The mission Christ has given His Church is twofold. First, it is to preach
the gospel throughout the world. Second, it is to make disciples among
those who hear and heed when the gospel of the Kingdom of God is preached
to them.
The mission of the United Church of God is to follow Christ's footsteps
in "preaching the gospel of the kingdom" (Matthew 4:23). Our
model is the Church described in the book of Acts. This record provides
us with an accurate spiritual compass in a confused and contentious
world.
Scripture is clear that, just as Jesus commissioned His apostles to preach
the gospel-the good news-of God's coming Kingdom, so has He
commissioned His followers today to continue that mission. The conviction
to preach the same message Jesus taught focuses the mission of the United
Church of God and organizes its priorities.
The main collective task Jesus has required of His Church in all ages
is to proclaim to all nations that He will return as King of Kings and
Lord of Lords to establish the literal Kingdom of God on earth and to explain
how we may have a part in that Kingdom (Revelation 11:15; 17:14; 19:16).
We also take seriously Jesus' command to "go therefore and make disciples
[students of Christ's teachings] of all the nations, baptizing them ...
[and] teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). The Church described in the book of Acts certainly did so, teaching
that we must keep the commandments of God.
