Transforming Communities to Look More Like the Kingdom of God

At Mission ONE, we are dedicated to partnering with the Global Church to make communities look more like the Kingdom of God. This mission has driven us for over 30 years, guiding our work with local leaders, missionaries, and churches around the world. Our vision is clear: to see every community transformed for the glory of God and the honor of all peoples.

But what does it truly mean to transform a community to look like the Kingdom of God? It means addressing both spiritual and physical needs, creating an environment where individuals can flourish, and helping people understand their identity in Christ. Transformation happens when the gospel’s redemptive power touches every aspect of life—relationships, systems, and structures.

Here’s how we’ve seen communities transformed through the principles of God’s Kingdom:

1. Empowering Local Leaders to Drive Transformation

We believe God has already placed capable, passionate leaders within every community. Our role is to listen and come alongside these local leaders who understand their culture, needs, and challenges. By equipping them with resources and support, they can lead change in ways that are relevant and sustainable.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:27, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Local leaders are an integral part of this body, uniquely positioned to reflect God’s love in their communities.

Our local ministry leaders gathered together at our Mission GATHER conference in October 2024

2. Meeting Holistic Needs: Spiritual and Physical

True transformation addresses the whole person—spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially. Jesus modeled this throughout His ministry, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom.

When we meet immediate physical needs through initiatives like medical clinics, schools, small businesses, or relief efforts, we reflect God’s compassion and justice. And when we couple this with sharing the gospel and discipleship, we help people discover their identity in Christ. It’s in this holistic approach that individuals and communities truly begin to thrive.

3. Reaching the Unreached and Planting Churches

In areas where the gospel is unheard or unwelcome, transformation begins with the introduction of Jesus Christ. That’s why we support a network of local missionaries who share the gospel in unreached regions and plant churches where none exist.

Romans 10:14 underscores the importance of this work: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” These missionaries bring the light of Christ to the darkest places, sparking hope and renewal.

4. Building Locally-Sustained Solutions

Short-term fixes cannot achieve long-term transformation. Over the years, we’ve learned that sustainable, locally-led projects bring dignity, stability, and flourishing. Initiatives like small businesses, agricultural programs, and education provide communities with the tools they need to thrive.

These efforts not only alleviate immediate struggles, but also empower communities to stand on their own, creating a ripple effect that lasts for generations. These programs also support the long-term financial needs of the ministry—ensuring local missionaries and churches are able to continue supporting the communities they’re serving for years to come.

For example, several years ago Mission ONE initiated a car rental business led by one of our local ministry leaders in Eldoret, Kenya. This business is sustaining ministry efforts long-term as it generates income to support ministry initiatives while providing jobs and essential services to the community. Currently, five cars are consistently rented out, earning an average of $1,500 per month.

We are grateful for God’s provision and the leadership guiding this project as it continues to advance His Kingdom!

Sammy, local leader of the car rental in Eldoret, Kenya

5. Fostering Identity in Christ for True Transformation

When people understand their worth as children of God, transformation takes root. Knowing one’s identity in Christ brings freedom, purpose, and hope. This is why discipleship and teaching are central to our work.

As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Transformation begins within the heart and radiates outward, touching families, communities, and beyond.

Lessons from 30+ Years in Ministry

Over the past three decades, we’ve encountered challenges—from navigating cultural differences to sustaining projects during economic and political instability. Yet through every difficulty, we’ve seen God’s faithfulness.

We’ve learned that listening and collaborating with local leaders is essential for success. Transformation is not about imposing external ideas, but about empowering communities to reflect the Kingdom from within.

How You Can Help Transform Communities

Your partnership plays a vital role in making this work possible. When you give to Mission ONE, you’re equipping local leaders, supporting missionaries, and funding initiatives that meet both spiritual and physical needs.

Together, we can see communities transformed to reflect the Kingdom of God—a place where people thrive, discover their identity in Christ, and live out the values of love, justice, and mercy.

Join us in this mission of holistic transformation. Together, we can bring God’s glory to unreached communities around the world. Learn how you can support this work here.