Preach and Heal: Mission Mandates for the Twelve in Luke 9:1-6, and the Twenty-First Century Mission Strategies of Selected Mission Agencies in Nigeria

Abstract

Jesus was strategic in his earthly ministry by going to places to preach and
heal. He went about proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and making
the sick, afflicted, and oppressed whole again in their body, soul, and spirit.
For continuity and the growth of the church, Jesus raised his disciples and
gave them the mandates and strategies to go, preach and heal. This study
explores the missionary mandates and strategies given to the Twelve in Luke
9:1-6 and their relevance to contemporary mission strategies in the twenty-
first century. The passage in Luke 9 outlines Jesus’ instructions to his
disciples, emphasizing the dual mandate to "preach the kingdom of God" and
"heal the sick." These foundational directives not only shaped the early
Christian mission but also provide critical insights for modern missionary
endeavors. This researcher selected five prominent mission agencies in
Nigeria, reviewed their mandates and mission strategies to see their
alignment with Luke 9:1-6. This paper argues that while the mission
strategies in Luke 9:1-6 can be modified, the integration of preaching and
healing remains fundamental for effective mission work, as it addresses both
the spiritual and physical needs of people.