The local church can . . .
. . . send missionaries - That's right, the local church can actually send missionaries! The local church is uniquely positioned to do just that. Our church has just commissioned our first missionary. We have set up a Sending Council. We have re-formatted our missions resources. We have developed a comprehensive approach to missiology. We have made a commitment to be a supportive, pro-active missional congregation.
. . . collaborate with others in missions - We haven't had to throw out the baby with the bath water to accomplish this. We are still supporting our traditonal missions enterprises. We still give financially to various boards and agencies that have historically received our missions dollars. We also have partnered with some key churches to develop a collaborative effort in this missions endeavor. We are committed to significant partnerships in order to pool our resources when possible in order to accomplish the advancement of the kingdom.
. . . develop glocal strategy - We also haven't had to sacrifice our local church and missions efforts in order to begin sending missionaries. As a matter of fact, our local commitments are growing. We are working to accommodate our church's growth in the midst of focusing our efforts on the world's needs. I believe this is the blessing of God!
. . . do whatever God leads you to do - Yes, I believe you can do whatever God leads you to do. The local church is the center of God's activity in the world. He has chosen to work through the church. What a privilege for us! We are "in on" what God is doing! That is an awesome truth and it brings serious responsibility with it. We must be good stewards of God's blessing.
Your local church is a special place. Your church can . . .!
Blessings,
Dennis R. Wiles
2 comments:
Where's the link on your church site? This is a good word. How did I miss this?
Today was the best I've ever heard "Orientation" as a part of your Sacramental Journey. I thought about that as you preached.
Dennis,
Here are two "stories" that are my favorites. Don't know if you have them in your library.
I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. I immediately ran over and said "Stop! Don't do it!"
"Why shouldn't I?" he said.
I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!"
"Like what?"
"Well ... are you religious or atheist?"
"Religious."
"Me too! Are you Christian or Jewish?"
"Christian."
"Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?"
"Protestant."
"Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?"
"Baptist."
"Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?"
"Baptist Church of God."
"Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?"
"Reformed Baptist Church of God."
"Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879,
or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?"
"Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!"
To which I said, "Die, heretic scum!" and pushed him off.
THERE'S RIOTING IN ZION
by Calvin Miller
There's rioting in Zion by the radical fanatics
And Episcopalians even now must snub the charismatics,
And Presbyterians in the South hate Presbyterians North,
And a Piedmont Southern Baptists rails his brother from Ft. Worth
And when Freewill Methodists ascend to climb those golden stairs
They must be quiet for Catholics will find that they are there.
When Appalachian Christians in handling golden snakes
And drinking golden arsenic with golden stomaches
Will see a Catholic speaking with one of Luther's men
And wonder where in Purgatory both of them have been.
And now the hate we must endure is somehow most perennial
And "A's" and "Pre's" may hate with glee the lowly Post-Millenial
There's rioting in Zion and with bloodied fist and glove
We all are learning how to hate in warmest Christian love.
Milton
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