A Church on Mission: Lessons from Acts 13–15

Acts 13–15 gives us one of the clearest pictures of what it means for the church to live on mission. From Antioch to Lystra to the Jerusalem Council, the story of Barnabas and Paul shows us that when the church follows God’s call, disciples are strengthened, and even in the face of opposition, the gospel moves forward.

Maybe you think of an overseas trip, like our Africa mission earlier this year. Maybe you think of Project Pulaski, serving right here at home. Or maybe you think of the 58 new missionaries commissioned by our convention—some headed to places where even saying their name could cost them their lives.

But missions is not just a program, it’s the very heartbeat of the church.

Jesus told His disciples: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

That command hasn’t changed.

In Antioch, leaders gathered—Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul. While they were worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit said: “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Notice this: they didn’t draft a strategy or build a vision board. They prayed, fasted, and listened. Then they laid hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them out.  

Missions begin on our knees before they ever begin on our feet.

Surrender leads to action. The surrendered heart says, “Yes, Lord,” before even knowing the details. That’s what it means to live on mission.

The journey wasn’t easy. Paul was stoned and left for dead in Lystra. Yet he got up, went back into the city, and pressed forward to Derbe where many became disciples.

Then Paul and Barnabas retraced their steps through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch—encouraging, strengthening, and appointing elders in every church.

The pattern is clear: disciples make disciples.

This is why Sunday school, small groups, and Bible studies matter. They aren’t just programs to fill a calendar—they’re the way disciples grow and multiply.

 When we invest in strengthening each other, the mission keeps moving. 

Opposition came not only from outside but also from within. Some believers argued that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved. This could have split the church wide open.

So Paul, Barnabas, and the others went to Jerusalem. There, Peter testified: “We believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” (Acts 15:11)

James affirmed it, declaring that Gentiles should not be burdened with the law but should turn to God in faith.

Even in disagreement, the church stayed focused on the mission.

If the early church could remain steadfast, so can we. Disagreements will come, preferences will clash—but when we stay unified around Jesus and His mission, nothing can stop the gospel.

• Missions isn’t just for “someone else.” If you are in Christ, you’re sent. 
• A church on mission surrenders, strengthens, and stays steadfast.
• The mission of God is too important to get distracted. Eternity is at stake. 

So let’s live sent. Let’s be the kind of church that says “Yes, Lord” before the details are known, that disciples and multiplies, and that refuses to be divided when the mission is at hand.