The online Merriam-Webster dictionary provides this definition for the word “ambassador:” an official envoy: a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or monarch or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment.
At face value, this definition implies a lofty title with power and authority.
However, as we look at biblical uses of the word “ambassador,” we discover a far more worthy application for Christians involved in mission.
Let’s start with 2 Corinthians 5 v 11 – 21 (NIV) as we apply the term “ambassador" to our roles.
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
These five observations guide my fellowship with you as communities of faith who are advancing the call to missions:
1. The role of ambassador is one of representing Christ, v 20
2. The role of ambassador is a plural invitation: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,” working together with you, v 20
3. Our motivation as ambassadors is Christ’s love for us, v 14
4. Our objective as ambassadors is to bring reconciliation, with God, vv 18, 20
5. Our role of ambassadors has a cost, Eph 6 v 20 — we need courage to fearlessly make the gospel known
Representing GC3 is a privilege because our people and our organisation prioritise God’s call to represent Christ. Carrying his good news to all the world through intentional, cross-cultural mission is of first importance.
The staff and Board members of GC3 are men and women who have experienced God’s love and grace. Because of this, they seek to equip our community of churches, missionaries and partners to spread the gospel.
This is the mission heart of GC3. I desire to learn from you so that we can better serve you in bringing the love of Christ to the hearts of men and women.
Ambassadors together,
Murray Stevenson