The Unfinished Task

Matthew 28:19–20 NKJV

19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 24:14 NKJV

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Title: "The Mission Continues – The Church as an Aircraft Carrier"

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 24:14

Josiah and Deanne gifted me and Guia a cruise last January. It is the best vacation ever. (describe)

Designed to take you on a memorable experience. Buffet has the best selection to meet every appetite. You don’t want unhappy passengers.

Churches in America are like Cruise ships. The crew members understand their job is to serve the passengers who sit in nicely padded seats and listen to the entertainment - great worship team, dynamic preacher, great sound system, and the timing must be perfect.  You can't go too long or you'll interrupt the passenger's experience of going out for lunch and gathering for the ball game in the afternoon!

What if a church is actually a battleship?

A battleship is not designed for pleasure, but for war.

A Battleship or an Aircraft Carrier?

Picture of a battleship and an aircraft carrier here.

Some people think of the church as a battleship—everyone on board, fighting together, aiming their weapons at the world. But the church is not a battleship. It’s an aircraft carrier.

A battleship engages in combat directly, but an aircraft carrier’s mission is to launch planes into battle. It sends out its pilots, equips them, refuels them, and then sends them out again. In the same way, the church isn’t meant to just sit and fight within its four walls. We are meant to train, equip, and send out believers into the world to share the Gospel.

Not just about defending its position, but keeping the fiercest battles as far as possible.

1. The Church Exists to Launch Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)

Jesus didn’t tell His followers to stay in a holy huddle. He commanded them to GO—make disciples, baptize, and teach. The church is a launching pad for world changers. Every believer is a “pilot” called to take off into their mission field—whether that’s their home, workplace, or even the nations.

2. The Gospel Must Reach Every Nation (Matthew 24:14)

An aircraft carrier doesn’t stay docked in the harbor. It goes where the battle is. Jesus said the Gospel must be preached in the whole world before the end comes. If we only focus on what happens inside our church buildings, we miss the mission! We must go out, share the Gospel, and support those taking it to the ends of the earth.

3. Jesus is Our Commander-in-Chief

The pilots on an aircraft carrier don’t fly alone. They receive instructions, refueling, and support. Jesus promised, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We don’t go on mission alone—the Holy Spirit empowers us, the church supports us, and Christ leads us.

Conclusion: The Mission Continues

So, is our church a battleship, just staying in place and defending its position? Or is it an aircraft carrier, sending out trained disciples to fulfill the Great Commission?

It’s time to launch! The world needs the Gospel, and Jesus has given us the mission. Let’s take off, knowing He is with us, and let’s bring the Good News to the ends of the earth!

Are you ready to take flight for Jesus?