Preach the Gospel and Make Disciples

In this weeks Church Service from our Church in Clacton-on-Sea, we explore: Why has God placed this church here at this time? In this sermon Pastor Stephen Clayden opens the first part of Bread of Life Community Church’s vision, showing from Mark 16, Romans 10, and Matthew 28 that believers are commanded to preach the gospel and make disciples. The message presses the church to move beyond comfort, embrace sacrifice, and serve Christ faithfully in the work He has given.

In this first message on the church’s vision, the sermon explains that Bread of Life Community Church has been given a clear mandate from God to preach the gospel to the lost and make disciples of all nations. Drawing from Mark 16:15, Romans 10:13-15, and Matthew 28:19-20, the teaching shows that evangelism is not a suggestion but a command from Christ Himself. The gospel is presented as the good news that sinners can be forgiven and saved through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the church is called to carry that message to a world spiritually sick with sin. The sermon also stresses that making disciples goes beyond simply seeing professions of faith. A disciple is a learner, servant, and follower of Christ, and discipleship involves sacrifice, obedience, humility, and perseverance. From Matthew 16, Philippians 2, 2 Timothy 2, and Hebrews 10, the message shows that following Christ costs something, but it brings eternal reward. Believers are therefore called not only to proclaim salvation, but to live as disciplined servants in God’s army, committed to the gospel, fellowship, and the work of the kingdom.

This sermon is a strong call to take the mission of Christ seriously and to remember why the church exists. Pastor Stephen Clayden sets out with clarity that preaching the gospel and making disciples are not optional extras, but central to the church’s calling in these last days. By opening several key passages of Scripture, he challenges believers to examine whether they are living comfortably or serving sacrificially, and encourages the church to press on in obedience to the Great Commission.