A nuanced and robust approach to “Mission” embraces both vertical and horizontal dimensions of the cross, the first chiefly concerned with God’s saving work of persons, the latter with God’s restoring work of mutual relations in new humanity and the world in new creation.

To embrace only the vertical is a denial of the incarnation and the cosmic scope of redemption, turning salvation into escapism. To emphasize only the horizontal is a denial of the need for personal forgiveness & transformation, turning salvation into political activism.

The mission we have is modeled on Jesus own mission, just as he said (John 20:21). That is a mission especially summed up in service via proclamation, teaching, healing, and sacrifice. He did not seek power but rather overthrew powers and lifted the weak, broken, & marginalized.

We are in the world then as servants who love rather than rulers who dominate. Our proclamation and instruction are rooted in a mission that seeks the good of all, eternally and temporally, with priority on the eternal. To be shown the Lion is to behold the Lamb

Mission is ultimately the truest humanitarianism, servants loving their friends and neighbors in word, deed, and sign. No aspect of humanity or society is left outside the scope of mercy & truth, no person ignored whether believing or not.

Finally then, Mission presupposes a community, a Body of Belivers. No one person can do all of this or even do much of it well. It requires vocational specialization & Grace. We must receive & encourage one another along these lines. Those especially called in word...

Must not despise but rather support and encourage those especially called to deeds; those who are primarily gifted mouths must never disown those who are gifted hands. Likewise those who are especially serving by deeds must rejoice in those who preach the truth.

Both together then, in a variety of vocations, serve God and man, Kingdom advance and human good, as salt and light to Gods glory.