Mission Emphasis Litany: Whole Church, Whole Gospel, Whole World

This litany consists of scripture readings, responsive readings, and a prayer that can be used or adapted for a mission-themed worship service.

WHOLE CHURCH

Congregation:

The whole church is sent.

Scripture Reading:

Matthew 28:18-20

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”

Reader(s)

The Spirit calls people from every tongue, tribe, and nation

to embrace and join in the mission of God. 

We are called as individuals

We are called as a congregation

We are called as a denomination

We are called as a worldwide body of Christ

We are called as a multitude of believers with many expressions of church

Regardless of gender or age

of ethnicity or occupation

of experience, or education

We are called.

We repent of leaving this work to a few

for this mission is central to our being. 

WHOLE GOSPEL

Congregation:

The whole church is sent with the whole gospel

Scripture Reading:

Luke 4:18-19

The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to set the oppressed free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Reader(s)

We are called to share the gospel of Jesus as good news of redemption for all creation.

to proclaim the assurance that in the name of Jesus

there is forgiveness of sin

and new life for all who repent and believe.

We recognize all aspects of life and community, 

as well as the darkness in our own personal lives, 

as needing renewal and transformation.

We commit ourselves and call others to a radical discipleship

that follows Jesus in the way of the cross

That not only proclaims but also lives out the good news of Jesus.

putting others above ourselves and overcoming evil with good

and working for God’s reign of peace and justice. 

WHOLE WORLD

Congregation:

The whole church is sent with the whole gospel to the whole world

Scripture Reading:

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.

Reader(s)

We are sent around the corner and around the world.

Our “ends of the earth” is another's “Jerusalem”

We are sent into every area of life

into science and art

media and marketplace

classroom, and sports field

pointing to the reign of God with what we do and say.

God’s good news is for all people,

those in our “Judea’s” who share our culture

and those in our “Samaria’s” who don’t.

We celebrate the abundance and diversity of the gifts and resources

that God has given to all peoples and cultures. 

We embrace our calling as disciples of Jesus 

to live and learn together as God’s witnesses.

Prayer (read aloud by congregation)

Gracious God, you have sent us into our neighborhoods and around the world.

Help us to follow the Spirit’s leading as we live as ambassadors of your peace. 

Renew our hearts and lead us out of where we are most comfortable.

Empower us to be light in darkness and salt in a troubled world.

That we may be your witnesses as the whole church to the whole world with your whole gospel.

Amen

References: 

Our World Belongs to God: A contemporary Testimony

Optional Mission-Related Worship Songs:

27 Mission-Related Worship Songs