Why We Exist

The Great Commission Society at RTS Jackson exists for two reasons: (1) to cultivate a concern for making disciples of all nations, across the street and around the world, and (2) especially to impress upon students the necessity of the work of missions among the peoples of the world who have no access to the gospel.

History of the Great Commission Society

During the early years of Princeton Seminary, student-faculty societies played an important role in the lives and training of students. Societies were founded for some purposes. There were societies for the improvement of preaching, of public worship, of academic scholarship, and there were a variety of theological societies. However, the most influential society at Princeton Seminary was, without question, the Society of Inquiry on Missions. God used this society in tremendous ways. Extending far beyond its original purpose to inform students about domestic and foreign missions, the Society of Inquiry on Missions became the place where students were set aflame with a burning desire for the Gospel to reach those who have never heard the good news. Generations of students were alerted to the needs and opportunities of mission work, and an abundance of missionary volunteers were inspired to forsake the comforts of domestic life to go and do gospel work among those who had no access. The legacy of the Society of Inquiry in the development of the American missionary movement was unparalleled (David B. Calhoun, “The Last Command,” p.135-141).

The Great Commission Society at RTS

Why is the history of old Princeton’s Society of Inquiry important for the Great Commission Society here at RTS? This example demonstrates that God has been pleased to use seminary societies throughout history to motivate seminary students to make tremendous sacrifices for the sake for the kingdom. In a very real sense, Princeton’s story is where our story begins. We want to pick up where they left off. The Great Commission Society wants to take the torch extended by old Princeton to further the rich legacy of Reformed missions, praying that God might be pleased to raise up wave after wave of missionaries here at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi.

For more info, please contact Matt Pinckard. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Contact Matt

Got questions?

  1. Annual Missions Conference: Each fall semester we host a Missions Conference here on campus. A pastor, a professor, or a missionary will come to remind us of the primacy of the Great Commission through a series of sermons over a two to three day period.
  2. Missional Moments: Each month there will be a “core” group lunch meeting during which we will spend time developing a Biblical view of missions, learning about unreached people groups, and praying for the work of missions around the world.
  3. People Group of the Month: Each month there will be one people group that as a campus we will learn about and lift up prayers for during chapel, prayer lunches, and as other opportunities arise.
  4. Evangelistic Encounters:  Each week there will be an opportunity to share the gospel with students in one of the surrounding universities. A member of the Great Commission Society will plan and lead groups of two to three students in evangelistic encounters.

Here are our seven values:

  1. The responsibility and privilege of every believer in missions—to win people for Christ and to plant churches—across the street and around the world by witnessing everywhere, to everyone, in words and deeds, and by praying and by giving until the coming of Christ.
  2. The temporal and eternal misery of all people who have not yet heard and received the gospel.
  3. The centrality of the Church in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
  4. The centrality of preaching and teaching in the work making disciples.
  5. The responsibility of every Christian, as they have opportunity, to do good to all people.
  6. The imperative of suffering and remembering those who are suffering for the cause of Christ.
  7. The glory of God and the joy of all people as the fundamental motive for all missionary endeavors.