The Where, Why & How of Missions

On February 22, 2026, Pastor David Filener delivered an inspiring message on the theme of missions at the CDO Assembly of God. The sermon, titled The Where, Why & How of Missions, delved into the importance of spreading the Gospel and the role each believer plays in this mission.

Key Bible Passages

Pastor Filener anchored his sermon in several key Bible passages:

• Romans 10:9-15: This passage emphasizes the necessity of preaching the Gospel so that all may hear and believe.
• Acts 1:8: Jesus’ command to be witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
• Matthew 28:19: The Great Commission, calling believers to “go and make disciples of all nations.”
• Revelation 7:9: A vision of a diverse multitude worshiping before the throne of God, illustrating the ultimate goal of missions.

The Where of Missions

Pastor Filener emphasized that missions are needed everywhere. He referenced Acts 1:8, explaining that “Jerusalem” represents our immediate community, “Judea and Samaria” represent broader cultural and geographical areas, and “the ends of the earth” signify the global reach of our mission efforts. He reminded the congregation that the call to missions extends beyond our local context to every nation, tribe, people, and language.

The Why of Missions

The sermon highlighted the urgency of missions with two primary reasons:

1. Salvation through Jesus: Without a relationship with Jesus, people cannot be saved. As Romans 10:14-15 asks, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”
2. Obedience to Christ: The command to spread the Gospel is a direct mandate from Jesus, as seen in Matthew 28:19. Pastor Filener likened it to a parent’s “because I said so,” underscoring the importance of obedience.

The How of Missions

Pastor Filener explored various ways to engage in missions:

• Going: Some are called to physically go and preach the Gospel.
• Giving: Financial support is critical. He referenced 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 and 9:6-8, encouraging cheerful and generous giving.
• Praying: He urged the congregation to pray for missionaries, citing Ephesians 6:18-20 as a call to intercede for those spreading the Gospel.

Conclusion

Pastor Filener concluded with a call to action, encouraging the congregation to seek God’s guidance on how they can contribute to missions. Whether through going, giving, or praying, every believer has a role in fulfilling the Great Commission. He reminded the church of the vision in Revelation 7:9—a future where a multitude from every nation worships together, made possible through faithful mission work.

This sermon serves as a powerful reminder of the church’s mission to spread the Gospel and the critical role each believer plays in reaching every corner of the globe with the message of Jesus Christ.