.svg)
We live at a time when there are many authoritative voices suggesting the way forward in mission. If you are a humble local church Vicar/Rector this can be very confusing. Even if you are a Bishop, it is a both a big challenge and opportunity to promote one approach over another. You yourself will have your own ideas and so will some of your people. Charting a way forward can be very challenging. It’s encouraging to know that Paul, who had a direct call and mission given to him from God, still had his critics and people who questioned his actions.
In 2 Corinthians Paul is defending his ministry from his critics. Some considered him to be a lesser apostle – weak, unworthy, unimpressive, a good writer but a poor orator. Helpfully for us we gain remarkable insight into how he went about deciding what his mission focus and action should be. In Chapter 10 towards the end of a long and fascinating argument Paul reveals his mission strategy. In verses 12-18 Paul helps us to reflect on how we can assess our effectiveness, as leaders in God’s Church.
As he argues if we choose to compare ourselves to ourselves, we’re always going to look pretty good. Paul, however, rejects the way of self-comparison. He will only boast about the work God has given him to do – his God given mission field to plough and till. Paul is more concerned about fulfilling God’s mission vision than what people think about him. In verses 15 and 16 Paul outlines his three-step strategy and mission vision!
Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.
For him he wants to see
i. On going Growth in Faith – people maturing as disciples of Christ
ii. Our area of Activity Greatly Expanding – people being mobilised as disciples
iii. Preaching the Gospel in Regions beyond you – making disciples through new mission initiatives or church planting
For Paul it was the mission vision that was important and then the specifics of what that meant for him. He wasn’t content with doing what had always been done nor did he settle for a comfortable ministry.
This is such a helpful way of assessing our own ministries.
i. are people growing as disciples of Christ?
ii. Is this being expressed in an on-going growth in activity/service/outreach?
iii. are we expanding beyond where we are? Are we starting new works to reach new people or planting new churches in regions beyond where we are?
Bishop Stephen Hale
EFAC
