5 Ways Your Church Can Further the Great Commission This Month
Jesus gave his Church a mission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, NIV).
That calling belongs to every church, regardless of its size, location, or resources. And while the Great Commission is global in scope, there are meaningful steps your church can take right where you are.
Finishing the Task is a shared vision: The Gospel for Everyone by 2033. Through five goals—Bibles, Believers, Bodies of Christ, Breakthrough Prayer, and Bridges of Love—we’re helping churches and ministry organizations work together to bring the Good News to people everywhere.
Whether your church is just beginning to engage in the Great Commission or has been involved in global missions for years, here are five practical ways your church can help finish the task this month.
1. Equip Someone to Share Their Faith
FTT Goal: Believers
Every believer has a story of how Jesus has changed their life. Helping people learn to share that story is one of the simplest ways your church can participate in the Great Commission.
This month, consider setting aside time during a small group gathering, Bible study, or church service to help members practice sharing their personal testimony. Encourage them to think about what their life was like before they knew Jesus, how they came to faith, and the difference he has made.
Then challenge each person to prayerfully identify someone in their life who doesn’t yet know Jesus and look for an opportunity to share their story.
You can find more resources and training on creating and sharing your testimony here.
Take it further: Plan an outreach event that gives church members opportunities to invite friends and neighbors, or participate in GO Day to mobilize your congregation for evangelism.
2. Help More People Engage with God’s Word
FTT Goal: Bibles
God’s Word is foundational to making disciples. Yet millions of people around the world still lack access to Scripture in a language they understand best.
Your church can help address Bible poverty while encouraging deeper engagement with Scripture in your own community.
This month, invite your congregation to begin a Bible reading plan together. You might organize small groups around a particular book of the Bible, encourage families to read Scripture together, or dedicate a Sunday message to the importance of God’s Word.
Take it further: Identify Bible access needs in your community and organize a Bible distribution effort. Your church could also partner with a Bible translation ministry to support Scripture access for a language community still waiting. Access additional Bible and Bible translation resources here.
3. Meet a Need in Your Community
FTT Goal: Bridges of Love
Jesus demonstrated God’s love through both his words and his actions. As his followers, we have opportunities to show that same love by caring for people who are hurting.
Start by asking a simple question: What are the greatest needs in our community?
Your church might survey congregation members, connect with community organizations, or talk with local leaders to better understand where people need support.
Then identify one practical way to respond this month. It could mean serving families facing food insecurity, supporting people experiencing grief, or helping neighbors who are isolated or struggling.
As you serve, look for natural opportunities to build relationships and share the hope you have in Jesus.
Take it further: Partner with other churches to develop an ongoing outreach that addresses a significant need in your community or beyond.
4. Pray for Five People by Name
FTT Goal: Breakthrough Prayer
Prayer is essential to the Great Commission. Every church, regardless of its resources, can participate in God’s mission by praying for people who don’t yet know him.
This month, challenge every member of your congregation to identify five people in their lives who need to know Jesus.
Encourage them to pray regularly for those five people, asking God to open their hearts to the Good News and create opportunities for meaningful conversations.
Your church can also expand its prayers beyond your immediate community by praying for unreached people groups and cities around the world.
Take it further: Form a prayer team to develop a strategy for praying for your community, or host a dedicated time of corporate prayer for the Finishing the Task movement. Check out the FTT Breakthrough Prayer Coalition and its resources here.
5. Help Multiply Communities of Believers
FTT Goal: Bodies of Christ
The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything Jesus commanded. Healthy communities of believers play a vital role in that process.
Your church can participate in multiplying these communities, even if you’re not ready to plant a new church just yet.
This month, consider how your existing small groups could welcome new people, develop new leaders, or eventually multiply into additional groups. If your church doesn’t have a small group strategy, this could be the month to begin developing one.
Take it further: Support a church planter through your denomination or ministry network, consider expanding to an additional service time or an additional language venue, help fund a new church plant, or explore opportunities to establish new congregations in underserved communities. Find more resources here.
Your Church Has a Part to Play
The Great Commission is a mission that requires the whole Church working together. Some congregations are equipped to launch major global initiatives. Others may be taking their first steps toward engaging their communities and the world.
Every step matters.
As you look at these five opportunities, consider where God may be calling your church to begin. Choose one action you can take this month, invite others to participate, and begin making it part of your church’s ongoing mission.
Together, we can help bring the Good News to everyone, everywhere, by 2033.
