When mission is in step with God’s Spirit it is often a two-fold experience. It can be utterly exhausting. At the same time, it is life-giving and renewing for those who by all practical measures have given themselves away. The church may be the only long-running organization that was designed from the start for the purpose of giving itself away. Yet it has endured centuries of this endeavor. Presbyterians have a long and well-respected history of mission relationships around the world. Perhaps, then, we already have some inroads as to how and where to find our own places in this unfolding drama of mission and ministry.
One helpful model for mission seeks an encounter with God through Action—Reflection—Worship. These three components are not necessarily sequential in nature, and different individuals may enter the process at any of these entry points. Combined, they result in an authentic and transforming encounter with God’s Spirit at work in the world.
Action. Mission is not just a spectator sport. It demands an active response. Appropriate responses can include building relationships, volunteering, praying, becoming an advocate, educating yourself and others, supporting work financially, hosting a guest, or possibly organizing a hands-on mission and service experience.
Reflection. Unlike the old Nike slogan, “Just Do It,” reflection means connecting action with meaning. It takes the “what” of mission activity and explores the “so what” of our faith. It can be as simple as asking a group of young people at the conclusion of a service project, “What has changed in this world as a result of your actions today? And what has changed in you as a result of your involvement?” Reflection also seeks to relate our individual stories to the meta-narrative of the biblical story.
Worship. Worship in the Reformed tradition connects us not only to our Creator, but with the Creator’s world as well. We gather for worship as a result of all that we have experienced of God’s faithfulness in the context of our day-to-day living on this earth. In the course of worship we bring to God the actual stories, celebrations, and concerns of the world. We are renewed by our encounter with the living Word and consequently are sent into the world to continue God’s ministry of reconciliation and transformation. Some faith traditions might lean toward worship as an escape from the reality of this world. Not so for us Presbyterians. We recognize that God is at work in all of life, sovereign over all creation; therefore, we engage the needs and joys of the real world in our worship experience. When we are attuned to God’s Spirit, then we are renewed to go out into the world as God’s agents, sharing grace and transforming love.
When we engage in mission in a manner that is intentionally faithful, the process comes full circle. The world is healed and we find our place and purpose in God’s embrace. |
