Pastor's Desk

Where is my Mission Field?

By Pastor Neil Wehmas

            During the time of the reformation, there was a belief held among congregations that those who served as Pastor or were in the monastery or nuns were the greatest servants of Christ.  It is in light of this reality, that Luther wrote extensively about the doctrine of vocation.

            The word “Vocation” quite literally means “calling”.  Every one of us has a multitude of these callings.  From parent to spouse to son/daughter to employee/employer to citizen and many more.  All of these things are callings.  Places that God has placed us with the sincere responsibility of serving him or being his missionaries.

            Here is the truth.  Jesus said that he is the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through him.  (John 14:6).  However, how shall a person believe unless someone preaches to them.  For faith comes from hearing the word of God. (See Romans 10).

            It is for this reason you read as you exit the parking lot, “You are now entering the mission field.”  It is for this reason you have been called upon to remember yourself as a missionary.  You are in fact called upon tell the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are within your life.

            You do this within your mission field.  Or more specifically, in your vocations.  If there is a person that lives next door to you, and they never attend worship anywhere.  They are part of your mission field.  In your vocation as neighbor, you invite them to worship.  (Also, being sure to be a good and respectable neighbor.)

            If you go to a store or restaurant, you are now in the vocation of customer.  You are a good and respectful customer.  You tip when necessary.  Then also pray that God would open the doorways to telling people about him.  At Zimmy’s, one particular waitress will ask what Sunday’s sermon is about.  Take that up as an opportunity to practice thinking about your faith, as an opportunity to tell others about what Christ has done.

            In your own household, read the Bible with your family.  Listen to Christian music, consider the Lutheran Public Radio music app.  Take part in devotions as a family.  I do produce a devotion and study guide based upon Sunday sermons.  I’d love to share them with you so you can carry Sunday morning throughout the week.  This is being a missionary to those closest to you in your life.

            When at work or at school, be a good co-worker or classmate.  Be courteous and kind and gentle.  Also, pray that God would open your eyes, ears, heart, and lips to the opportunity to confess Jesus’ saving grace to those you interact with.  It may be as simple as inviting them to worship, a Bible Class/Church Group/youth group.

            Your mission field is all around you.  Your opportunities to tell of Jesus to others, is wherever God has placed you for the moment.  This includes social media and online gaming.  I pray that God would lead all of us to bear witness of his grace to others.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

~Pastor Neil Wehmas

Last Updated: 9/4/2026