What Is The Great Commission?

The Great Commission represents one of Christianity's most profound calls to action, yet many believers struggle to fulfill this divine mandate daily. In my recent conversation with Kari Hunnicutt, author of "Dormant Faith," we explored the challenges and opportunities of living out this calling in today's complex world.

Kari's journey is particularly fascinating because it intertwines travel, family life, and faith in ways that challenge conventional thinking about Christian witness. As a world traveler who hasn't allowed having four children to limit her global adventures, Kari brings unique insights about how stepping outside our comfort zones—geographically or spiritually—can profoundly impact our effectiveness in sharing the gospel.

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WHAT'S DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE?

• One of the most striking revelations from our conversation was Kari's survey of believers regarding their Great Commission effectiveness. Approximately half of Christians admitted they don't feel they share their faith effectively in everyday life. When asked about barriers, fear topped the list at 50%, followed by feeling unprepared (35%), inconvenience (30%), viewing faith as a private matter (14%), feeling ashamed of either their beliefs or personal shortcomings, and experiencing states of spiritual despair or disengagement.
• These statistics highlight a troubling disconnect between what Christians profess to believe and how we live. The Great Commission wasn't given with exceptions or caveats for those feeling afraid, busy, or inadequate. Yet these human reactions often prevent us from fulfilling our divine calling to make disciples.
• Kari emphasizes that God doesn't require perfection or extraordinary faith to use us effectively. Referencing Matthew 17:20, she reminds us that faith "as small as a mustard seed" is all Jesus asks. This perspective shifts our focus from our inadequacies to God's infinite capability to work through our smallest faith offerings. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome these barriers when we take the first step in obedience.

• The parallel between travel and evangelism struck me as particularly insightful. Just as travelers must navigate unfamiliar territories, languages, and customs, sharing our faith often requires stepping into uncomfortable conversations with uncertain outcomes. Kari's approach to introducing her children to travel early—gradually expanding their horizons while building their confidence—offers a template for how we might grow in our evangelistic efforts.
• This approach has yielded remarkable fruit in her family. Her oldest daughter found the confidence to attend culinary school in Rome despite language barriers and cultural differences. While her daughter is currently exploring questions about faith and identifies as agnostic, Kari maintains open communication, encouraging her to keep seeking truth rather than settling into spiritual complacency.
• This willingness to embrace the messiness of authentic faith journeys—for ourselves and those we love—may be key to revitalizing our approach to the Great Commission. Rather than presenting Christianity as a neatly packaged product with all questions answered, perhaps we need to invite others into the honest pursuit of truth, trusting that God will reveal Himself to sincere seekers.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Ultimately, fulfilling the Great Commission isn't about perfectly executed evangelistic strategies or having all the answers. It's about offering our mustard seed of faith and allowing God to work through our willingness, however imperfect. It's about recognizing that the same God who commands us to go is faithful to equip us for the journey.

As we navigate a world increasingly skeptical of religious claims, Kari's message reminds us that authentic Christian witness emerges from lives actively engaged in following Jesus—even when that path takes us through periods of questioning, struggle, and growth. By embracing both the adventure and the challenges of faith, we invite others to join us in discovering the transformative truth of the gospel.