February 6, 2026
- credford5
- 55 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Why Missions Matter at White Oak—and Why They Still Shape Us
At White Oak, missions have never been a side project. They’ve always been part of our DNA.
But as our church continues to grow—and as more people join us who didn’t grow up around church—it’s worth slowing down and clearly answering a basic question: What do we actually mean when we talk about “missions”?
Traditionally, many of us think of missions as overseas work—traveling across the world to share the gospel. That’s absolutely part of it. But at White Oak, missions have always meant something broader and more holistic.
Missions are about participating in the mission Jesus gave us—reaching people, making disciples, and living out the gospel beyond the walls of our church. That includes local neighborhoods, regional partnerships, and global work. Anywhere we step outside ourselves to love others in Jesus’ name—that’s mission.
A Legacy That Has Formed Us
White Oak has a long history of partnering with mission organizations. Over decades, we’ve learned something important: missions don’t just impact the people we serve. They deeply form the people who serve.
When we step into mission work—locally or globally—we’re changed. Our perspective widens. Our faith deepens. We begin to see how big God really is.
For many of us, a mission experience became a defining moment in our faith journey. It opened our eyes to God’s work beyond our own context and helped shape who we are today. That kind of formation isn’t accidental—it’s part of how God grows His people.
Why Missions Still Matter Now
Missions matter because eternity matters.
There are people in Cincinnati, across our country, and around the world who don’t yet know Jesus. And if we truly care about people, we can’t ignore that reality.
But missions also matter because they help us reflect the heart of Jesus. When we step into the needs of others, we’re reminded that God’s kingdom is bigger, more diverse, and more beautiful than our own circles.
Missions expand our hearts. They stretch our faith. They invite us to participate in what God is already doing.
And as White Oak continues to welcome new people—especially those who are exploring faith for the first time—we want missions to be an invitation, not an insider concept. Something lived, experienced, and shared together.
To learn more about Missions here at White Oak we encourage you to watch our Vision Update here: https://youtu.be/YsZPxATnpGY
Nathan Hinkle
Lead Pastor