The Church on Mission
A Biblical Vision for Transformation among All People
Materials available for professors by request only
Chapter
1. Transformation to God's Glory
Study Guide
Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12–18
After reading this chapter, consider the following:
- What new insights did you gain?
- Were there points with which you especially agreed or disagreed?
- What issues were raised that you would like to explore further or clarify?
This study will biblically expound the statement that God’s mission for the church is to glorify God by multiplying transformational churches among all people.
- Does your church or ministry organization have a mission statement?
- If yes, what is it and how does it compare with the mission statement above?
- If no, write one based on what you know about your church.
Second Corinthians 3:17–18 is a key New Testament passage for describing transformation (see pp. 8–13).
- How does contemplating the glory of the Lord lead practically to personal transformation? (Give a specific example from your own experience.)
- How is God glorified when we experience transformation?
The church is described as God’s missionary people: gathered to be scattered, to grow and to go, called to be with Jesus that we might be sent out for Jesus (Mark 3:14; see pp. 3–5, 13–15).
- Describe how you understand the relationship between (1) the church’s role to gather believers for worship, fellowship, and edification and (2) the church’s role to send out believers as salt and light into the community and beyond.
- How do you evaluate your church’s balance of growing and going?
- It has been said that the church not only sends missionaries but that the church is itself God’s missionary. Do you agree? What are the implications of this statement?
This chapter argues that the glory of God is both the source and the goal of the church’s mission.
- In what ways do you see worship as both the fuel and the goal of mission (p. 13)?
- How can aspects of the church’s mission—such as evangelism, discipleship, compassion, and social action—contribute ultimately to glorifying God?
- Tell a personal story about how God’s glory has motivated you to be involved in serving and glorifying him.