Completing the Great Commision

“Paraclete” is a Greek word that means one who comes alongside to help, comfort or counsel. The word is used in the Bible to describe both Jesus and the Holy Spirit. For the Paraclete Mission Group, coming alongside is our core methodology. We believe it is an effective way to build God’s Kingdom, and it’s our contribution toward the completion of the Great Commission.

Traditionally mission efforts have focused on evangelism and church planting. There are countless examples of the effectiveness of this strategy going all the way back to the early church. Today Christ’s followers still desire to see more believers and more churches. But in light of the phenomenal church growth in the last few decades, is evangelism and church planting still the most effective strategy for the Western believer working overseas? Established churches now exist in regions and among people groups where we would not have dreamed possible a generation ago. That growth creates a new potential role for Western missionaries.

Christ said In Acts 1:8 that we would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and “the uttermost part of the earth.” We are seeing this come true before our very eyes. Granted, there are still thousands of people groups that have no church. But Jesus’ prophecy in Acts 1:8 was a geographical reference, not an ethnic reference. There are fewer and fewer places where there is no witness. In fact, put your finger down on any spot on a globe, and you won’t have to move it far to reach an established church.

In contrast to his prophecy in Acts 1:8, Jesus commission to us in the gospels is an ethnic reference. We are to make disciples of all “ethnos.” We find ourselves at a very interesting historical juncture. We can see the day (some would say the day has already come) when we will have witnessed in all the “uttermost parts.” But there are still people groups that “have not heard.” What is the most effective way to finish the task? Might it not be to encourage the church around the world to make disciples in their neighbor people groups?

The kingdom expands when someone “is sent” (Romans 10:15). But maybe we should concentrate on sending the folk who are closest—ethnically, linguistically and geographically. Not that those of us in the West should not “be sent.” But perhaps what some of us are sent to do needs to change. Churches exist “next door” to the unreached. Many are maturing rapidly. Some are slow to take up the challenge of reaching their neighbors. Many are persecuted. Many lack resources. Many are looking for help. Paraclete associates work with churches and kingdom workers around the world, coming alongside with that practical help. In this edition of Perspectives, we’ll tell you some of those stories. Doug Goins writes of the importance of relationships in the Paraclete process, and Harriet Askew gives some examples of real-life coming alongside.