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Read Romans 15:14–21
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14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, 21 but as it is written,
"Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand."
Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand. Romans 15:21
What should the church be doing? Is it primarily for ministry to its members? Or is it about mission to those who do not yet know Christ? It is easy to create a false dichotomy where “ministry” and “mission” are seen as mutually exclusive things. This division is not found in God’s word.
St. Paul was a missionary who served particularly as an apostle to the Gentiles. He was called to take the Gospel to new places where the message had not yet been proclaimed. He was working to make disciples of all nations.
But this does not mean that the newly-gained disciples were ignored. No, Paul ensured that they were well cared for also. He notes his satisfaction with the Roman church. They were full of goodness and able to instruct one another. Their spiritual needs were being met, and the mission of Christ was also served.
God calls his church both to mission and to ministry so that the world will know the grace of God.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for the ministry of your church, and for its mission. Empower us for both by your Holy Spirit. Amen.