Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)
We commonly call it the “Great Commission.” It’s not a mere church program that we get to choose whether to accept or reject. The Lord Jesus Christ, declaring His absolute authority, gave it to His apostles, the First Century Church, and to the Church of Christ in all ages and locations. For our salvation, sanctification, and strength for victorious living, Jesus had finished His work on earth. At the Cross and in His Resurrection, He had accomplished what had to be done for our right standing with God. But before ascending back to heaven, the Lord gave His marching orders to His people to carry on the soul-saving mission of the “Great Commission.” But here’s the point! This ageless, lifelong mission is so often associated with adults – adults seeking to proclaim the saving gospel to adults. This is exactly what is needed. But let’s be clear, the disciple-making work of the Lord’s “Great Commission” can, and must, begin in the work God has called the Church to do in the lives of children and youth. At Waterbury, we are seeking to faithfully answer God’s call. We call this missional work: Kingdom Kids and Young Disciples. Today, we celebrate another time commitment we have faithfully invested ,in our God-called work among children and youth. Administrators and teachers, GREAT JOB. The lives of our young people have been richly blessed. VHH