Building Relationships Through Missions
God is a God of relationship, and He desires to know you. You may have many relationships with people, but the most important relationship you can ever have is with God, His Son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit.
In the Great Commission, we are told to GO. Two of the three letters of God’s name! Take the word ‘commission’ apart, and you see ‘co-mission.’ We partner with Jesus in His mission to spread the Gospel wherever we go.
Last week, 14 of us traveled to Guatemala to serve, spread the Gospel, and build relationships. One morning, we spoke with a group of pastors about biblical principles for sharing the Gospel with people on the streets, in their homes, and with those who are struggling with addiction. I want to share some of those thoughts with you.
Let’s look at five C words that help us map out our part in sharing the Gospel with others.
1. The Cause
For Others: The cause is why we do what we do as followers of Jesus Christ. For this cause, we share the good news of the Gospel. We share with others because of love. God’s love for us and God’s love for others – no matter what.
For Believers: So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding (Colossians 1:9).
2. The Call
For Others: Many are called, but few choose. Keep in mind those you meet can answer the call too. Answering the call can be ongoing because God works in our lives in seasons. He will show you how to take the Gospel to individuals and groups in ways they will understand.
For Believers: You chose, God called you, and qualified you by putting Christ in you, the hope of Glory. Go share with others what God has done for you (I Corinthians 1:27-30).
3. The Course
For Others: The course or the path is laid out for people. They get to choose to follow. God lights the path with His Word. You help bring that word to others so they, too, can see the lighted path. Ask God to prepare people’s hearts ahead of time. Focus on building relationships, and God will transform them. No one comes to the Lord unless the Holy Spirit draws them.
For Believers: Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you (Psalm 119:105).
4. The Coach
For Others: Everyone is influenced by someone. Recognize the similarities in people and find a common thread to connect in conversation. Engage in meaningful conversation and show them you care. When they hear the Gospel through words of love, they are drawn to the God of Love.
For Believers: The ultimate coach of our lives is God, and He gave us His Spirit to coach us along the way. He trains us to help others. His spiritual training is practical. We can trust His leading. Be prepared through prayer. Lay aside frustrations or lack of understanding. Put on compassion. You know what they believe, or practice, is empty, but they do not know it yet. Love covers a multitude of sins. Be prepared to love no matter what, no matter who, no matter where, and no matter when (I Corinthians 2:10).
5. The Counsel
For Others: Offer the counsel of God’s Word in love. Putting it in words they will understand helps them see God as personal. Develop relationships.
For Believers: One of the Holy Spirit’s names is Counselor. Do not be afraid or hesitant to ask Him anything. He has all the answers (John 14:16,26).
So, go, share what you know wherever you have the opportunity. Look for opportunities. Ask the Holy Spirit to go before you. Trust Him to lead you and trust Him to draw the hearts of the ones you will meet.
Until next time, remember, the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart. God’s heart is that none should perish. Not one! Go
Dr. Michele
July 27, 2025
