With the outbreak of political, social, and economic agitations across the world, one needs no prophet to see that humanity stands at the threshold of Christ’s second coming.

The mission of the Church is missions, taking the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth, for “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). In the wake of resurgent terrorism and bloodshed across the globe, the Church has ample opportunity to present the gospel of peace to a world at war with itself. Now is not the time for the Church to squander her resources on pursuits outside the imperative of world harvest. Even atheists and unbelievers sense that things are no longer at ease. They may not understand what is happening or what is about to take place, but the Church knows and must not be found indifferent. “Many shall be purified, made white, and refined. But the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:10).

Christ is not returning to present awards for the best-decorated pulpit. He is interested in what drives His people, not in what they drive. Believers in this present age often search for the next spiritual meal, instead of lifting their eyes to see the fields ripe for harvest. There will be no excuse for any believer who stands before Him without souls won for His kingdom.

World missions have changed significantly. According to Dr. U. Obed, International Coordinator of the Apostolic Discipleship Movement, in an interview with Nigeria Missions (a publication of the Nigeria Evangelical Missions Association, NEMA): “The mission terrain has changed dramatically, with the hitherto ‘sending nations’ now becoming mission fields. There is a great and urgent need to define and determine the national mission agenda of the Nigerian church, as the absence of clear and definite parameters will continue to hinder mission advancement. This must be closely followed by a mission field/harvest force survey of the nation and other envisaged catchment areas.”

Expounding on the missional status of the Nigerian church, Rev. Reuben Ezemadu highlighted several key points: First, mission is still largely agency-driven and happening at the fringe levels of the church. Second, the church is lagging behind in direct global involvement. Third, denominational expansionism remains very characteristic of African/Nigerian missions involvement. Fourth, mission structures, literature, training curricula, theories, methods, and paradigms are still largely Western.

The Church must, as a matter of urgent duty, remain faithful to the mission entrusted to her. She must preach the good news and be totally committed to spreading the word of life throughout the world. It is spiritual treason for the body of Christ to treat this divine mandate with levity. Christ is not returning to give awards for magnificent edifices built in His name. He is not coming to inspect church ledgers and reward them according to their riches. Nor is He coming to commend the church that organized the most seminars and conferences. He is coming for a harvest.

The Church must wake up to the challenges of this moment.

– Apostle Cyrus Chukwuemeka Munachiso