In this video, Jon Nelms, founder of Final Frontiers Foundation, explains why the Great Commission is both a noun and a verb, and why missions is the reason the church is called out. Video length: 6 minutes 19 seconds.
The Great Commission Is Both a Noun and a Verb
If we, the called and assembled, understood that missions is not a project to be highlighted by an annual conference, but the very purpose for being called out, we would doubtless be more dedicated.
The Great Commission is both a noun and a verb. While you may argue that this may not be technically correct, I think you’ll follow where I’m going with this assertion.
What do the following terms have in common: the Boston Marathon, the Louisiana Purchase, and World War II?
All three are recognized as being nouns with a preceding adjective, but I say that they are also verbs—action words preceded by an adverb answering how, when, where, why, or to what extent. The words, marathon, purchase, and war, can also be both nouns and verbs, depending on their usage and context. So can the word commission.
As a noun with an adjective, it’s not just any commission; it is the GREAT Commission. But would it surprise you to learn that missionaries see the word commission as a verb—the action of fulfilling a commission or task given to us by our Lord? To what extent does it call us to action? It is His GREAT call to action. If He had told us to go into all the world and empty the trash in every nation, our emphasis would not be on the trash but on emptying it.
It’s like the word church, which means “a called-out assembly.” Our emphasis is on the noun assembly, and so we include the word in our facilities and corporations. Still, if the emphasis was that we are physically and spiritually called out, then “church” is a verb. You decide. Are we called to assemble, or do we assemble because we are called? Or both?
To confuse things more, the word pastor is also both a noun and a verb. A man is a pastor (noun) because he pastors (verb) the congregation. And sometimes churches split because people don’t like the way the pastor (noun) pastors (verb).
Perhaps if we saw our congregations less as a noun and more as a verb, then church would not simply be a place you go (noun—an assembly) but something you do, i.e., assemble (a verb).
A different view of “missions” would be helpful also. If we, the called and assembled, understood that missions is not a project to be highlighted by an annual conference, but the very purpose for being called out, we would doubtless be more dedicated.
Points to Ponder
- The word Christian (a noun) arose as a term used to describe those in Antioch at Paul’s home church, who were living like Christ (an action). In what ways were they Christ-like?
- How do you demonstrate a Christlikeness?
- What attributes of your lifestyle could be changed to make you more like Christ?
Support this work
Your gift through The Great Commission Fund helps national preachers share the Gospel and plant churches around the world.
