World Missions & Evangelism, Inc.

One of the most quoted scriptures is Matthew 16:18-19.  In this passage, which is the first mention of the word Church in the New Testament, we see Jesus speaking of the establishment of the church.  For those of us involved in church planting movement strategy, it is a foundational scripture.  Take a look at it: 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.  19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will beg loosed in heaven.” I am not going to do a standard exegesis of this passage.  Aspects of this word from Jesus have been analyzed and debated for centuries.  Instead, I want to highlight an aspect of this word that is  less obvious. Look at the object of each verse.  In verse 18, the object is the Church.  Jesus says to Peter that on this rock (the confessio...

"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes."  Isaiah 54:2   This verse was the inspiration of the sermon that William Carey delivered to pastors and leaders in May, 1792, which helped to launch the modern missions movement.  He was encouraging leaders to step out and enlarge their vision of reaching the world for Jesus Christ and to take steps to do so.    This verse is most appropriate to the day we are in as well.  World Missions and Evangelism is preparing to Enlarge our Vision as well.  Last year, at the consultation for Church Planting and Disciple Making Movements that I attended in California, the theme was "Go Global" and we were there representing disciple making ministries and projects from 54 nations.  As we look to the coming year of 2013, I believe this is a year of Enlargement and "Going Global" for WME as well.  Here are 3 areas...