Going Global – Part 1

“Going Global” has become the coined phrase used to describe the moment when one has achieved a level of influence that has the potential to affect the world. Going global has been used in athletics, literature, entertainment, even in the financial realm. When you have gone global, you have finally reached a place of influence that has the potential to create great waves of impact no matter what your chosen field.

As believers, we are called to go global.  One of the most influential pastors of our time, John Stott once said, “We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God.” The mission of every youth ministry must have a global perspective.  It is our greatest commission, after all. Matthew 28:19, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

But what does it mean to go global?  So many people hear that term and immediately begin to imagine the foreign mission field.  But global means so much more than that.

Global Defined: embracing the whole of something; encompassing the entirety of a situation or place.

Let me give you some foundational points on how to have a youth ministry with a global perspective.

  1. Going Global is reaching outside the four walls of the church with the influence we have been given.

The concept of going global understands that the mission field is all around us. Whether it is sweeping streets, handing out food, rebuilding a roof, or simply taking the time to listen, you are using your influence to make a global change for Christ.

  1. Going Global can be local, state, national or international.

The concept of going global is not limited to the international realm.  Read again the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19, “…make disciples of all nations.” Sometimes going global is extending your influence into your own back yard and meeting the needs of the community around you. Matthew Barnett of the Los Angeles Dream Center once said, “Church must not become obsessed with the quantity of worship services within the walls…but of community service outside them.”

  1. Going Global is the success of changing lives for Christ.

The success of going global is achieved when others are likewise inspired to make their own mark on the world.  As youth ministers, when you sell your teenagers on the vision of going global, when you have motivated them to make their own mark on the world, you have gone global.

Going global is the success of showing others Jesus Christ, no matter where you are. As Matthew Barnett said, “The world is not impressed by how many people come to hear us teach but by the people we serve who can give us nothing in return.”

In part two of this article, I will show you some practical things that we have done to go global.  Stay tuned.

1 Comment

  1. Lee Wilson on February 23, 2012 at 8:49 pm

    I would love to hear your feedback on the artical.

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