Revisiting the Great Commission
Rev. Kent Poindexter, Contributing Writer
Consider what would have happened if the disciples of Jesus Christ had not been inclined to literally “go into the world and make disciples,” choosing instead to confine the message to their local communities. Or if, somehow, they became aware of ways to spread the Gospel message without leaving home? What would be the status of the “Good News” today if it had not been taken to the streets?
One of the most pressing issues facing the Christian church in the 21st Century is discerning what it means to go out and make disciples. Some have determined that the requirement is to “spread the Word” by any means necessary; this is vital! But the Gospels provide something that we tend to overlook if we think that all we have to do is “preach” the message, and people will come. Jesus “showed” the message and instructed followers to “live” the message. What good is the message if we do not live it? Is it really “good news” if we do not show how God intends for us to live by example?
Believe it or not, the challenge before the Church is not how to spread the message but how to put it into action. For those who believe that technology is the way to reach the unchurched, here is a reality check—most of those who watch worship on Sunday would attend church if they didn’t have television or computer access. The current technology has been a boon for reaching the masses. Its obvious limitations are providing a real-life experience for onlookers—pastors can preach, and choirs can sing until the heavenly hosts come down—but they cannot serve communion through the screens. Make no mistake. Technology saved many churches during the pandemic and provided much-needed spiritual solace while the world was shut in. But it is not the way to reach the masses who need to know what God can do.
Here’s another reality—technology is not reaching the unchurched. The people who are tuning in are those who desire to but cannot physically attend worship or have decided to stay home,believing they can “worship” in front of the screen. For the most part, these are people who are already part of the faith community. As a whole, the Church is attracting more new members through online worship.
