08 Nov 7 Bible Verses About Mission and Outreach
Outreach is not just an activity of the Church—it flows from the heart of God. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals God’s desire to reach people beyond our comfort zones, cultures, and communities. God sends us today, because he is a goer himself. He invites us to join him in the greatest cause in human history – the winning back of lost souls all over the world. How exciting to join him in this work.
It has been said that the Bible isn’t the basis of mission, but mission is the basis of the Bible. But knowing God’s heart for missions and knowing YOUR specific role in that mission are two different things. Most Christians can quote the Great Commission but struggle to answer: ‘What should I actually DO about missions?’ If you’ve ever felt this gap, the Storyline Study helps you bridge from biblical inspiration to personal action in 8 weeks. God’s mission is fundamental and bleeds through every page of Scripture. So before highlighting certain passages, we first start with this idea that all Scripture is the basis of mission. However, for the purpose of this article, we will highlight seven core Bible verses about outreach that form a strong biblical foundation for engaging the world with the gospel. These are not exhaustive, but a place to start in exploring the more explicit passages about mission and outreach.
Matthew 28:19-20 – “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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This famous verse is known as the Great Commission. Jesus commands us to go to all peoples and make disciples through baptism and teaching. We can take comfort knowing that Christ is always with us in the mission field.
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If you are looking for mission projects to participate in for 2026, check out what Storyline is doing: Storyline Mission Trips 2026
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Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Jesus promised spiritual power through the Holy Spirit to enable us to be effective witnesses for Him locally and globally. Rely on that supernatural strength for your outreach efforts.
Latin American mission movement is thriving
Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
When God asks for someone to go to spread His message, may our response be like Isaiah’s – full of willingness and eagerness to serve God wherever He calls us.
1 Peter 4:10-11 – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms…so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”
Use your unique talents and abilities to serve others and bring glory to God on your mission outreach. Share His love creatively and faithfully.
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
If you feel fearful or discouraged, remember God’s ever-present help and strength for every mission task ahead.
Mark 16:15 – “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'”
Jesus’ command is to spread the good news to everyone everywhere. Be bold in proclaiming Christ on your outreach.
Psalm 96:3 – “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
Lift up God’s Going on a mission trip can be an incredibly rewarding yet challenging experience. While you may be excited to serve others and share the good news of the gospel, you may also feel hesitant about being in a new environment and culture.
Come Lord Jesus
As you embark on your next mission endeavor, meditate on these motivating words. Let God’s truth inspire you to answer His call, rely on His power, use your gifts, overcome challenges, preach the gospel, and glorify Him wherever He leads you to go. You are appointed for an important purpose – to reach the world for Christ!
Mike Krieg is the Founder and Executive Director of Storyline. He lived in Siberia and Central Russia for 6 years planting churches and making disciples among college students. Currently he is a mission mobilizer who lives in Texas. Mike created the Storyline Study, an 8-week curriculum used by over 20,000 Christians in 75 countries to discover their specific role in God’s global mission.