The 4Ms Apporoach
Missions is not a vague or complicated idea. At its core, God’s mission can be clearly understood through four essential components—the 4Ms of Missions:
- Mandate
- Message
- Messenger
- Method
Frameworks can be very useful tools that enable comprehension of concepts. The 4Ms framework provides clarity, structure, and direction to every believer seeking to live out the Great Commission. Let’s explore each one in detail.
1. The Mandate: Our Divine Assignment
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
—Matthew 28:18-20
This scripture contains one of the most foundational texts for global missions. It reveals three great truths wrapped in a single divine instruction:
- The Great Information: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
This reminds us that Jesus is Lord over all. Our mission is grounded in His complete and unquestionable authority. Brother Andrew, the God’s Smuggler, defied the civil governments of countries behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War because of his fundamental understanding of Jesus’ claim to have all authority, including the authority of communist governments. The disciples embraced the gospel and heralded it from Jerusalem to Judea, to Samaria, and all the earth, because Jesus had authority over all those places. - The Great Commission: Go and make disciples of all nations.
Here, Jesus invites us to join in His global vision: making disciples, not just converts, from every people group. The Commission involves local missions, regional missions, cross-cultural missions, and global missions (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, all the earth). Disciples are called to make other disciples of every tongue, tribe, and ethnic group. - The Great Provision: I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
We are never alone on this mission. Jesus promises His presence, power, and peace every step of the way. What does this commitment mean? When Jesus sends us, he pays the transport fare. The disciple must rest assured that Jesus will take care of every obedient and faithful missionary.
The mandate is not optional. It’s not for a few; it’s for all who call Jesus Lord.
2. The Message: The Heart of the Gospel
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve…”
1 Corinthians 15:3-5
At the center of missions lies the Eugelion—the Good News.
This message is not about religion, rules, or rituals. It’s about a person—Jesus Christ, who:
- Lived as humanity’s perfect example
- Died in our place as the perfect substitute
- Rose again on the third day, conquering death
- Lives forever as our Lord and Advocate
Through His sacrifice, Jesus has procured salvation, reconciliation, and peace between God and humanity. This message is not just historical truth—it is eternal hope.
And here’s the invitation: “Whoever repents, believes, and confesses Jesus will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
This is the unchanging, unstoppable, and universal message we are called to proclaim.
3. The Messenger: That’s You and Me
“As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”
—John 20:21
The work of Christ on the cross is complete. The message has been given. Now, the responsibility lies with the messenger—you.
Just as Jesus was sent into the world, every disciple is sent. We are not merely believers—we are bearers of the good news.
Jesus accomplished the work of reconciliation, and now we are entrusted with the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–20). Jesus procured salvation; we must now proclaim salvation. Jesus worked for redemption; we must now work for the redeemer. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a professional, or a missionary, you are God’s messenger in your world.
4. The Method: One Message, Many Ways
The gospel never changes, but our methods must evolve to reach a changing world.
We are called to leverage all of our Ts—our Talent, Time, Treasure, and Testimony—to share the gospel in diverse and creative ways:
- 🎤 Friendship evangelism
- 🛐 Open-air crusades
- 🏥 Medical and relief outreaches
- 🎓 Student fellowships and school missions
- 💼 Professional platforms and marketplace engagement
- 📱 Digital and media outreach
There’s no single “right” method. What matters is that we remain faithful, intentional, and adaptable. Wherever people are, we must go and speak the truth in love.
Conclusion: Live the Mission
God’s mission is not reserved for the pulpit or the mission field alone—it’s a daily lifestyle for every disciple.
Through the Mandate, we understand the call.
With the Message, we carry eternal hope.
As the Messenger, we step out in obedience.
By the Method, we find new ways to reach our world.
So go—live sent.
God’s mission is waiting for you.