Called to Go and Tell

Called to Go and Tell: How Ordinary People Share Extraordinary NewsIn a world where fewer people seem to be entering traditional ministry roles, God is calling ordinary believers to extraordinary mission. The Spirit invites regular people—teachers, mechanics, students, retirees—to share good news right where they already are. Mission isn’t a program we follow; it’s a path we walk as we tell a better story about life with the divine.What Does It Mean to Be Called to Go and Tell?Jesus’s final words set our direction as believers: “Receive power from the Holy Spirit, and then be my witnesses.” This wasn’t just for the disciples back then—it’s for us today. When the disciples asked about timetables and maps, wondering when everything would finally end, Jesus reframed their question entirely. He answered with a promise and a verb: “It starts now. Power is coming. And then you go and tell about me.”The early church in Antioch provides a powerful example. They listened, fasted, and sought direction. Through worship and prayer, they heard the Spirit say, “Set apart Barnabas and Saul.” This teaches us that sending always begins with worship—gathering together to pray, discern, and hear where God might lead us in the days ahead.How Does God Work Through Our Plans and Detours?Paul had plans, but God had detours. Paul received a night vision calling him to Macedonia, expecting to meet a man there. Instead, beside a river, he found a group of women in prayer—not a man, but women; not a synagogue, but what might be called a sewing circle.Lydia was among those women, listening with an open heart. The Lord opened her heart even wider, and her home became the first church in Europe. This reminds us that God often works differently than we expect, using ordinary gatherings and everyday people to accomplish extraordinary things.What Is the Gospel We’re Called to Share?The gospel is news, not advice. It announces what God has done and is doing through Jesus Christ. Our task is to carry that good news into real life—sharing a person, not promoting a program or following a plan.The gospel is God’s power to save—not our eloquence, our story, our brand, or our denomination. It’s God’s power and presence in our lives, coupled with the promise that God is already present in others’ lives as well.How Can I Share My Faith in Daily Life?Start with one honest grace story. Name where Jesus met you—today, yesterday, last year, or long ago. It might sound like:* “I was anxious and Christ gave me peace”* “I was bitter and Christ taught me how to forgive”* “I was alone and this church became my family”Then add the invitation: “Come and see that it can be the same for you.”Learning from the Samaritan WomanThe Samaritan woman at the well understood this immediately. After meeting Jesus, she left her water jar and ran to tell her family and friends: “Come see a man who told me everything about my life and still loved me. He’ll love you too.”She didn’t pass a theology exam first. She shared what she knew at that point, and it was enough. Her town came to Jesus because she told her story. The same can be true for us.What If I Feel Unqualified to Share My Faith?The gospel begins with a voice—even a shaky one God can use, even a whisper. Some may feel burned out or disqualified for various reasons, but the Spirit’s love is all about starting again with us and others.You don’t need perfect theology or flawless delivery. God uses ordinary people with ordinary stories to share extraordinary news about His love and grace.Where Is My Mission Field?Mission isn’t only far away—it’s also near. It’s across the ocean, but it’s also across the street, across the field, right across the fence. Both count as witness, and all of us can go and tell no matter where we find ourselves.Consider these questions:* Who is my Macedonian this week? A neighbor, coworker, classmate, or someone I meet along the way?* Where’s my Antioch? A circle that prays and listens before acting, a team that sends instead of clings?* What is my Lydia step? Can I open my home, schedule, or table?How Does Hospitality Connect to Mission?Remember that hospitality is mission with plates and conversation. When ears are closed, serve. When service opens them, speak. And when speaking begins, point to Jesus.Sometimes the most powerful witness happens around a dinner table, in casual conversation, or through simple acts of service that demonstrate God’s love in practical ways.Life ApplicationThis week, challenge yourself to identify one person in your sphere of influence who might be waiting by their own “quiet river” for someone to share hope with them. Practice telling your grace story in one or two sentences—where Jesus met you and how it changed your life.Look for opportunities to serve before you speak, and when conversation naturally opens, be ready to point toward the source of your hope. Remember, you don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers. You just need to be willing to share what you know about God’s love.Ask yourself these questions:* What is one specific way Jesus has met me in my life that I could share with someone this week?* Who in my daily routine might be open to hearing about God’s love through my words or actions?* How can I create space in my schedule or home to practice hospitality as a form of mission?* What fears or feelings of inadequacy do I need to surrender to God so I can be used as His witness?The same Spirit who moved in the early church is moving today. God is calling ordinary people like you to share extraordinary news right where you are. The question isn’t whether you’re qualified—it’s whether you’re willing to let God use your story to bless others. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe