I have been blessed to serve at a church that sends out a large number of missionaries. Every time one of my friends is “sent,” I know we are sending them with joy and confidence that God will use them in amazing ways for the gospel. Each commissioning is a great reminder of the call that we have to reach the lost around us – in our communities, in our neighborhoods and in our own homes. But what about those who may not consider themselves “sent.” How can we have the same heartbeat for missions at home and in our neighborhoods as these missionaries?

Each commissioning is a great reminder of the call that we have to reach the lost around us – in our communities, in our neighborhoods and in our own homes.

But what about those who may not consider themselves “sent.” How can we have the same heartbeat for missions at home and in our neighborhoods as these missionaries?

In Acts 1, the Lord calls us to be witnesses wherever we go. In the next chapter, Peter is obedient to that call and is a witness through his sermon on the day of Pentecost. As he was speaking, the Holy Spirit moved in the hearts of those who were listening.

The crowd anxiously pleaded with Peter, “What must we do to be saved?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized.”

As the people confessed and were baptized, the Lord graciously gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit. But it didn’t stop there. Peter proclaimed in Acts 2:39 that the gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit was to be shared with their children and all people. Therefore, having a missionary’s heartbeat begins with being prepared and being watchful.

Being prepared
To help you and your family live missionally, we are offering the Acts 2:39 Missional Families seven-week equipping study. This study will help you discover new ways to be intentional in fulfilling the Great Commission in your home and neighborhoods. Visit www.missionalfamilies.org to learn more.

Being watchful
Consider those who live in your house and next door. Be aware of the people down the street, at the grocery store and at the gym. How are you able to include the gospel in everyday moments in your home and community?

Let’s reflect the same heartbeat about getting to know our neighbors in the same way as our missionaries abroad.