The problem with seeing mission as something in addition to life (apart from that never having been God’s intention) is that most people struggle to live – and in the West, where we have so many labour-saving devices, feel guilty that they struggle to live. For mission to be an additional burden placed upon people of faith is unbearable, unsustainable, and their sense of failure only adds to their sense of guilt.
Too many churches operate as little Egypts; too many church leaders as little Pharaohs, telling people to make bricks and find their own straw.
Rather than seeing mission as something in addition to life, we need to see life as participation in mission.
Rather than looking for a mission focus in addition to our everyday lives, we need to see our everyday lives as missional.
Rather than looking for a mission focus in addition to our everyday lives, we need to see our everyday lives as missional
ReplyDeleteThis is the genius of God's design for mission!! His work is occuring all around us and he's calling us to join him in it where we are. You articulated this brilliantly Andrew!!
Thanks, Stuart. Positive response to this post on facebook, too.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing you on Tuesday night.