Have you ever felt the tug of God calling you to something greater, but hesitated because you didn’t feel qualified? Or perhaps you’ve wondered how your actions in a small town like Franklin, Tennessee could possibly impact the world? The answer may be complex, but to summarize it: God is calling each of us to embrace both local and global missions.

The Power of Worship Among the People

ClearView Baptist Church has a consistent atmosphere of worship.
This is exactly what God intended for the church – for worship and praise to be among the congregation. You see, worship isn’t just about the band on stage or the preacher at the pulpit. It’s about what happens in our hearts when we come together to exalt the name of Jesus.

From Worship to Mission

Here is the beautiful thing about true worship – it naturally leads us to mission. While speaking, Kevin said, “As we worship the name of God, our hearts become more tender and sensitive to that calling, to missions and missions that start in this place.”

When we truly encounter God in worship, we can’t help but be moved by the needs around us. We become more aware of God’s heart for the lost and hurting, both in our local communities and around the world.

The Call to Local and Global Missions

In Philippians 2:4, the Apostle Paul writes, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” This verse encapsulates the heart of mission – putting others before ourselves, just as Christ did for us.

God is calling us to be effective on the mission locally and globally. It’s not an either/or proposition. We’re called to impact our local communities like Franklin, Tennessee, while also reaching out to places like Costa Rica.

Overcoming Our Hesitations

It’s easy to think of excuses to not “go somewhere” when opportunities arise. Even when we try to shift that call onto someone else, God is still calling you to go. Yes, you!

We often wait for the perfect time or situation before we step out in faith. But consider this: the Apostle Paul wrote his powerful letters to the churches while he was in prison… for being a Christian. If the man who is writing this letter was in prison writing a letter to all of us, to the church today, what is stopping us from going?

The truth is, God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Remember, “I am imperfect, but I serve a perfect God and he is perfect here and he is perfect overseas in Costa Rica and everywhere else in the world.”

The Impact of Saying “Yes” to God’s Call

When we say yes to God’s call, amazing things happen. Through the partnership between Clearview Baptist Church and our partners in Costa Rica, we’ve seen lives transformed. “Families were fed. Kids had an opportunity to receive Christ. Adults had an opportunity to receive Christ. And it’s because you have been willing to put others’ needs above yours.”

Remember the video we showed? “I saw a kid lead in a group of missionaries in prayer… I saw adults sharing the gospel, I saw kids sharing the gospel.” This is what happens when we step out in faith and obedience to God’s call.

Putting It Into Practice

So how can we respond to this call to local and global missions? Here are some practical steps:

1. Pray: Ask God to give you “sufficient courage so that in every situation Christ was exalted in [your] body.”

2. Look for opportunities: Start in your own community. How can you serve others and share Christ’s love right where you are?

3. Give: Support missions efforts through your prayers and finances.

4. Go: Consider joining a short-term missions trip. There’s a place for you, whether it’s in Franklin or Costa Rica.

5. Live on mission daily: Remember, “My life is for the glory of Christ. My life is for the glory of God. And that is the greatest joy that we can have.”

John 20:21, “Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you (CSB).”” Today, God is sending us – sending you – to be His hands and feet in this world. Will you answer His call?

This blog post was adapted by Molly Atkins from ClearView Baptist Church’s teaching by Kevin Cruz on November 10, 2024. To watch the full sermon, click HERE.