Miguel Labrador's Blog, page 15

Mission, Missions, or Missional?

Christopher J. H Wright, In his book “The Mission of God’s People,” says:  ”What pops into our mind when we see or hear the word “mission”? Perhaps we are more familiar with it in the form “missions”, which usually brings to mind all the cross-cultural missionary work of the churches we are familiar with. We think of missionary societies, of evangelistic and church-planting missions, of long-term career missionaries or short-term missions, and of global networks of agencies and individuals.” *

He also states that recognizing that mission has at its heart a sense of sending and being sent only raises another question:

Sent to do what? 

The Bible tells us that God did send many people. But the range of things for which people were sent is staggeringly broad. “Sending” language is used in all the following stories. Joseph was sent (unwittingly at first) to be in a position to save lives in a famine (Genesis 45:7). Moses was sent (unwillingly at first) to deliver people from oppression and exploitation (Exodus 3:10). Elijah was sent to influence the course of international politics (1 Kings 19:15-18). Jeremiah was sent to proclaim God’s Word (e.g., Jer. 1:7). Jesus claimed the words of Isaiah that he was sent to preach good news, to proclaim freedom, to give sight for the blind, and to offer release from oppression (Luke 4:16-19; cf. Isa. 61:1).  

The disciples were sent to preach and demonstrate the delivering and healing power of the reign of God (Matthew 10:5-8). As apostles they were sent to make disciples, baptize and teach (Matt. 28:18-20). Jesus sent them into the world in the same way that the Father had sent him, which raises a lot of interesting questions and challenges (John 17:18; 20:21). Paul and Barnabas were sent with famine relief (Acts 11:27-30). Later they were sent for evangelism and church planting (Acts 13:1-3). Titus was sent to ensure trustworthy and transparent financial administration (2 Corinthians 8:16-24). Later he was sent for competent church administration (Titus 1:5). Apollos was sent as a skilled Bible teacher for church nurture (Acts 18:27-28). Many unnamed brothers and sisters were sent out as itinerant teachers for the sake of the truth of the gospel (3 John 5-8). So, even if we agree that the concept of sending and being sent lies at the heart of mission, there is a broad range of biblically sanctioned activities that people may be sent by God to do, including famine relief, action for justice, preaching, evangelism, teaching, healing and administration. Yet when we use the words “missions” and “missionaries”, we tend to think mainly of evangelistic activity.

So, should we refer to it as “The Mission,” “Missions,” or “Missional?” 

 

 

*The bulk of this post has been drawn from Wright, Christopher J. H. (2010-08-24). The Mission of God’s People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission (Kindle Locations 148-151). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

                         
CommentsSo many semantics, discussions and debate. All Christians ... by Rob KampenI've been leaning toward using the phrase “the mission” ... by JonathanEither or both, depending on what is most useful in the context ... by NeilRelated StoriesDiscipleship Group – We’re Going Mobile!Do We All Really Make Disciples In Different Ways?Am I Imposing My Giftings, Emphasis, Context, and Mission On You? 

Less Than 24 Hours Left On This E-Bible Sale! 16 Great Deals!

The MacArthur Study Bible, NKJV

MacArthur, John
$4.99, normally $39.99

Purchase







The NKJV Study Bible

$5.99, Normally $49.99

Purchase







The New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Hayford, Jack
$4.99, Normally $39.99

Purchase







The Voice Bible

Ecclesia Bible Society
$3.99, Normally $39.99

Purchase







The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASB

Stanley, Charles F.
$4.99, Normally $39.99

Purchase







The MacArthur Study Bible, NASB

MacArthur, John
$4.99, Normally $44.99

Purchase







The Orthodox Study Bible

$3.99, Normally $39.99

Purchase





The NKJV Woman’s Study Bible

$4.99$44.99

Purchase







The Maxwell Leadership Bible, NKJV

Maxwell, John C.
$3.99, Normally $34.99

Purchase







The Chronological Study Bible (NKJV)

$5.99, Normally $44.99

Purchase




Daily Reading & Devotional Bibles




Grace For The Moment Daily Bible, NCV

Lucado, Max
$2.99, Normally $19.99

Purchase







Lucado Devotional Bible, NCV

Lucado, Max
$3.99, Normally $39.99

Purchase







The NKJV Daily Bible

$2.99, Normally $9.99

Purchase 







The MacArthur Daily Bible, NKJV

MacArthur, John
$2.99, Normally $19.99

Purchase







Jesus Calling Devotional Bible, NKJV

$3.99, Normally $39.99

Purchase






The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NKJV

Stanley, Charles F.
$3.99, Normally $39.99

Purchase






                        Related StoriesDo We All Really Make Disciples In Different Ways?I Don’t Want To Be That Guy Who’s Pegged As Anti-Church, But…The Gospel Is To Be Obeyed. 

The Gospel Is To Be Obeyed. But How?

I love the scriptures. I’ve loved them since God first opened my eyes to them. In fact, it was while reading the parable of The Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43) that the Father drew me to Christ and gave me the right to become His child. (John 1:12) Every now and again, certain words “pop.” These are likely words that I’ve have seen before, but have escaped my attention. Recently, I have become very aware of the words “obey the gospel.” Look at the following examples:

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” (Romans 10:16 ESV)

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. (2 Corinthians 9:13 NLT)

He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:8 NIV)

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17 NASB)

“Obey” is one of those words which makes people cringe. Properly, it is to obey what is heard… literally, “under hearing,” or listening to the one giving the charge (order) it suggests attentively listening, i.e. fully compliant (responsive). It can also be considered an “intensification” of the simple verb “to listen.”

In the second passage above (2 Corinthians 9:13 NLT), some versions use the word “obey” and others do not. What is clear in that passage is the idea of “obeying the confession of the gospel while in the service of others.”

The last passage (1 Peter 4:17 NASB) doesn’t actually use the word “obey,” but “disobey” apeithéō – literally, refuse to be persuaded (by the Lord) It’s where we get our word “apathy.”

None the less, I find the entire concept, at this point in my walk with Christ a bit unnerving. Sure, the gospel is a message of Hope and of Kingdom and of Peace and of Reconciliation. It is both messenger and message. It is the power unto salvation for those that believe. (Romans 1:16)  And finally, it is by obeying all the commands of Christ that we are and make disciples.  (Matthew 28: 19,20)

But, how do you suppose the Gospel is to be “obeyed?”

                         
Commentsthe term obedience also makes me uncomfortable… in part ... by EliHi Miguel, I was just thinking of this today as me and a ... by CarlosMiguel, This is another very good question. First, that ... by Alan KnoxMiguel – Be encouraged! I look forward with excitement to ... by JeremyRelated StoriesI Don’t Want To Be That Guy Who’s Pegged As Anti-Church, But…Attitude Without Sin?Discipleship Group – We’re Going Mobile! 

Discipleship Group – We’re Going Mobile!

What is “Discipleship Group?”  Check out THIS POST and then come back.  Welcome back!

We’ve been waiting for this.  We haven’t wanted to force or impose our desire do reproduce what’s been taking place in our home in other communities.  It is, however happening quite naturally.  I like to think of it as “Church on the way,” or better yet “Church As you Go.”  It’s an interesting phenomenon, and one that I believe helps to explain the “success” of the disciple making movement that is happening here.  I use the words “success” and “movement” with a bit of hesitation because we have neither orchestrated it, nor will we be the ones who sustain it.  One plants, another waters, God causes the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6)  

It’s been a struggle to balance disciple-making/evangelism with the equipping and encouragement of the many who have already received the gospel.  In over 25 communities our band of faithful brothers and sisters have been plugging away with determination.  Some work longer and harder than others and most exercise their different giftings quite adequately in this Kingdom work.  To be honest, many are tired.  This culture struggles with passing on “leadership,” especially within the church.

As the group has traveled nearly every day and brought the gospel to places where it is not known, many disciples have been made.  As these disciples have been made, some of them have joined us “on the way” as we visit theirs and surrounding communities.  Initially, we may visit a home or a single family, but then over time small gatherings or fellowships are formed.  These fellowships often include believers and unbelievers.  Those who are new to the faith are joining us as we go to visit and counsel with us and to those who are not yet in the faith.  This makes for some very messy experiences at times, but all, I believe, reflective of true church growth.

In the past couple of years, “church as you go,” has become the main expression of church. The weekly gatherings still happen in various places and would be considered more traditional, but for the larger part, “church on the way” has become the dominant force in Kingdom actualization.  

Within the past few weeks, key members of the original discipleship group have all sensed that within nearly all of the communities we’re working in, there are those whom God has called to further the work.  It’s time for us to begin to withdraw while simultaneously equipping them.  I can’t help but feel like we’re on the verge of explosive growth spurt.  We all have a Holy Expectation.

And so, starting this coming Sunday, we’re gathering all of the leaders from various communities and coming together for a multi-community Discipleship Group.  Our plan is to meet once every 6 weeks and foster what has been happening in our home over the past three years.  We hope it will be contagious in their homes and communities too.   

If you have been touched by this and the preceding article and would like to help facilitate, pray, or financially support this work, contact me by email at:  He.is@live.com 

                        Related StoriesI Don’t Want To Be That Guy Who’s Pegged As Anti-Church, But…Am I Imposing My Giftings, Emphasis, Context, and Mission On You?Do We All Really Make Disciples In Different Ways? 

Do We All Really Make Disciples In Different Ways?

In order to answer the question, we need to have some consensus on what it means to make a disciple. But first, let’s dispel any notion that “we don’t make disciples, Jesus does.” It would be better to say that “no one regenerates the heart other than the trinitarian God.” (Ezekiel 36:26) No one comes to Jesus unless the Father draws them.” (John 6:44)

There is a sense by which the words believer and disciple are synonymous, and there is a sense where a disciple/learner/student/follower may not yet be born again. He spoke “to those Jews who had believed Him,” and He said to them, “if you continue in (abide in) My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free,” John 8:31-32. I’d be glad to discuss this idea further in the comment section, but for now I think we can agree that there may be persons “following” their way into being a disciple.

Discipleship, or the process of Making a Disciple begins before one believes, and in this author’s opinion, continues unto the end of our earthly lives. Also, and for the purposes of this post, I’ll place “evangelism” within the actions of discipleship. I’ll take Mark 16:15 – (Preaching the Gospel to all of creation) and place it within the “Go” of Matthew 28,19,20 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)

One of “all” the commands which Jesus would have passed on to all generations of the church is “Make Disciples.” Not only did Jesus command it, He also gave the manner in which we were to obey/observe the command.

In the Great Commission, (Let’s not squabble over the term, but instead embrace the heart of our savior in it) Jesus said that the “means by which” we are to Make Disciples are as follows:

“Go” – Going is not simply “as you are going about your lives.” It would be better translated as “Go, and having gone.” It is an intentional departure with God ordained purpose.

“Baptize” – Baptizing or immersing people in the Name of the Father, Son, and Spirit in much more than water is also a component of Making Disciples.

“Teach” – Teach them to obey all that Jesus commanded. The command to “Make Disciples” included.

All three of these words, “Go,” “baptize,” and “Teach,” are not verbs in the strict sense, but participles of means. In other words, they are the means by which (according to Jesus) disciples are made. Can the execution of the tasks of going, baptizing, and teaching take on different forms? Can they be expressed in different ways? Can a diverse body with different gifts and talents execute these means with flexibility? I would answer yes, but…

For me, it’s either go or don’t go. It’s either Baptize or don’t baptize. It’s teach or don’t teach. But, the manner in which I intentionally go may look a bit different than your manner of going. The manner in which I baptize may look a bit different than the manner in which you baptize. And, the manner in which I teach may certainly look different than the manner in which you teach.

So, back to the original question:

Do we really all Make Disciples in different ways, or do we execute the means by which we make disciples in different ways. Does it make a difference?

 

                        Related StoriesWhatever Happened To Catechism & Discipleship?Am I Imposing My Giftings, Emphasis, Context, and Mission On You?I Don’t Want To Be That Guy Who’s Pegged As Anti-Church, But… 

Am I Imposing My Giftings, Emphasis, Context, and Mission On You?

A friend recently asked me if it was possible that I was imposing my emphasis in God’s mission on others. It’s a hard-hitting question that, I admit, has caused me to think. Am I suffering from “My” myopia?

Am I, in a sense, one of those who is placing heavy and unnecessary burdens on people? (Acts 15:28) Am I just exchanging an old fulfilled law with one of my making and being pharisaical by urging others to follow along? (Galatians 3:3)

There are really only two sets of mission in scripture. Mission that is commanded by God for everyone, and mission that is delegated by God to only some. The differences between them can be subtle and subjective. Determining which is which corporately, or as a church, if difficult enough. Determining our personal role in God’s mission is often exponentially more so.

I think that drawing from the scripture and determining the audience, context, and culture can help us decide what aspects of God’s mission are for the entire body of Christ and which are for a select subgroup. The problem remains that there are always those who will try to convince you that there is an elite force in God’s Mission, and a less capable “working class.”

Gone is the idea of a separated priestly class. In its place comes the priesthood of all believers. (1 Pet. 2:9) God’s ultimate purpose or mission belongs to Him. God’s temporal purposes (our mission) ordained by him, belongs to, or has been delegated to us.

One of those mission aspects, The Making of Disciples, appears to have fallen into the crack of uncertainty. Is the making of disciples a mission for all, or for just a dedicated few? Are all gifted and endowed with “the stuff” it takes to make disciples? Does the command to “Make Disciples of all nations,” apply to every believer? If I tell you that as believer, you must make disciples, then Am I usurping “Thy will be done” with “My will be done?”

                         
CommentsOOOO!!! Good answer Carlos. Maybe even better than mine. If ... by David WoodsOnly those who are mission-minded enough to keep reading your ... by David WoodsMiguel…I feel like a baby Christian in view of the things the ... by CarlosJust curious, is this in reference to what I said? If so, this ... by Lisa RobinsonRelated StoriesI Don’t Want To Be That Guy Who’s Pegged As Anti-Church, But…Whatever Happened To Catechism & Discipleship?Romans 8:28 Isn’t Just About Things Working Out For Good, It’s About Mission. 

5 Solidly Biblical Reasons Why There Are No More Apostles And Prophets.

Sorry,

I couldn’t think of any.

 You? 

                         
CommentsCarlos, my comment was kept brief deliberately as I think there ... by Rob KampenHuh? I came here all ready to defend what I consider to be ... by CarlosNo, I am at a loss – read the Bible lots but seems like ... by Rob KampenRelated StoriesWhatever Happened To Catechism & Discipleship?Fracturing The Logos of the GospelI Don’t Want To Be That Guy Who’s Pegged As Anti-Church, But… 

What if the Singular Act of Making Disciples Encompassed All of what Church is Supposed to Be?

As early as  the 2nd century, Ignatius of Antioch and other groups with differing ecclesiastical distinctives have sought to lay out what the marks of the church are.  These distinctives range in scope and number.  But, what if the singular act of Making Disciples comprises all of what the church is to be?  I don’t want to be reductionistic here, but think about it.  Jesus told his disciples to “go,” “make disciples of all ethnic groups,” “teach them to obey all that he commanded,” and “baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”  Within “all that He commanded” is everything the church is supposed to be.  So, by making disciples, the church becomes all that God intended it to be.  In other words,

“The church doesn’t make the mission, the mission makes the church.  The Mission is Making Disciples”

What do you think?  

                         
Commentsanother two points to add. we must be careful about being ... by EliI agree the mission makes the church. The problem is that the ... by EliYou're completely right, with one caveat. In the text of ... by Stan MeadorI don't believe it is possible to love God and not love others. by Mark LoefflerMark…but do we not love Him BY loving others? Could be just ... by CarlosPlus 4 more...Related StoriesI Don’t Want To Be That Guy Who’s Pegged As Anti-Church, But…Whatever Happened To Catechism & Discipleship?Romans 8:28 Isn’t Just About Things Working Out For Good, It’s About Mission. 

Church – Gathering to Scatter or Gathering While Scattering?

In the last 24 hours, I have seen a number of posts on Church & Mission which have worked me into bit of a frenzy.  While I hesitate to say the following is Part II to my series “I Don’t Want To Be That Guy Who’s Pegged As Anti-Church, But…,” it might just well be.  Let’s get to it then…   

The church gathers so it can scatter.  The assembling of the body  is more like a convergence of those on already on mission, debriefing, adjusting, talking, and attesting to the work of God that is going on in their midst, and less like a body being equipped or prepared to go on mission.  Hence mission leads to church not vice versa.  Church then is not primarily a sending body, but a body that is sent.  A bit of missional physics; “a body in motion stays in motion, and a body at rest stays at rest.”  Mission moves church. Church does not tend to move mission.  A church at rest will stay at rest until mission moves it.

There is no dichotomy between gathering and scattering.  The dichotomy of a scattered vs gathered church is forced in the definition of the word “church.”  If we keep thinking that church is a “place” like a spiritual gas station, a clinic, a safe haven, oasis, or even a watering hole, then we foster and aggravate that dichotomy.  The Church doesn’t have a mission.  The Mission has a church.

Christianity furthers instigates this dichotomy by making pastors “leaders” of churches.  Churchdom has taken a vampiric attitude towards the other 4 giftings in Ephesians 4:11.  It has drained them of their blood and embalmed them in into a single person who represents 1/5th of a Spirit inspired ideal.  We’ve sucked the missional blood from the veins of a full-orbed and ordained body of Christ and limp away wiping our mouths like malnourished, parasite infested, zombies.  If Pastors were supposed to be the leader of churches by themselves, simply protecting and feeding the sheep, then there would be no need for mission. Even the walking dead know they’ve got to get out to be fed.  They know by instinct that mission is central to their “survival.” 
 
Breathe Miguel, Breathe…
 
Now, before you over react, I’m not saying that there shouldn’t be pastors or gatherings.  In fact, I believe that pastors should do their 20% of the work of the ministry to the best of their god-given ability.  I also believe that the gathering to scattering ratio should be somewhere in the range of 14% gathering to 86% scattering.  Do you know where I come up with that figure?  What’s your church’s ratio? 

 
Ok, I’m done with my rant.  Did I go too far? 

 

                         
CommentsI don't think you went too far at all Miguel though I must ... by CarlosRelated StoriesI Don’t Want To Be That Guy Who’s Pegged As Anti-Church, But…Whatever Happened To Catechism & Discipleship?Romans 8:28 Isn’t Just About Things Working Out For Good, It’s About Mission. 

Missional Units Will Become The New Churches

I’m more thinking out loud here that making a firm proposition, so cut me a little slack.  

What if smaller bands of mission minded folks concentrating on the single idea of being sent out into the world to bring a message of hope (The Gospel) for the glory of Christ were to become the new mark of a local church?  What if the local church ejects the idea that it is a place to come to “be fed” and instead gathers smaller groups of people to equip them for the mission so that they can be fed by doing the will of Him who sent them?  John 4:34  What if a local church was redefined as a simply a missional unit? 

Church:

Called out of the world  ~ John 15:19

By God ~ 1 Corinthians 1:2

For a purpose ~ Matthew 28:19,20 / Mark 16:15 /  John 20:21 / Romans 8:28

Unto His Glory ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:12

                         
CommentsWell…with respect to the concept of gathering together to be ... by CarlosWow. That'd be cool. Good luck with that one. by David Woodssaints and small number of saints do mission together; that's ... by MarshallThis is exactly what we started doing about a year ago. Through ... by Jason JoynerRelated StoriesI Don’t Want To Be That Guy Who’s Pegged As Anti-Church, But…Church Discipline In A Social Media World?A Church Discipline Technicality or Loophole?