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Some traditional missions concepts, methods or strategies are requiring increasing resources but their impact is decreasing or even harmful. The turn of the year is an ideal time for considering what former things to discard so that we can embrace the new things God is doing… if we can perceive them (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Missions is replete with women following their vocation in service of the purposes of God. Sad stories of mistreatment abound and this should not be. The dignity and power of women in general is worthy of great respect. For the sake of God’s mission in a hurting world, women must be released to their full potential.
This post is inspired by the TV series Rings of Power, the prequel to the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. The creation story in Tolkein’s Silmarillion book resonates with Māori lore as well as Scripture. Here, I consider how the generative power of song can be applied in our participation together in the mission of God.
March 15, 2019 rocked New Zealand stronger than a earthquake. The nation’s response clarified our values and challenged hidden assumptions. Mana was at stake. How does this influence mission?
Missions is hard work, but sometimes we make it harder than it needs to be. As we face persistent challenging times we would do well to consider where we need to “sharpen our axe”.
The world will only know the Father lovingly sent the Son when the Son’s disciples show the world supernatural (read: intercultural) unity. While we struggle for influence we will struggle for unity.
Our world today is fascinated by the idea of freedom. It is an aspiration of individualist societies, but it is often misunderstood. Freedom is intimately connected to accountability. Without it we’re doomed.
John Chau has left the global evangelical missions community with a gift, at great personal sacrifice. In dramatic fashion he closes a chapter on a bygone era in mission. We need to listen to the conversation he has created.
In an era of unprecedented divisive opinion, where pessimistic tribalism is polarising the people of God, we need a new narrative on which to base our unity. The sooner we recognise God’s grace in one another, the more effective we will be in mission.
Regardless how well maintained, relationships can break and need to be repaired. It is a rare gift to be able to forgive easily, but it is a gift nonetheless. Forgiveness requires one to ‘forget’ the offence. It is a big ask, but it forms the heart of mission.
We so easily bestow “peace” on one another and all Christians are familiar with the term “shalom”, but what do we mean by that? Does it mean just good-thoughts or no threat? A deeper theological understanding can realign our perspective!
With the rapidly changing and increasingly complex world facing missions, a look back into 33 year-old archives revealed that some challenges are remarkably similar. If there’s nothing new under the sun, so our hope must be constant.