Missions Where You're At

"Central Presbyterian Church seeks the transformation of our lives, our communities, and the world through the renewing work of Jesus Christ, for the glory of God."

Hopefully, by now Central’s vision statement has a familiarity to it. On the surface it may sound a little obvious or perhaps even simplistic. “Of course we want to see Jesus renew our lives, community, and world.” You may also get a sense of passivity, and ask yourself “What’s my role or the role of the church if it is Jesus’ renewing work?”

In the simplest sense, our role is to follow Jesus, for he performs his renewing work in us and through us. Central’s vision then becomes more and more a reality when we connect, grow, and serve, and one of the chief means of doing these things is sacrificial missions.

Sacrificial missions? WHOA! That statement might be a little terrifying to some of us. “I don’t know the Bible well enough to be a missionary…it’s not my gift…I’m an introvert…I’m afraid to fly…I don’t know any foreign languages…I’m not a musician…” We can come up with all sorts of excuses for why we feel like we may not be called to be missionaries. And what exactly am I supposed to sacrifice?

While we all may not have the gifts or calling to be full-time, international missionaries, we are all called to “do missions” right where we are. As Christians we all know we are called to follow Jesus, and it was Jesus himself that said “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). This seems to reenforce the idea that our primary role is to follow Christ and be transformed by him, so that he might work through us to draw others to himself, which is ultimately what “doing missions” is all about!

On October 25, Central will celebrate “Missions Weekend” with a particular emphasis on this concept of being a missionary where you are. Pastor Randy Mayfield will preach, you’ll get to hear a special message from one of Central’s missionaries, and the one and only “All Star Band” will help lead the worship music. 

Immediately following the service, Randy will be conducting a live video call in the sanctuary with several of our international missionaries. You will also get to hear from Randy and others about the future of missions at Central. This will be Randy’s last Missions Weekend as Central’s Pastor of Missions and Outreach as he will be retiring at the end of 2020, so it promises to be an extra special Sunday.

Each week reservations for Sunday worship open on Wednesday afternoon. So be sure to watch your email or visit centralpres.com the afternoon of October 21 to reserve your spot for worship on Missions Weekend, Sunday, October 25. We look forward to seeing you there!