By: Svetlana Papazov
Q1: Can you think of a business’s mission statement? What does it say?
Mission energizes us and refocuses us on what is important in our lives.
We are baptized for mission. Mission is an important thing. Mission usually sets the direction of a company or individual which is why organizations have their own mission statements.
Our Real Life Center mission statement is developing entrepreneurial mindset in kids, teens and adults to empower the creation of businesses with social, economic and spiritual impact.
Jesus set an example for us to follow when it comes to being dedicated to mission.
In the New Testament, in the gospels, one of Jesus’ eyewitness followers, named John, was in awe and shocked at the idea that Jesus Christ, The Son of God, who created this vast universe was interested in one of the tiniest specs of his creation and especially with its inhabitants, the people who have alienated themselves from God, that he did something unthinkable. He engaged in a rescue mission. God sent his own son, Jesus Christ, to enter our broken, dilapidated lives and offer
Read John 1:14
Jesus became flesh and blood. He walked our dusty streets, met real people, experienced the suffering of flawed communities and walked into the frustrations of earthly limitations.
The maker of heaven and earth entered space and time: confined himself to our reality, walked into the frustrations of earthly limitations, and experienced the suffering of flawed communities so we can experience his reality. a way out.
Q2: Jesus did it for you. Will you go on mission on behalf of others?
I had to answer this question for myself. When I was saved at the age of fourteen, all I knew is that I have given Jesus my wholehearted yes to wherever His mission would take me.
I couldn't have fathomed that my yes to Jesus would mean following God’s leading all the way across the globe, doing things I never could imagine. In my circle in Bulgaria you would not see a woman pastor or getting multiple degrees from a Bible College. Nor did I imagine that my saying. “Yes” to Jesus’ mission will lead my husband and I to opening a church.
The Holy Spirit in me gently and generously enlarged my capacity to dream and desire what was on the heart of God the Father: to join His Son Jesus on mission reaching de-churched and unchurched people in the marketplace. Real Life was birthed out of much prayer and the Spirit’s revelation of the heart of God for the lost. He had rescued me from sin and political tyranny. I knew Jesus did that for me. So I had to answer the question, “Will I do it for another?” My heart said, Yes, where He leads, my heart and feet will go!”
John 17:20-23 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Jesus brought God the Father glory on earth by finishing the work he gave him to do. We, likewise, bring glory to Jesus as we connect the disconnected and lift the downcast because these are the works of Christ that he commissioned us to do. To preach the good news to all creation, that he is offering everyone who believes an eternal life that transforms every area of their existence.
We have purposed ourselves to be a bridge for the sacred/secular divide The church is uniquely designed to model the Creator God in our communities. Real Life embraces the entrepreneurial mindset. We are an entrepreneurial church that fosters the creative streak that's already placed in every image bearer and make people feel that their input is valued and welcomed so they can be empowered to dream, create and contribute.
Our potential in serving God in the workplace is not determined by how well the work environment becomes suitable to our faith, but rather how well our faith in God becomes integrated in what we do at work.
There is transformation potential in the millions of men and women who are called to full-time ministry in business, education, and government—the marketplace. Just as the first century Christians, this contemporary army of believers can bring transformation to their jobs and then to their cities. When Christians engage the marketplace through their vocations, they introduce biblical principles and righteous living in their local cultures, expose degeneracy in such environments, and point their neighbors to hope-filled communities in Christ.
Q3: Will you join us on Mission for the life of the world?
We are saved, united in the body of Christ, and sent on a transformation mission.
Reflection: Have you said yes to Jesus and water became water baptized? Are you bringing the love of Christ to your city by demonstrating the actions of Christ and the principles of Christ? Are you on mission, a reconciliation mission, with your God and with your brother?
Prayer: God we pray that you would open our minds and hearts to be transformed. Focus us on the mission you have placed in front of us. Let people see your love and truth in how we love and treat others around us. Thank you for the circle of influence you have given us, help us to utilize it well and impact others for your kingdom. Amen.
Svetlana Papazov is Lead Pastor and Founder of Real Life Church, President/Founder of Real Life Center for Entrepreneurial and Leadership Excellence, a first of its kind model of church and business incubator that educates in entrepreneurship, leadership and faith praxis, and author of the book, “Church for Monday.”