When we talk about the theology of biblical mission, it is rooted in the very heart of God. It reveals that mission is not merely an activity of the church, but an expression of who God is. From the opening book of the Bible, Genesis, to the final book, Revelation, we see the Triune God as a missionary—actively working to redeem His creation and to bring all nations into His kingdom. For the church in Nepal, understanding this theological foundation of mission is crucial because it shapes its identity, defines its calling, and guides its engagement with the world.
First, we must understand that mission begins with God. Throughout Scripture, the Triune God reveals Himself as a missionary God. The Father designs the master plan of salvation, the Son takes on human nature to fulfill that plan by being born of the Virgin Mary, and the Holy Spirit empowers and sustains the Son throughout His earthly ministry—from His birth to His ascension. After Christ’s ascension, the Holy Spirit continues to empower the church to carry out God’s mission to all nations.
In Genesis 12:1–3 (NNRV), God said to Abram,
“Go out from your country, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
God’s call to Abraham and His promise that “all the families of the earth will be blessed” through him anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ, who fulfills God’s redemptive plan and brings salvation to the ends of the earth. God’s mission, therefore, is not confined to one person or people group; it encompasses the entire world.
This divine mission continues in the life and ministry of Jesus, who declared that He came “to seek and to save the lost” and who sent His disciples into all the world with the gospel of the kingdom. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you” (John 20:21b). Thus, the mission of the church is rooted in the mission of God. The theology of mission teaches that mission flows from God’s own sending nature.
Mission is also about the kingdom of God. Jesus came proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, calling people to repent and believe in Him. The good news is not only about the forgiveness of sins but also about bringing God’s kingdom into the world and restoring all things under Christ. The kingdom of God is both proclaimed and demonstrated in mission. When believers share the message of the crucified and risen Christ, the gospel is proclaimed through words—but it is also demonstrated through deeds of love, mercy, and justice. When the church cares for the poor, serves the marginalized, and works for peace and reconciliation, it reflects the character of God’s kingdom in the world.
Scripture makes it clear that mission is not optional for God’s people; it is a divine mandate. In the Old Testament, Israel was called to be a light to the nations, yet it failed to fulfill this calling. Jesus came as the true Israel—the true light—and now, in the New Testament, the church is entrusted with the responsibility to bear witness to that light throughout the world. The very purpose of the church’s existence is mission. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the early Christians crossed cultural and geographical boundaries to spread the gospel. The same Spirit continues to empower the Nepali church today to bear faithful witness, even amid challenges.
The history of missions in Nepal testifies to God’s faithfulness despite obstacles and persecution. For centuries, Nepal was closed to the gospel, and only a few Christians were present. Early Catholic missionaries arrived in the seventeenth century, but political and religious opposition limited their influence. Only in the mid-twentieth century, as Nepal began to open to the outside world, could missionaries serve more freely. The United Mission to Nepal (UMN) and the International Nepal Fellowship (INF) played significant roles in linking gospel witness with social service. They demonstrated Christ’s love through medical care, education, and community development. This holistic approach opened doors for the gospel, and through their witness—and the work of local believers—the Nepali church began to grow. From fewer than a hundred believers in 1951, the number of Christians in Nepal has now grown to millions, a powerful testimony to God’s grace and His people’s faithfulness.
However, the Nepali church still faces significant challenges. While Nepal’s constitution recognizes religious tolerance, anti-conversion laws have restricted evangelistic activity. Christians are often accused of forced conversion and face social pressure and legal complications. Both subtle and overt persecution are realities for many believers, especially in rural areas where leaving Hinduism is seen as betraying family and culture. Poverty, unemployment, and social injustice also create hardships—yet these difficulties have provided opportunities for the church to serve and demonstrate Christ’s love.
Sound doctrine and leadership remain urgent needs. The rapid growth of the church has outpaced the training of pastors and leaders. Without sound teaching, churches risk doctrinal confusion and vulnerability to false teachings. Therefore, the Nepali church must develop a strong theology of biblical mission that is both biblically grounded and contextually wise.
A theology of mission for Nepal must take into account the nation’s cultural and religious landscape. Many Nepalis follow a blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and animistic traditions. Thus, the church must communicate the gospel in a way that resonates with Nepali culture without compromising biblical truth. The apostle Paul provides a model for contextualization in Acts 17, addressing the Athenians by connecting the gospel to their existing beliefs and calling them to the living God. Similarly, Nepali churches can use local cultural forms—such as music, art, language, and dress—to communicate Christ’s message, showing that Jesus alone fulfills the deep spiritual needs that idols and rituals cannot satisfy.
Too often, Nepali churches think of mission as the responsibility of pastors or mission organizations. Yet it is vital to understand that mission is not limited to pastors or foreign missionaries. Every believer is called by God to participate in His mission. Nepali Christians are uniquely placed to share the gospel with their families, communities, and workplaces. Churches must equip their members to live missionally in their daily lives, seeing themselves as ambassadors of Christ wherever they go.
Moreover, mission today is both local and global. Many Nepalis have migrated abroad for work or education, forming communities in many nations. These believers have unique opportunities to share the gospel with other Nepalis and with people from different cultures. This global dimension of Nepali missions is an exciting and growing reality.
The theology of mission also emphasizes holistic ministry. Jesus’ earthly ministry demonstrates that He cared for the whole person—addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Too often, missions are viewed only as “winning souls,” while other needs are neglected. In Nepal, mission can take many forms: church planting, discipleship, education, medical service, advocacy for justice, and care for the disadvantaged. Holistic mission reflects God’s heart and often opens doors for gospel witness where direct preaching may not be possible.
In conclusion, mission is ultimately about the worship of God. The goal of missions is that people from every tribe and nation may worship the Lamb. The vision in Revelation of a great multitude from every nation worshiping God reminds the Nepali church that it is part of God’s global mission and eternal purpose. This vision gives courage and hope, even when the task is difficult. In giving the Great Commission, Jesus promised, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The presence of Christ and the power of the Spirit assure the Nepali church that its labor is not in vain.
Therefore, the theology of mission calls the Nepali church to faithfulness—to boldly proclaim Christ, to live lives that reflect His kingdom, to contextualize the gospel wisely, to make disciples effectively, and to serve society with compassion. It calls the church to unity and partnership, recognizing that mission is not the work of a few but of the whole body of Christ working together. Despite challenges of persecution, poverty, and cultural barriers, the growth of the Nepali church testifies that nothing can stop God’s mission. The same God who called Abraham, sent His Son, and poured out His Spirit on the early church is at work in Nepal today. The mission of God in Nepal does not depend on human strength or strategy but on the faithfulness of God, who is bringing His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
- Nissan Gharti Magar