What is the "Chief end of God"? Redefining the Church's Great Commission

The Church's mandate to carry the gospel around the world has been dubbed "the great commission." It is my contention that the net effect of that outlook has been that the Church's main concern has shifted radically from God's glory to man's comfort, in the name of a passion for souls. That the Church in large measure has identified the conversion of man as its great commission is disconcerting enough; but the manner in which that commission has been implemented is even more objectionable.

What Is the Mission of the Church – What in the World Does Jesus Send Us into the World to Do?

Chapter 2 wants to answer the question, “What is the church’s mission in the world?” The authors think it best to start with the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19. First, they examine a few other passages that are sometimes understood as offering a fuller mission identity for the church: Genesis 12:1-3, Exodus 19:5–6, Luke 4:16–21.