As I write this four humans are hurtling through the vacuum of space currently on their “home stretch” back to Earth after a historic flyby of the Moon. The Artemis II mission has captured the world’s imagination, breaking records for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from our planet.
There’s a specific kind of awe that comes with witnessing this crew push into the unknown. But for those of us following a different “Commander,” the Artemis mission is more than just a scientific milestone—it’s a vivid blueprint for the mission we’ve been called to right here on Earth.
The Artemis team isn’t using 1960s tech to solve 2026 problems. The Orion spacecraft features several innovations to help them reach farther than ever before. Similarly, our mission to share the Gospel requires groundbreaking engagement. We can no longer just “hand out tracts” in a digital-first world. Engaging in groundbreaking ways means:
Meeting people where they are: Whether that’s in virtual spaces, through intentional community service, or by leveraging new technology, art, science and storytelling to bridge the gap between ancient truth and modern questions.
Space is a hostile environment. The Artemis II crew uses radiation-shielding procedures to protect themselves from invisible threats. In our mission, we face a different kind of “radiation”: prevailing skepticism and doubt. In a culture that often views faith with a critical side-eye, we have to:
- Expect friction: Doubt isn’t the enemy of faith; it’s the environment where faith is tested.
- Prepare our “Heat Shields”: We overcome skepticism not by being louder, but by being clearer—answering hard questions with gentleness, respect, and a life that actually looks like Jesus.
One of the updates from the Orion capsule this week was from astronaut Christina Koch, who mentioned that in the tight quarters almost every task—from eating to observing the lunar surface—is a four-person activity.
The Christian life was never meant to be a solo flight. We are far more effective when we embrace the diversity of the “crew” God has placed around us. Just as the Artemis crew relies on Mission Control and each other, we rely on the Holy Spirit and fellow believers. Your specific “mission specialty”—whether it’s encouragement, teaching, or service—is vital to the success of the whole journey.
As we watch the Artemis II capsule complete its mission, let it be a reminder, we are part of the most significant “launch” in history. Our mission doesn’t just aim for the Moon; it aims for the hearts of people.
We have the innovation, the crew and the ultimate Flight Director. It’s time to stop hovering in low-Earth orbit and start pushing into the deep.
Are you ready for liftoff? Will you live your life on mission?