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

Jesus was strategic in his earthly ministry by going to places to preach andheal. He went about proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and makingthe sick, afflicted, and oppressed whole again in their body, soul, and spirit.For continuity and the growth of the church, Jesus raised his disciples andgave them the mandates and strategies to go, preach and heal. This studyexplores the missionary mandates and strategies given to the Twelve in Luke9:1-6 and their relevance to contemporary mission strategies in the twenty-first century. The passage in Luke 9 outlines Jesus’ instructions to hisdisciples, emphasizing the dual mandate to "preach the kingdom of God" and"heal the sick." These foundational directives not only shaped the earlyChristian mission but also provide critical insights for modern missionaryendeavors. This researcher selected five prominent mission agencies inNigeria, reviewed their mandates and mission strategies to see theiralignment with Luke 9:1-6. This paper argues that while the missionstrategies in Luke 9:1-6 can be modified, the integration of preaching andhealing remains fundamental for effective mission work, as it addresses boththe spiritual and physical needs of people.