The Great Commission

A Divine Mandate for Transformation in Our Time

As Orthodox Christians, we inherit not only the ancient faith and sacred traditions of our forebears but also a living, incarnational call to witness, the Great Commission. Rooted in the words of our Lord in Matthew 28:19-20, this divine command transcends mere evangelism. It is a call to make disciples, to baptize, and to nurture the faithful in the mystery of Christ’s love.

What Is the Great Commission?

At its heart, the Great Commission is the mandate of Jesus Christ to His disciples:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20)

For us, these words are not spoken in a vacuum. They speak of an all-encompassing, transformative love, a love that invites every believer to participate in the renewal of the faithful through a deep, living encounter with God. Rather than a one-sided call to convert, the Great Commission reflects a sacred invitation to share the full mystery of salvation, wherein discipleship is both personal and communal, heartfelt and historically rooted

Why Do Orthodox Christians Embrace This Divine Mandate?

Orthodoxy teaches that our faith is not a static set of beliefs but a dynamic journey toward union with God. Our tradition emphasizes that:

Mystery and Incarnation: Christ’s incarnation is the ultimate act of divine love, a mystery that calls us to become living icons of His grace. By following the Great Commission, we embody the incarnational reality of God within our own lives, letting love transform every encounter.
Living Tradition: Our liturgical life, sacraments, and ascetic practices are not relics of the past. They are vibrant expressions of a living tradition that equips us to share Christ’s message authentically. Evangelization in the Orthodox sense is less about numbers and more about cultivating a deep, experiential journey with Christ.
Community and Discipleship: The Divine Mandate is about community, gathering souls, nurturing them in the truth of the Gospel, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through each person. Our identity is formed not solely by individual professions of faith but by the collective life in which we renew one another through prayer, teaching, and mutual support.

Thus, for us, participating in the Great Commission is not an external task or a marketing slogan; it is the very essence of living as disciples. It calls us to be witnesses not only in words but through every deed, every liturgical prayer, and every act of love that reflects the unchanging truth of our Lord.

How Do We Fulfill the Great Commission?

At the Great Commission Corps, we have dedicated ourselves to equipping believers and church leaders to live out this sacred mandate. We recognize that authentic evangelization must be both ancient and innovative, a seamless blend of timeless tradition and modern practicalities. Here’s how we do it:

Deep, Contextual Discipleship: Our flagship courses—Seeds for the Sower and Build Your Faith on Rock, Not Sand—offer comprehensive training in both the theological foundations and practical applications of our faith. These courses are designed to ground you in the rich heritage of Orthodoxy while translating its mystery into relevant, accessible life practices.
Transformative Community: We foster a supportive, vibrant community where questions are welcomed, experiences shared, and every member is challenged to grow deeper in their faith. Through interactive webinars, live Q&A sessions, and group discussions, we build relationships that mirror the communal nature of the early Church.
Practical Ministry Tools: Our approach isn’t confined to the classroom. We provide turnkey ministry solutions that help parish leaders and the faithful integrate evangelization into daily life, through guides, digital resources, and step-by-step discipleship pathways.

Every step you take towards sharing the Gospel is a step in living out the Divine Mandate. It is both a personal journey and a communal effort, a delightful paradox in which you, as a beloved child of God, become an instrument of His never-ending love.

Ready to Transform Your Ministry?

Join us in answering the Great Commission. Whether you are a seeker curious about deepening your faith or a church leader ready to equip your community, our courses and resources will guide you in making disciples and authentically sharing the Gospel.

Together, let us embrace the full mystery, grace, and transformative power of the Great Commission, bringing light to every corner of our world with love, truth, and unwavering faith.

May the grace of our Lord guide you as you embark on this sacred journey.

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