The last words a person speaks often hold deep significance, revealing their innermost priorities and what truly matters to them. In the same way, the final words of Jesus before His ascension are not only important but also foundational for the Church’s mission. In Acts 1:8, Jesus told His disciples, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” These words encapsulate the heart of God for humanity—that all men would come to the saving knowledge of Christ. They remind us of the Great Commission, the command that has guided and shaped Christian missions throughout history.
The urgency of this mission becomes clear when we read Paul’s words in Romans 10:13-15: “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” The Gospel message cannot spread unless there are preachers, teachers, and missionaries sent to proclaim it. Without the faithful labor of missionaries, countless souls would remain in darkness, unable to call upon the name of the Lord for salvation.
God’s desire is for the whole world to know Him, and missionary movements have been His chosen vehicle to make this happen. Through their sacrifices, countless churches have been built, lives have been transformed, and entire communities have been brought into the light of Christ. In this article, we’ll explore three of the most impactful missionary movements in history: the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UDOLGC), the Methodist Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These movements have answered Jesus’s call to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, serving as examples of what happens when believers align their lives with the will of God.
1. The United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UDOLGC)
Founded by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, the UDOLGC stands as one of the most dynamic and far-reaching missionary movements of our time. This movement is rooted in a deep passion for the lost and an unwavering obedience to Jesus’s call to make disciples of all nations. From its humble beginnings in Ghana, the UDOLGC has spread to over 100 countries, planting thousands of churches across continents and reaching millions with the Gospel.
One of the hallmarks of this movement is its relentless commitment to raising missionaries. Bishop Heward-Mills has consistently taught that the Church exists to save the lost, and this mission consciousness has shaped the DNA of the UDOLGC. The movement’s training schools, like the Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Center, equip men and women with the spiritual, practical, and doctrinal tools needed to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. These missionaries often go to remote areas, planting churches where there was no prior Christian presence.
The fruits of their labor are undeniable. Entire communities have been transformed by the Gospel as schools, hospitals, and churches are built to serve both the spiritual and physical needs of people. Souls are saved, lives are changed, and new leaders are constantly being raised to carry the torch forward. What makes the UDOLGC truly remarkable is its steadfast dedication to the Great Commission. Mission work isn’t an afterthought—it’s the central focus of everything they do.
This movement reminds us that the Holy Spirit’s power, promised in Acts 1:8, is still at work today. It shows how ordinary people, empowered by God, can make an extraordinary impact when they prioritize the lost.
2. The Methodist Church
Few missionary movements have had as far-reaching an impact as the Methodist Church, which traces its origins back to John Wesley in 18th-century England. Wesley was a man consumed with a passion for souls. He believed in spreading the Gospel not only in established churches but also in open fields, prisons, and across the Atlantic. Wesley’s conviction that “the world is my parish” laid the foundation for the Methodist movement’s global missionary vision.
The Methodist Church’s missionary endeavors began in earnest during the 19th century. Missionaries were sent to Africa, Asia, and the Americas, establishing schools, hospitals, and churches in regions where the Gospel had not yet been preached. Their work often focused on both spiritual and social transformation, addressing the needs of the whole person. Methodist missionaries were among the first to bring education and healthcare to many parts of the world, paving the way for societal change in addition to spiritual revival.
Today, the Methodist Church remains deeply mission-conscious, supporting thousands of missionaries around the world. The churches planted by Methodist missionaries have grown into thriving denominations in their own right, including the Methodist Church of Ghana and the United Methodist Church in the United States. These churches continue to carry the flame of missions, sending workers into unreached areas and supporting various initiatives to spread the Gospel.
One of the greatest legacies of the Methodist missionary movement is its focus on discipleship. Wesley’s emphasis on small groups, accountability, and personal holiness created a model of Christian growth that is still being replicated today. Through their mission work, countless lives have been touched, and entire nations have been impacted by the light of Christ.
The Methodist movement shows us the power of perseverance in missions. It stands as a testament to the truth of Romans 10:14—people cannot call on the Lord unless someone brings them the message.
3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)
While the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon Church) differs from traditional Christianity, its missionary movement is undeniably one of the most organized and far-reaching in the world. Established in the 19th century, the LDS Church has made missionary work a central component of its identity. Young men and women, as well as older couples, are encouraged to dedicate years of their lives to serving as full-time missionaries.
Currently, the LDS Church boasts over 50,000 missionaries actively serving in nearly every nation on earth. These missionaries are often seen going door-to-door, sharing their faith, and inviting people to learn more about God. Their commitment to missions is commendable, with each missionary receiving extensive training before being sent out. The Church also places a strong emphasis on language learning, ensuring that missionaries can communicate effectively in the countries where they serve.
One of the major impacts of the LDS missionary movement has been the establishment of churches and communities around the globe. Many of the places where LDS missionaries have worked now have thriving congregations and temples. The LDS Church has also engaged in humanitarian efforts, providing aid and resources to communities in need.
While their doctrine differs from mainstream Christianity, their example of mission consciousness is worth noting. Their structured approach to missions—complete with dedicated training centers, a clear focus on evangelism, and a culture of sending—shows what can happen when a church prioritizes the Great Commission.
The LDS missionary movement reminds us of the urgency of sharing our faith. As John 8:29 teaches, God is pleased when we obey His will, and missions are central to His plan for the world.
A Call to Missions
The Great Commission remains the Church’s highest calling, and the missionary movements we’ve explored demonstrate the profound impact that obedience to Jesus’s final command can have. From the far-reaching efforts of the UDOLGC, to the Methodist Church’s rich legacy of global evangelism, to the structured and expansive missionary programs of the LDS Church, each movement stands as a testament to the power of missions to transform lives, communities, and nations.
These movements have built thousands of churches, discipled countless individuals, and brought the message of Christ to places where it had never been heard. They remind us of the truth in Romans 10:14: “How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” Missionaries make it possible for people to hear and believe. Their labor is not in vain; it is the fulfillment of God’s will that “all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).
What’s more, missionaries often experience God’s powerful presence in their lives as they obey His will. Jesus’s words in John 8:29 ring true for them: “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” When we align ourselves with God’s heart for the lost, we step into a life of divine purpose and experience the joy of partnering with Him in His work.
The world is still in desperate need of the Gospel. There are still souls who have not heard, still hearts that need to be touched by the love of Christ. As we reflect on these great missionary movements, let us ask ourselves: How can we take part in fulfilling Jesus’s last words? Whether through going, giving, or praying, we all have a role to play in this divine mission. The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few. May we rise up and say, “Here I am, Lord, send me.”