An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 107: What is the mission of the Church?

Question 107: What is the mission of the Church?

The mission of the Church is to glorify God by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations, making disciples, baptizing them, teaching them to obey all Christ has commanded, and serving the world in love. The Church is called to be a light to the nations, a witness to the truth, and a sign of the coming Kingdom of God. (Matthew 28:18–20, Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:18–20, 1 Peter 2:9, John 20:21)

Full Scripture References​

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19–20 (BSB)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 (BSB)

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation… We are therefore ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:18, 20 (BSB)

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” — 1 Peter 2:9 (BSB)

“Again Jesus said to them, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.’” — John 20:21 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Church exists not merely to care for her members, but to proclaim Christ to the world. The mission of the Church flows from the heart of the Triune God: the Father sends the Son, the Son sends the Spirit, and together they send the Church into the world. The Church is a missionary people, called to share the Gospel, make disciples, and embody the love of Christ in word and deed.

The mission is rooted in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20), where Christ commands His Church to: Go to all nations Make disciples Baptize in the name of the Trinity Teach all that He commanded

This is not optional or secondary—it is central to the Church’s identity. Through evangelism, teaching, baptism, community, compassion, and sacramental worship, the Church serves as both herald and servant of God’s Kingdom.

Article XIX of the Thirty-Nine Articles highlights the Church’s duty to preach the pure Word of God and administer the sacraments. These are not merely internal acts—they are outward-facing signs of the Church’s calling to be a light to the world.

Bishop J.C. Ryle declared: “The highest and noblest work the Church can do is to make Christ known. The Church that forgets her mission has lost her reason for existence.”

Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) teaches: “The mission of the Church is God’s mission: to reach the lost, heal the broken, and disciple the nations. This is not a program—it’s our calling.”

Canon Dr. Esau McCaulley emphasizes: “The Church is not simply a place of refuge; it is a people sent. Our identity in Christ leads directly to our participation in His mission.”

Archbishop Justin Badi Arama (South Sudan) explains: “To be the Church is to be sent—to preach, to baptize, to teach, and to serve in the power of the Spirit. The Gospel is good news, and it must be shared.”

Whether through local witness or global mission, teaching or mercy, prayer or proclamation, the Church is always a sent people, bearing witness to the reign of Christ until He returns.

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The Church is the instrument of God’s mercy, spreading His truth through preaching, charity, and the sacraments, so that the world might come to know Christ.” — Sermon 46

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “The Church has received this mission from the apostles—to proclaim the truth and guard the deposit, so that salvation may reach the ends of the earth.” — Against Heresies, III.3.1

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “Christ sends the Church as His witnesses, to teach, to baptize, and to shine like stars in a dark world.” — Catechetical Lectures, 18.25

St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD): “The Church must imitate her Lord—not only in holiness but in outreach. As Christ came for sinners, so must the Church go to them.” — Pastoral Rule, II.5

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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