Prioritizing the Mission: How the Great Commission Fuels Church Revitalization

When a church commits to revitalization, the initiation stage is all about laying a strong foundation. One of the most critical ingredients to develop during this phase is a clear focus on primary priorities—the timeless tasks Jesus gave us in Matthew 28:19-20. Known as the Great Commission, these priorities—going, sowing, cultivating, baptizing, and discipling—aren’t just a checklist; they’re the lifeblood of a church that’s serious about renewal. Here’s how to bring them to life and keep them in balance for a thriving congregation.

Going: Stepping Into the World

The command to “go” isn’t about waiting for people to stumble through your doors—it’s about meeting them where they are. In the Greek text, it’s an active call: as you live your daily life—at the grocery store, the office, or the school pickup line—be ready to share your faith. The Holy Spirit opens doors; your job is to walk through them. Practically, this means formal outreach too—visiting new neighbors, inviting the unchurched, or reconnecting with backslidden members. A revitalizing church doesn’t sit still; it moves into the community with purpose.

Sowing: Scattering Seeds of Hope

You can’t reap a harvest without planting seeds. Jesus’ parable of the sower (Matthew 13) reminds us that not every seed takes root—some hit hard paths, rocky ground, or thorny soil—but the good soil yields a bounty. Sow the gospel everywhere: a kind word at the gas station, a testimony at work, a conversation over coffee. The more you scatter, the greater the potential return. Make it natural, not forced—people respond to authenticity. A church that stops sowing stops growing.

Cultivating: Nurturing Relationships

Seeds don’t sprout overnight—they need care. After sowing the gospel, build relationships with those you’ve reached. Research shows people are more open to faith when it comes from a friend, not a stranger. Move from casual acquaintance to trusted confidant over time. Like Paul and Apollos—one planted, the other watered (1 Corinthians 3:6)—cultivation prepares the soil for God’s increase. Invite someone to lunch, listen to their story, and show them Christ’s love. It’s the bridge between sowing and harvesting.

Baptizing: Reaping the Harvest

When seeds take root and grow, it’s time to gather the fruit. As people respond to the gospel, give them a clear chance to accept Christ—whether through an altar call, a personal conversation, or a baptism service. This isn’t about pressuring anyone; it’s about celebrating decisions. Too many churches today treat evangelism as an afterthought, focusing on decisions over disciples. A revitalizing church keeps harvesting front and center, using every tool to bring people into the fold.

Discipling: Growing Mature Followers

Winning souls is only half the battle—new believers need nurturing to become like Christ. Teach them the Word, equip them for spiritual battles, and help them discover their gifts. Discipleship isn’t a quick fix; it’s a journey from spiritual infancy to maturity. Without it, you’ll have a church full of babies, not builders. Think of it as raising a family—new converts need guidance, encouragement, and time to grow into their role in God’s kingdom.

Keeping the Balance

These five priorities are like ingredients in a recipe—too much of one or too little of another throws everything off. Going without sowing leaves you empty-handed. Sowing without cultivating yields no harvest. Winning converts without discipling creates chaos. A healthy church keeps them humming together: you go into the community, sow seeds of faith, cultivate relationships, baptize new believers, and disciple them into maturity. Balance fuels growth; imbalance breeds frustration.

Why It Matters for Revitalization

The Great Commission isn’t optional—it’s the mission that defines us. A church in decline often forgets this, turning inward instead of outward. But revitalization begins when you realign with these priorities. They shift the focus from survival to purpose, from “come to us” to “we’ll meet you there.” Imagine a congregation buzzing with outreach, alive with new believers, and growing through discipleship—that’s the heartbeat of renewal.

Take the First Step

Start small but start now. Send a team to visit new residents this week. Share your story with a coworker. Host a dinner to build relationships. Plan a baptism celebration. Launch a discipleship group. These priorities don’t need a big budget—just willing hearts. As you lean into them, you’ll see momentum build—God honors obedience with increase.

Revitalization isn’t about gimmicks; it’s about returning to the mission Jesus gave us. The Great Commission is your roadmap—follow it, balance it, and watch your church come alive. Let’s get going—the harvest is waiting!