What Does Being an Ambassador for Christ Look Like Today?
Paul wrote to the Corinthians about being an ambassador for Christ around 2,000 years ago, so it may seem like his words do not or cannot apply to modern believers. However, the ministry of reconciliation, which Paul says is the ambassador’s task (2 Corinthians 5:18), is just as important now as it was then.[1]
The early church served as Christ’s ambassadors by enduring tribulation and persecution, being unified in the body, walking in obedience to God, growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ through the Word, corporate prayer and living in peace with each other. They didn’t always accomplish these things perfectly, as many of Paul’s letters reveal, but as they lived out these commands, they showed God’s love to the rest of the world. Today, the church has the same calling. Times have changed, but God’s will for His people—to share His love—has not. Believers are to “model Christ-like behavior as we go out into the world. We are to: Love God first and love our neighbors as ourselves. Be devoted to … the Scriptures. Be mission-minded and share the good news. Obey God rather than men. Be thankful … and be at peace with everyone.”[2]
About 42% of the world’s population waits to hear about a God who loves them, but only 3% of the world’s missionaries are working in those areas.[3] So GFA World seeks to be effective ambassadors by answering the call for reconciliation and directing our prayers, work and finances into those places. Our national missionaries are the hands and feet of Christ, helping meet physical needs, like providing clean water, providing income generating animals, offering medical care, uplifting marginalized women and helping at-risk children. As our missionaries share Christ’s love through their words and these deeds, God transforms lives and communities.[4]
Not everyone is a missionary, but that does not mean each believer is not also called to be Christ’s ambassador. People all over the world need to know about God’s love, even in your own community. You, too, can share Christ through word and deed and watch as He changes lives and communities. Addressing physical needs, praying and sharing the Good News is important everywhere, not just in poverty-stricken areas.
GFA works in over 18 countries across Asia and more recently in Africa, and we cannot do it alone. Another great way to be an ambassador for Christ is to partner with us. Consider sponsoring a national missionary, who can reach people with God’s love in remote regions closed off to outsiders. Or consider sponsoring a child and helping provide them with a brighter future.[5] Sharing God’s love in practical ways like these can make a whole world of difference.
Learn more about GFA’s ambassadors for Christ![1] “What Does 2 Corinthians 5:20 Mean?” Bible Ref. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.bibleref.com/2-Corinthians/5/2-Corinthians-5-20.html.
[2] Baker, Lisa Loraine. “What does it look like to be an ambassador for Christ?” Bible Study Tools. November 21, 2024. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-does-it-looks-like-to-be-an-ambassador-for-christ.html.
[3] Project, Joshua. “Global Dashboard.” Joshua Project. Accessed January 7, 2025. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/statistics.
[4] “In Light of Eternity: GFA World 2024 Special Report.” GFA World. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/2024/.
[5] “About Us.” GFA World. Accessed October 15, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/about/.