Missional Monday - Rhythm to Dance

I am not much of a dancer but I spent many years as a drummer and I play a whole lot of rhythm guitar these days. One of my favourite things is to play in 3, or a waltz. Whether an old country ballad, an uptempo jazz waltz, or the many things in between, I just love it. (And if you think a waltz sounds kind of girly or sissy just go search My Favourite Things by John Coltrain on YouTube, it will change your mind).

I recently heard Mike Breen share about rhythm in a missional context. He shared about the rhythm of Up, In and Out. I, of course, heard the three beat of a good waltz, felt the rhythm driving a wonderful dance and my attention was captured.

When you look at your life, or the life of your church do you feel that waltz pattern driving the dance. Can you feel the Up- the relationship with Jesus, the In-the community of other believers and the Out- going to the community around you?

If you have followed this blog, or our ministry in Hamilton then you will have heard me share John 13:34-35, which are key verses for how we understand what we do. Jesus gives the command that as He loved us we must love one another. Imitation of Jesus requires we know Him- the Up. The One another is community -the In. Jesus goes on to say that all men might know we are disciples by our love for one another. Jesus is very concerned that we impact the community around us -the Out.

You might not be a dancer (I am certainly not), and you might not be a drummer but all of us are called as Christ followers to this rhythm. Is your life a waltz?

Missional Monday-Luke 10

I am at the Exponential conference this week. I was reminded when listening to Mike Breen today, about the Luke 10 principle, and specifically, finding a person of peace. What is a person of peace? Someone who likes you, listens to you and serves you. If you are looking to find a way to begin to impact lives with the gospel here is a biblical place to begin. Find a person of peace and invest in their life. Follow the natural connections that flow from this relationship.

Missional Monday - R.A Dickey and Tom Waits

It is not all that often that CBC's Q, arguably the most important Arts and Culture show in the country, features an Evangelical Christian.  I don't think that the show has a particular bias against people of the faith, but it just does not seem to happen all that often.  I was very intrigued then, to hear that R.A Dickey, pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, would be a featured guest.

Below is a link to that interview.  I think that you will find, as I did, that it is a touching and sensitive example of someone bearing witness to Jesus when given the opportunity.  Listen especially at about 16:20 when he is specifically asked to share about Christ...beautiful. It may seem a bit understated, and it would be easy to let the moment go by, but put in context, this does not often happen on the CBC very often.  It is quite a powerful moment. 

RA Dickey on CBC Q

If you want have a very real, messy, missional experience however, follow the link below and listen to the whole episode from 5/4/13.   Later in the episode is a fascinating interview with Tom Waits, which always promises to be interesting, and is an absolutely wonderfully rich juxtaposition to the Dickey interview. 

Full episode

Missional Monday-teaching them to obey

If you do not have the gift of hospitality, do you never have anyone over for dinner ever? Surely not. I see a similar parallel in the idea of teaching when it comes to the Great Commission. We may not be a vocational preacher or teacher, but surely we can help someone younger in the faith move towards a deeper understanding of Jesus.
If a disciple is meant to go and make disciples, that will include the command to "teach them to obey everything I have commanded." And if we teach them to obey everything, this must include teaching the command to make disciples, and that includes the teaching. There is an inherent, built in multiplication within this command from Jesus and it is built on the premise that all disciples can participate in helping another learn and obey the teachings of the faith. We all can, and should participate,in some capacity, in helping another grow in spiritual maturity.
This idea of teaching is probably the most intimidating part of the Great Commission for many. "What happens if someone asks a question that I don't have an answer for?" "I don't know enough to share with someone else." These can be paralyzing thoughts. If this is where you find yourself let me offer just a few ideas:

1) Are you a disciple yourself continuing to grow and learn. If you are stagnant, then yes, it will be hard to ever help someone else. But if you are continually growing, God can and will use you. Just share what you know.

2) Who are those around you who are younger in the faith? If your church does not have any, the church may need to ask why, but that is another question. Begin to engage with them and you will find how what you have learned over the years might be of benefit.

3) Lastly, let me share the most liberating words you could ever learn- "I don't know." No one expects you to know everything. Just be honest and most people respect that. If something comes up that you don't know then there is an opportunity to learn together.

It is a bit intimidating, but we can all participate in the process of making disciples. I tend to see it as an amazing invitation by Jesus to participate in His mission. But lets be honest, it is a command as well. But if He commands us then surely He will equip us. And let us not forget that He is with us to the end of the age.

Missional Monday - Baptism

We have been looking at the Great Commission and recognizing the imperative, the command, for all disciples to be involved in "making disciples of all nations."  We have also been looking at the participles, the "ing" verbs, for directions about what that should look like.  Last week, we looked at "going," which bring us to the verb "baptizing," this week.

There is a lot that could be said about the term baptism, but the very least I think that we must recognize baptism as a symbolic and public declaration of faith in the triune God; Father Son and Holy Spirit.  As Paul indicates in Romans 6, baptism is an apt symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and indicates a believer's participation with Christ, dying to our old self, buried, and raised to walk in newness of life.  Baptism is thus indicative of the conversion experience.   In short, baptism indicates, and makes public, the reality of a changed life that comes through faith in Christ.  By baptism one identifies with both Christ and thus the community of Christ followers.

If anyone has read much of what is on this blog or spent any time with me, it would be obvious that I am leery of evangelism "programs," quick sells of the gospel or attempts to "get people saved."  I favour a more wholistic approach that focuses on "making disciples," engaging more deeply.  That being said, however, if the above paragraph indicates how I understand baptism and Jesus saw fit to include it in the Great Commission then lets be clear, evangelism, bringing people to the point of "making a decision for Christ," or conversion, is very much included in this larger wholistic picture.  The fact is that this is one of the least socially unacceptable, most offensive and thus most challenging or uncomfortable parts of disciple making.  This might be especially true for younger generations who have grown up in a pluralistic, post modern context.  The reality is, however, if we do not see this as a significant part of our mission, we are not living out the mission of God in our lives.

We don't convert people, John chapter 16 helps us to see that only the Spirit at work in someones life can bring conviction.  What we are called to do is to participate with God and be ready to be used in any way He sees fit.  This will likely include helping people see the need to make a decision regarding Christ.   We must, however, strive to do so with gentleness, respect and love.     



     

Missional Monday - Going and St. Patrick

Much of what we know about St. Patrick is likely myth.  He likely did not drive the snakes from Ireland, there were not any snakes before he got there.  He certainly did not invent green beer nor the Shamrock Shake.  One thing we do know, however, that comes from his own accounts is that as a young teenager he was abducted by pirates who took him to serve as a slave to Ireland.  He lived in slavery for many years before being able to escape and finally return home.  Patrick would eventually undergo religious training and enter the ministry.  During this time Patrick would discern the place for his ministry.  Patrick returned to the land of his enslavement to bring the gospel to those living in darkness.

In the passage come to be known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Jesus gives the imperative, the command, to make disciples of all nations.  The three other verbs in this passage are participles, "ing" verbs, giving us direction on how to accomplish the command to make disciples.  The first of these verbs is "going" and it is here that Patrick gives us such a powerful, inspiring and challenging example.  If he could go back to the land of his enslavement, to serve in the very country in which he had been held in bondage, then surely we too can "go;" if not to the farthest reaches of the globe, then at least to our neighbour.  And for those of us who live in an area like I do, with many people who do not know Jesus, and in an area where people are flocking from around the world, then even going next door could have huge impacts for reaching all nations.  But then again, maybe God will call you to the farthest reaches of the earth.

We are all called, in some capacity, to fulfill the Great Commission.  After all Jesus taught his disciples to make disciples, and to "teach them to obey everything I have commanded you," which must therefore include the command to make disciples of all nations.  As we have seen, this includes the mandate to "go."  So where is it that you will "go?"  

   

Missional Monday-The Nations Have Always Been God's Heart

It is healthy to periodically take a step back and look at scripture in the bigger picture, to see the themes that emerge from the greater biblical story. In terms of understanding the Mission of God this can be particularly helpful.

Consider God's heart for the nations for example. Even the quickest survey of the biblical story reveals God's heart for the nations as early as the call of Abraham in Genesis to be a blessing to all peoples (12:3). It is also clear as late as Revelation 5:9 which speaks of the redeemed from every tribe, language, people and nation. In between those two points we get the commission from Jesus to Go and make disciples of every nation (Mt 28:19). Again we see God's heart for the nations along with the specifics of what the church should be aiming to do which is make disciples.

A survey of the greater biblical story reveals that missions is not just simply something we tag onto the programs of our church. Rather, the mission of God is an overarching theme running through the biblical narrative from beginning to end. It should thus be a foundational part of the church's self understanding and engagement with the world. We must reflect God's heart and God's heart is for the nations.

Missional Monday - Praying

This week's thought comes from a missed opportunity that I experienced last week. 
There was an individual that I had the opportunity to meet while on vacation.  A few days after meeting him, he stopped by  to see my father in law.  This time, however, he was sporting a huge bandage on the two middle fingers of one hand.  He got the bandage after an afternoon at the Emergency Room.  As it turns out, he had got his fingers caught on the back hatch of a dump truck and done rather serious damage to his fingers.   Although the thought crossed my mind, I neglected to offer to pray.  I have prayed for him in private, but I did miss the opportunity to allow my prayer to be a part of my outreach and mission. 

Prayer is, of course, good in and of itself.  I think, however, that it can also be a very important, strategic and effective part of mission.  What better way to steer a conversation or newly formed relationship into a spiritual direction.  As I wrote last week, we can aim to learn the names and build relationships with those that God puts in our path.  As small talk progresses, and as relationships are formed, offering to pray for someone as you hear about needs in their life can be a really significant thing.  It is a non threatening, non pushy way to turn the conversation to spiritual things in the context of serving and loving.  At worst someone can say no, a bit awkward perhaps but nothing more.  On the other hand they can feel loved, cared for and noticed.  Who knows what else God can do with it.

I think that this also seems to fit into what Jesus commissions his disciples to do as He sends them out to both preach the kingdom and, with the authority He grants, to do works such a healing and casting out demons etc.    
     

Missional Monday-By Name

The doorkeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10:3 HCSB)

Recognizing that Jesus knows us each by name as He calls us, it gave me pause to think about how many of my neighbours I can call by name. I actually know more of my neighbours after just a year in Hamilton than I did in 6 years in Milton. This has a lot to do with the different nature of the neighbourhoods. Milton was a commuting town and many people left early and returned late each day. My neighbours now spend a lot more time in the neighbourhood, on the street and hanging out on the front porch. To be honest, however, there are still many neighbours that I do not know. And more than just neighbours, there are many other people with whom I will interact on a regular basis as I go about my day whose names I might endeavor to learn. What it requires is being intentional.
I think that there are people in each of our lives that we will see or interact with on a regular basis. I truly believe that God can, and wants, to use us where He has us. Some of us may be sent to specific places for specific task at points in our lives, but God wants to use each of us at all points in our lives.
A good place to start is to look and see who God has put in our path. There may be many strangers who are simply one introduction and a few conversations away from being an acquaintance and even friend. When we have learned a name we are building a relationship. It is often through such relationships that we find the opportunities to serve and share and make a difference for the sake of the Kingdom.

Missional Monday - Prayer

I am indebted to my friend Mike Hampton for sharing the following verse and linking it to how we see our role in Missions and Evangelism:

When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:

John 16:8 HCSB

 

As Jesus shares about the coming Holy Spirit, He offers the above statement with regards to one of the Holy Spirit's roles, that of convicting the world.  When we think about this fact with regards to evangelism I find it to be very liberating and helpful for avoiding two possible key errors.  When one recognizes that it is the Holy Spirit's role to convict, then it removes the pressure that one may feel with regards to sharing the faith.  There is no need for performance anxiety as it were, worried about how we might do, about saying the right thing, about convincing people about Jesus.  Simply put, it is not our role it is God's.  We are simply called to give a faithful witness to the Gospel, to speak truth in love and to give testimony.  

 

Secondly, we may also avoid the trap of pride.   No matter what role we play, should we see fruit and even welcome people into the kingdom it is not because of what we have done, as if we should be the ones to be congratulated.  Though we are invited to play a role, it is the work of the Holy Spirit that truly brings conviction of sin, righteousness and judgement.

If this be the case, that it is the Spirit's role to convict, then when we think about our role in God's mission to the world it should bring us to a greater awareness of the need for prayer.  We are not "going on mission" or "doing missions" as if we make the decision and go it alone.  We are rather invited by God to be used in His work in the world.  If we should long to be used effectively we must be in prayer asking God to guide us by His Spirit to the people and places where He is already at work and then respond in obedience to the opportunities we may have to offer a faithful witness.   

 

 

 

Missional Monday - a checklist

Trevin Wax has pointed to a helpful list from Jason Dukes.

Are You Missional? 10 Diagnostic Questions -- Trevin Wax

Below is a summary of that list with some great and challenging thoughts to help evaluate our mindset:

1. When you speak of church, what prepositions do you use?
2. When you think of missions, do you think of a mission trip to a distant city and a service project in your own community or do you think about daily life among your family, neighbors, and coworkers?
3. What is your common declaration about lost people around you? "Can you believe the way those people act?" OR "When can you come over for dinner?"
4. Is my tendency to disengage from culture and retreat into safer, more Christian environments? Or is it to engage culture even amidst discomfort and danger?
5. When you hear "make disciples," do you think of a classroom or your relationships?
6. Do you spend a lot of time wondering whether you should quit your job to surrender to ministry? Or do you simply live to minister to anyone and everyone where you are currently?
7. When you think of a friend who needs help, do you think, "I need to get him to see the pastor" OR "I wonder what I can do to help"?
8. When you think of heaven, do you think "kingdom come" or "kingdom is here"?
9. Do you think godliness is measured with a mirror or within community?
10. Do you have a lost friend who would actually introduce you as his or her friend?