance of sharing the Gospel through words.
“Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t.”
“There is no gospel apart from words. Nobody can be saved by watching deeds.”
Oswald J. Smith: The church’s obligation
Smith saw evangelism as essential for the church’s survival, arguing that a church that doesn’t actively spread the Gospel risks becoming stagnant. In his view, involvement in the Great Commission is a prerequisite for a church’s legitimacy.
“The church that does not evangelize will fossilize.”
“Any church not involved in the Great Commission has forfeited its Biblical right to exist.”
Charles Spurgeon: Passion for the lost
Spurgeon urged Christians to be wholeheartedly committed to global missions, emphasizing that there’s no room for apathy when it comes to sharing the Gospel with those who need it.
“If there be anything about which we cannot tolerate lukewarmness, it is in the matter of sending the gospel to a dying world.”
John R.W. Stott: A global God
Stott highlights the global nature of Christianity, calling on believers to embrace a global perspective because God’s love and concern extend to all people.
“We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God.”
Key themes in mission quotes: Grace, sacrifice, and impact
Many of the most memorable quotes about missions revolve around three themes: the grace of God, the personal sacrifices involved, and the eternal impact of the work.
The grace of God
At the heart of the Christian faith is the concept of grace, the free and unearned gift of God’s love and forgiveness. Mission quotes often highlight the transformative power of God’s grace as the central message that missionaries carry to the world.
Lucy Peabody, the first president of the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE), once said, “A great deal of our Christianity—much of our ‘churchianity’—is not worth exporting. But the grace of Christ is the precious gift we can send.”
Personal sacrifice
Serving as a missionary often involves leaving behind family, friends, comfort, and security to share the Gospel in unfamiliar and sometimes challenging environments. Many quotes emphasize the sacrifices that missionaries make.
In a similar vein, pastor and author Kevin DeYoung said, “Die to self. Live for Christ. And then do what you want, go where you want, for God’s glory.”
Eternal impact
Mission quotes often underscore the long-lasting significance of bringing people to Christ and building His kingdom.
As C.T. Studd, a missionary to China, India, and Africa, famously put it, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jesus say about missions?
Jesus emphasized the importance of spreading His message far and wide. One of the most direct quotes is the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where He instructs his followers to “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.” This is a foundational call to action for Christian missions.
When you are on mission quotes
There are countless inspiring quotes to reflect on when pursuing a mission. A great one is from Zig Ziglar, “If you go out looking for friends, you’re going to find they are very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” Another is by Mother Teresa, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” These quotes highlight purpose, dedication, and the impact of individual action when pursuing a meaningful goal.
What is a famous quote about vision and mission?
Stephen Covey said, “Begin with the end in mind.” While not explicitly mentioning “vision” or “mission,” it perfectly captures the essence of both. A clear vision provides the “end” – the desired future – while the mission outlines the steps to achieve it. This quote emphasizes the importance of having a clear goal to guide your actions and strategy.
Key Takeaways
The mission quotes we’ve explored aren’t just words on a page. They’re timeless wisdom and inspiration for anyone involved in missions – and for all Christians, really.
These quotes challenge us to think about our part in fulfilling the Great Commission. No matter who we are, we all have a role to play in missions, whether it’s through prayer, giving financially, going on a mission trip, or supporting those who go.
Embracing a global perspective and actively participating in missions is vital for the church to thrive and have a lasting impact. By paying attention to the wisdom in these quotes, we can contribute to the ongoing story of missions. We can play our part in seeing the Gospel spread to every corner of the earth, for generations to come. So, what will your part be?