Columbia, SC — What does it truly mean to participate in the mission of God? And who, exactly, is called to take part in the Great Commission?
In a recent conversation, Dr. David Croteau, Dean of the Seminary & School of Counseling at Columbia International University, sat down with Dr. Victor Cuartas, Professor of Intercultural Studies and Elmer V. Thompson Chair of Church Planting, to explore God’s global mission, and why it demands the engagement of the whole body of Christ.
Their discussion offers a compelling vision for students discerning a calling to missions, intercultural ministry and global engagement.
Understanding the Mission of God
According to Dr. Cuartas, the mission of God is far broader than individual ministry efforts or short-term strategies.
“The mission of God is everything that God does to glorify Himself,” he explained. “His desire is to reveal Himself to all peoples and all creation.”
At its heart, God’s mission includes His redemptive plan of salvation, but it does not stop there. It encompasses His ongoing work of making Himself known among every nation, culture and people group. The Great Commission, then, is not an isolated command; it is an invitation to participate in what God is already doing throughout the world.
This theological foundation shapes how CIU prepares students for global ministry rooted in Scripture, driven by God’s glory, and expressed through faithful presence among the nations.
Every Believer Has a Role in the Great Commission
A key theme of the conversation was the inclusive nature of God’s call.
“The mission of God is not limited to pastors or full-time missionaries,” Dr. Cuartas emphasized. “Every follower of Christ has a role to play.”
From teachers and nurses to business leaders, coaches and community developers, God equips His people with diverse skills and vocations that can be leveraged for gospel impact. Wherever believers live and serve, they are invited to join God’s mission through their everyday work and relationships.
This conviction lies at the heart of CIU’s Seminary and Missions programs, which equips students to integrate faith, profession and global service whether they serve locally or cross cultures around the world.
Why Unity Matters for Global Mission
Dr. Cuartas also underscored the necessity of unity within the global Church.
“When we think about the Muslim world, the Hindu world or Buddhist and folk religions, the task is simply too large for one denomination or group,” he said.
The Great Commission requires collaboration across denominations, cultures, generations and continents. Effective mission work depends on strategic partnerships between the Global South and Global North, as well as cooperation among diverse ethnicities and people groups.
This vision of unity directly reflects CIU’s long-standing commitment to evangelical unity and the priority of world evangelization, values that have shaped the university since its founding.
Preparing for Intercultural Impact at CIU
Through its School of Missions & Intercultural Ministry, CIU prepares students to engage God’s mission with theological depth, cultural intelligence and practical skill.
Programs equip students for a wide range of callings, including:
- Intercultural Studies (BS, MA, PhD) — preparing students for cross-cultural ministry, research and leadership
- International Community Development (BS) — integrating development, justice and gospel-centered service
- Disaster Relief & Emergency Management (BS) — equipping responders to serve in crisis contexts with compassion and excellence
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (BA, MA, Graduate Certificate) — creating gospel access through language education
- Muslim-Christian Relations (MA, Graduate Certificate) — preparing students for informed, respectful engagement in Muslim contexts
- Global Migration Studies (MA, Graduate Certificate) — addressing one of the most pressing global challenges of our time
Together, these programs reflect CIU’s holistic approach to missions one that prepares students academically, spiritually and practically to serve in complex global environments.
Faculty Who Live the Mission
Dr. Cuartas brings both scholarly expertise and lived experience to the classroom. Before joining CIU in 2016, he served in missions and church planting in his native Colombia, taught global missions at Regent University, and continues to partner with Crossover Global, a church planting organization focused on unreached people groups.
His work embodies the kind of integrated faith and practice CIU seeks to cultivate, where theological conviction fuels real-world impact.
Joining God’s Global Work
As Dr. Croteau and Dr. Cuartas made clear, the mission of God is not reserved for a select few. It is a calling extended to every believer, and a calling that requires thoughtful preparation, biblical grounding and intercultural competence.
For students sensing God’s leading toward missions, intercultural ministry or global service, Columbia International University offers more than academic training, it offers a community shaped by evangelical unity, a global vision and a shared commitment to making Christ known among the nations.
Learn more about CIU’s School of Missions & Intercultural Ministry and Columbia Biblical Seminary programs at ciu.edu/seminary-missions.
Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online. Request Info | Apply | Give
