The Great Commission
The Gospel writers Matthew and Mark tell of Christ's last request to his disciples before he ascended into heaven. Commonly referred to as The Great Commission, Matthew tells it this way: Jesus came and said to them (the eleven disciples) "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always." (Matt. 28:18-20)
Although Christ taught and ministered primarily to the Jews while physically in the Earthly Kingdom, it is clear that he wanted his followers to be missionaries to people of other nations. Paul was the greatest and the prototype of all missionaries. He evangelized much of Asia Minor and the principal Greek cities of his day, and was active in Rome.
During the early Medieval period, most missionaries were Roman Catholic monks, who in an effort to withdraw from contacts in their home bases, went into sparsely populated and backward areas where Christianity had not penetrated. In the late Middle Ages, the orders of Franciscan and Dominican friars were founded with an express concern for missions in non-Christian places. Later, Spain and Portugal, acting as early colonial powers, sent many missionaries to convert Indians and help to consolidate their power over territories in western north, central, and south America.
It wasn't until the end of the 18th century that Protestant churches became active in mission work. New foreign mission organizations began with the dispatch of missionaries—to include women for the first time—to countries all over the world. In the 20th century, Christian missions greatly increased. The latter half of the century saw the largest outpouring of mission efforts in all of history. 70,000 Roman Catholics and 55,000 Protestant missionaries went abroad. Fortunately, this period of missionary resurgence has been marked by a friendlier relationship between religious groups who avoid criticism of the beliefs of others. Emphasis has shifted over time from preaching and teaching religion to helping provide for social services. Nineteenth century Christian missionaries established many schools, colleges, hospitals, and medical and nursing schools throughout the world. More recently, they have concentrated on agricultural services, rural development, cooperative programs, urban social services, and adult literacy programs. Many, if not most, missionaries act in the role of facilitators for native Christian leaders.
Heritage Church is directly indebted to the global missionary work of our Presbyterian Church. Bill Teng's great grandfather accepted Christianity under the ministry of Presbyterian missionaries in northern China. He is now our spiritual leader. Under his guidance, we are attempting to continue fulfillment of "The Great Commission" of our church. During this month of October, emphasis will be placed on our mission programs with informative discussions on the rich heritage of the Christian missionary efforts.
Portions of the above were extracted from the 1998 Edition of Encyclopedia Americana, Volume 19, pages 227-231.
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