What Is the Church Really Here to Do? Jesus, Justice & Our Mission | Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast S4E6
Oct 25, 2026
Summary
What is the church really here to do? Has Christianity lost sight of Jesus’ mission? In Luke 4:16–21, Jesus declares his mission: to bring good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the oppressed, and announce God’s favor. Or, in more modern words: Liberation, restoration, and hope. What would it look like if the church made that mission its priority today?
Detail
What is the church really here to do? Has Christianity lost sight of Jesus’ mission?
In Luke 4:16–21, Jesus declares his mission: to bring good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for the oppressed, and announce God’s favor. Or, in more modern words: Liberation, restoration, and hope. What would it look like if the church made that mission its priority today?
That’s what Revs. Trudy and Brittany ask in this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, as they examine Luke 4:16-21, when Jesus publicly declares the mission of his ministry at his hometown synagogue. Through their conversation, the female pastors explore:
- Jesus’ mission and the purpose of the church: What did Jesus say the church should be doing?
- Faith and social justice: What does it mean to bring good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed?
- Progressive Christianity and church tradition: How can churches honor their history while embracing change?
- Church hurt and changing perspectives: What can we learn from people who have left the church—or returned with new eyes?
- The idols of institutional religion: Have churches become too focused on attendance, finances, buildings, and rules?
- Faith in action: How can spiritual growth lead us to care for our neighbors and work toward justice?
This is the second episode in our “What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus Today?” series. Next, we’ll turn our attention to faith in action and ask: What does it look like to make an impact?
Reflection Questions
- What role might you need to break free from to do what God asks?
- What difference does it make that Jesus said “now” rather than “not yet”?
- In what ways has Christianity lived up to, and fallen short of, its mission of liberation, restoration, and hope?
Continue the Conversation
Whether you're exploring progressive Christianity, deconstructing your faith, studying the Bible, pursuing justice, wrestling with theology, or simply asking honest questions about Scripture, we invite you to join the conversation:
- Convergence discussion group (Sundays at 12 PM): https://www.fumcsd.org/events
- Join our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/fumcsd
Timestamps
00:00 Has the Church Lost Sight of Jesus’ Mission?
01:23 Jesus Declares His Mission (Luke 4:16–21)
02:26 Why Luke Puts Jesus’ Mission Front and Center
04:17 Remember Why the Church Exists
09:46 How Stepping Away Can Change Your Perspective
10:03 What Can Younger Generations Teach the Church?
12:19 Has the Church Forgotten Jesus’ Mission?
15:35 Why Following Jesus Requires Getting Uncomfortable
16:43 Why Did Jesus Leave Vengeance Out of Isaiah’s Message?
17:42 What Are We Captive to Today?
22:06 Buildings and Budgets vs. Serving the Poor
26:25 Taking Your Faith Beyond Church Walls
28:09 Can the Church Honor Tradition and Still Change?
29:10 Reflection Questions: Putting Jesus’ Mission into Practice
