What is our mission?

Estimated Reading time: 5 minutes · Written by Tim Chilvers

Life often feels like a juggling act. Responsibilities, opportunities, relationships, decisions—we move from one thing to the next, trying to keep everything in the air. For many of us, this isn't just a description of everyday life, but a reflection of our spiritual journeys too. Whether you're already a follower of Jesus, exploring what it means to become one, or simply curious about the impact of faith on daily life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities and pressures.

What should we prioritise? What does following Jesus actually look like when life is this full? And if you're still deciding whether to follow Him at all, you might be wondering—what difference does it make?

These are real questions. The good news is, Jesus has clear answers. And at the end of Matthew’s Gospel, we find words from Jesus that cut through the noise. They are His parting words, shared after His resurrection—words that reframe everything about what it means to follow Him in the messiness and complexity of life.

The priority: make disciples

In the midst of all the good things we could be doing, Jesus is clear about the one thing that must remain central: making disciples.

You may have noticed something about how people take photos at famous landmarks these days. Gone are the days of snapping the scenery—now, it’s all about the selfie. The scene becomes the backdrop; the real focus is on us in the moment.

Sadly, this mindset can creep into our faith too. Following Jesus can become more about me, and He’s just a backdrop in my life. But in His final words to His followers, Jesus makes it clear: the focus is not on us, but on helping others find Him.

“Go and make disciples of all nations,” He says.

This has always been the heartbeat of the Church. As C.S. Lewis once put it, “The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men and women into Christ… If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself are simply a waste of time.”

At Riverside, this has always been the vision—to reach those who don’t yet know Jesus and to help them grow in faith. It’s not about building an institution. It’s about transformation. If people come to our church and leave saying, “That was friendly,” that’s nice. But if they say, “They helped me find Jesus,” that’s everything.

The authority: trust in Jesus

It’s easy to feel hesitant when talking about faith, especially if you have questions yourself. But Jesus doesn’t expect us to be perfect or have all the answers. What He does say is, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

That’s a bold claim. And yet, it’s the foundation for everything that follows. If Jesus truly has that kind of authority—over life, death, meaning, and eternity—then it’s His voice that matters most.

Interestingly, even His first followers had doubts. Matthew tells us that when they saw the risen Jesus, “they worshipped Him, but some doubted.” That tension—worship and doubt side by side—is familiar to many of us. And yet, Jesus still commissions them.

You don’t need perfect faith. You just need to take the next step. That’s all Jesus asks.

The opportunity: now is the time

The commission Jesus gave wasn’t just for His disciples 2,000 years ago. It’s for now. And according to recent research, there may never have been a better time to share our faith compared to now.

A study by the Bible Society and YouGov has shown a surprising trend: the Church in the UK is growing, especially among young adults. More people are open to exploring faith, reading the Bible, and being prayed for than we might assume. In fact, one in three people who don’t currently go to church say they would go if invited by a friend or family member.

This is not a time to shrink back.

Whether you’re a student, a parent, working full time or retired—whatever stage of life you’re in—now is your opportunity. Ask yourself: what’s unique about this season? What doors has God opened for you right now that may not be open forever?

And living in a city like Birmingham, the world has come to us. What a privilege—and what a calling.

The responsibility: obedience in action

So what does it mean to make disciples? Jesus spells it out: “baptising them… and teaching them to obey everything I’ve commanded.”

Firstly, baptism. If you’re a follower of Jesus and haven’t been baptised, this is your next step. It’s not just a tradition—it’s a public declaration that your life belongs to Him. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Jesus simply says: do it.

Secondly, teaching. But not just teaching in theory. Jesus says, “teach them to obey.” Following Jesus is not about knowing all the right answers or agreeing with a list of beliefs. It’s about living differently—being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did.

This is the full picture of discipleship. All nations. All authority. All things Jesus commanded.

And that includes His very command to go and make disciples. Sometimes we long to go deeper in our faith, thinking depth comes from more knowledge. But Jesus shows us that obedience is the deepest form of discipleship.

Author John McGinley puts it brilliantly: “Obedience is Jesus’s love language.” How do we show Him we love Him? By trusting Him enough to do what He says.

The intimacy: you are not alone

Let’s be honest—stepping out in faith can feel lonely. Whether it's inviting someone to Alpha, sharing your story, or making a life decision with Jesus at the centre, you might wonder: “Am I doing this alone?”

Jesus ends His commission with a breathtaking promise: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This isn’t a sentimental slogan. It’s a concrete reality. Jesus doesn’t just send us out—He goes with us.

There’s a children’s book called Finding Jesus—a bit like Where’s Wally?—where you search for Jesus in busy cartoon scenes. It’s a fun book, but also a powerful image. Life can feel like that sometimes. Chaotic, full, noisy—and we’re searching, wondering, “Where are you, Jesus?”

And yet He says, “I am with you. Always.”

When I was a child, I shared a room with my older brother, Pete. Sometimes, when fear crept in during the night, I’d whisper, “Pete…?” Just hearing him respond, “Yeah?” was enough. Nothing more needed to be said, I just needed to know that I wasn’t alone.

Maybe that’s all you need to hear from Jesus today. That quiet assurance: “I’m here.”

What’s the next step?

Whether you’re just exploring Jesus for the first time or have followed Him for decades, His invitation remains the same.

Step out.Take the next step. Trust His authority. Embrace the opportunity. Live the responsibility. And lean into the intimacy of His presence.

Imagine what you might do this week if you really believed Jesus was with you. Who might you talk to? What step might you take? What prayer might you pray?

The world is searching for hope. The good news is—you know the source of it.

The original teaching has been edited for clarity and brevity; This is not a transcript.