We are excited to introduce the ministry of The Ethnos Commission!
Everyone always asks us, “What does that name mean and where did you come up with it?” Well, that is an interesting story. As we all sat and talked about our vision for a new mission that simply focuses on the basics of church planting, the word ethnos kept coming up. This word is found in the original Greek version of Matthew 28:19. You may be familiar with the passage which is known as The Great Commission.
“ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations (ethnos), baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19, 20
As we discussed the things God had placed on our hearts, we kept coming back to the concept that this word has an emphasis on PEOPLE GROUPS and not only on PLACES, as the passage is so often taught. As we look at the world today, we have a huge burden to reach the lost all around the world, but we don’t want to overlook all of the people groups who have come to North America. We cannot stay safe and comfortable in our own little personal bubbles and ignore the mission field that God has brought to us!
As the passage states, God has “commissioned” us, or entrusted us, with the responsibility to GO and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations. We are it — there is no Plan B! And so we want to fully embrace God’s plan to reach all people groups and so we chose to name this ministry the Ethnos Commission to tie those concepts together.
The heartbeat of our ministry is a focus on people and we are willing to do whatever it takes to assist them in accepting the grace God offers them, encouraging them to grow strong in the Lord, and teaching them to go out and reach others with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Please pray for this new ministry as we seek to follow God without reserve and please consider ways that God may impress upon your heart to be a part of what He plans to do through Ethnos.