What does the Great Commission imply for all believers, including laypeople?

• A. Only clergy are responsible.
• B. Mission is optional for believers.
• C. All believers are invited and obliged to witness, pray, go, give, and participate in mission as part of their faith.
• D. Believers should focus only on personal salvation.

Answer: (C)

The Great Commission calls all followers of Christ into mission as a natural and essential part of faith. It isn’t a private or restricted task but a universal mandate to go, bear witness, and make disciples of people from every nation. From this broader impulse, the participation of every believer emerges: sharing the gospel (witness), praying for opportunities and outcomes (intercession), going where Christ leads—even if it means sacrifice or cross-cultural learning (mission), supporting the effort financially and with resources (giving), and actively partnering in the work of spreading Christ’s kingdom (participation in mission). This reflects that discipleship includes both personal renewal and outward sending, so mission is not optional for laypeople or limited to clergy but a shared responsibility and blessing of all who follow Jesus. Choices that limit leadership to clergy, treat mission as voluntary, or focus solely on personal salvation miss this inclusive, commissioned dynamic.