“What is Mission?” is a series of four studies and videos produced by the Church Mission Society of the Church of England in the UK.
The studies aim to bust the main myths about mission. They take 1-2 hours.
There focus is on engaging people through relationships and sharing faith rather than on, say, systemic social justice.
Each video features a range of people engaged in mission in different ways, both in the UK and overseas -mission partners, ‘pioneer’ students, staff members and church leaders.
Each group session has
– an opening activity
– a theme introduction and Bible reflection
– video and discussion questions
– prayer
Myth #1: Mission means we have to save the world.
[Reality: God wants all christians to be set free to join him in mission.]
Bible: Matthew 9:35-38
Myth #2: Mission is primarily a Western thing.
[Reality: Mission is multidirectional, from everywhere to everywhere.]
Bible: Acts 16:6-15
Session Two features a series of posters of artwork depicting Jesus by people from a range of cultures (from the excellent resource “The Christ We Share”.
Myth #3: Mission is about doing thins for people in need.
[Reality: Mission is largely about being with people.]
Bible: Luke 10:1-12
Myth #4: Mission is for extraordinary people.
[Reality: God wants all christians to be set free to join him in mission.]
Bible: Mark 2:13-17 and Luke 19:1-9
They also have a “Mission Is…” Card Game but only available in the UK. Game rules here.
Also there’s a short vox pop of people saying what mission means to them here.
Mission Is … You Tell Us! from Church Mission Society on Vimeo.
Rob McFarlane says
Thanks for this resource. However, I think that theee is an error in the descriptions. Both 1 & 4 say “Reality: God wants all Christians to be set free to join him in mission.” That looks like it would fit 4 but not 1.
admin says
Rob, that’s what the study guide says.