The purpose of a New Testament local church can be briefly summarized with two considerations: the salvation of sinners and the sanctification of saints.  Christ gave the church a clear commission to carry this task out in Matthew 28:19, 20. This is our "missions statement" which also gives us a reason for our existence, labor, sacrifice, and vision.

The POWER of the Great Commission

Jesus states - "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."  God has empowered His people to effectively complete the task the church has been entrusted with in the person of the Holy Spirit.


The PERSONNEL of the Great Commission

Jesus instructs - "Go ye therefore."  The work of the ministry requires men and women who will serve as Christ’s ambassadors in a needy world. Christ wants and needs YOU!


The PLAN of the Great Commission

Jesus commands Christians to - "GO!"  This is a command to be obeyed, not an option to be voted upon. The responsibility of this commission is threefold:

     (1)  Disciple: Salvation - Receive God's Son
     (2)  Baptize: Identification - Join God's church
     (3)  Teach: Education - Learn God's Word


The PROMISE of the Great Commission

Jesus promises - "Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."  The "Promise of the Father" Jesus spoke about with His disciples is the coming of the blessed Holy Spirit, who will live within us forever.


The PLACE of the Great Commission

Acts 1:8 "Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  God expects us to make every effort to evangelize our own community and country, while also sending missionaries to reach this world for Christ. Calvary Baptist Church seeks to be obedient to the Lord's command by having active missions program.

Jesus gives us our reason and purpose for existing.