Sent Out Together: When God Calls You to Mission

Have you ever felt like God was calling you to something bigger—something beyond your comfort zone? Maybe it's reaching out to that neighbor you keep running into, starting a conversation with a coworker about faith, or finally saying yes to serving in your community. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to live on mission with God, Acts 13 has some incredible things to show us.

The Church That Sends

In Acts 13, we see a major turning point. Up until now, the Gospel has been spreading mostly in reaction to persecution—believers fleeing Jerusalem and sharing Jesus wherever they landed. But here in Antioch, something new happens. For the first time, the church proactively sends people out on mission.

And this wasn't just any church—it was the first truly multi-ethnic, multi-cultural church in history. Jews and Gentiles worshiping together. People from completely different backgrounds united under Jesus. And from this diverse, Spirit-filled community, God launched a global movement.

Three Marks of a Sending Church

1. A Sending Church is Unified in Its Diversity

Look at the leadership team in Antioch: Barnabas (a Hellenistic Jew from Cyprus), Simeon called Niger (a Black man, probably from modern-day Nigeria), Lucius (an Arab from North Africa), Manaen (raised in Herod's household—politically connected and wealthy), and Saul/Paul (a highly educated Pharisee).

Talk about diversity! These leaders crossed ethnic, cultural, social, and economic boundaries. And their unity wasn't in spite of their differences—it was strengthened because of them. When a church learns to be unified in diversity, it has the ability to hear the Holy Spirit's call more clearly.

Here's the thing: a church where everyone looks, acts, and thinks the same way can develop blind spots. But Antioch—because of their diversity—could discern that the Gentiles were fully welcomed into God's family. Their different perspectives helped them see God's Kingdom more completely.

2. A Sending Church is Rooted in Worship and Prayer

Before Paul and Barnabas were sent out, the church was worshiping, fasting, and praying. They didn't start with a strategic planning session or a fundraising campaign. They started by being with God.

And that's when the Holy Spirit spoke: "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Missional living isn't born out of frantic activity or human cleverness—it flows out of worship. If we want to be a church that sends, we must first be a people who linger in God's presence. As Martin Luther said, "I have so much to do today that I must spend the first three hours in prayer."

3. A Sending Church Must Navigate Opposition

As soon as Paul and Barnabas stepped into their calling, they faced resistance. Elymas the sorcerer tried to derail their mission. And here's what we need to understand: whenever we join with God in announcing His Kingdom, spiritual opposition will follow.

The presence of opposition doesn't mean you're in the wrong place. Often, it's confirmation that you're exactly where God wants you to be. The safest road to spiritual apathy is comfort and distraction. But when you're following Jesus, you should expect some pushback.

This Week, Try This

Here are three practical ways to live as a "sent" person this week:

1. Pause and pray. Before you rush into your day, spend 10 minutes asking God, "Where are you already at work in my life? Who have you placed in my path?" Write down what comes to mind.
2. Practice faithful presence. Pick one place you're already going regularly—the gym, a coffee shop, your kid's school pickup line—and ask God to help you see it as mission territory. Show up with intention. Be genuinely present.
3. Expect resistance, but don't quit. If you're facing pushback as you try to live missionally, don't be discouraged. That's actually a sign you're on the right track. Ask God for His power and love to break through.

You're Not Alone in This

God isn't calling you to figure this out by yourself. He's placed you in community—with people who can encourage you, challenge you, and walk alongside you. At Indy Metro, we believe that every single person has a calling to live missionally in their everyday life. Not necessarily overseas, but right where you are.

We'd love to help you discover what that looks like for you. Whether it's joining a Missional Community, serving with one of our local partners, or just having a conversation about where God might be leading you—we're here for it.

Let's do this together. If you're looking for a church that takes mission seriously—not as a program, but as a way of life—we'd love to have you join us this Sunday. Come as you are, and let's learn together what it means to be sent.