Is Everyone a Missionary?

I remember growing up in a church that always supported a few missionaries.  We acted as a type of sending church- sending support monetarily, in prayer, and encouragement.  About once or twice a year, a Sunday morning would be devoted to the missionary's 'presentation.'  These presentations became pretty formulaic...pictures of a foreign land, stories of a different culture, an account of the gospel in the foreign land, and the missionary's call that we too are missionaries in our place and neighborhood.  I have been thinking a little bit about this last statement.  "Every Christian is a Missionary."

On one hand, if the mission of the church is to make disciples and embody the kingdom of God, then a missionary can rightly be understood as anyone who works toward this end.  We teach that part of discipleship is for each disciple to then go and make disciples.  Built within the fabric of the church's mission is to be sent, just as Jesus was sent to save the world.  Our posture is always outwardly focused to reach the lost, heal the sick, mend the broken hearted, alleviate suffering, and bring freedom to the captives.  Every Christian is a witness to God's redemptive movement in history, in our community, in our neighbors, and in our families by way of actively engaging those places that need redemption.

Furthermore, Western culture in general and America in particular are beginning to resemble what has normally been understood as a "mission zone."  Cultural norms associated with the Christian tradition have begun to erode, the steady rise of migration throughout the 20th century has led to an ethnically diverse population, scripture is no longer the common mode of storytelling, and active attendance on any given Sunday is dwindling with each new generation.  Ministering within the United States now requires a type of missionary posture, a posture that understands that Christianity is no longer the dominant force in culture and society.  Missionaries are culturally adept at working within this mentality.  To say that "Everyone is a missionary," may imply the need for Christians to actively seek the Kingdom of God in their place, and learn to move in and between cultures different from one's own for the sake of the gospel.

Perhaps the above analysis speaks to the necessity of the community called church to be missionary.  If the Kingdom of God is a communal practice (as the church proclaims it is), perhaps the moniker "Everyone is a Missionary" is one way missionary individuals try to speak to the communal nature of the missionary activity of God and the church.  But what about individual missionaries?  Could it be that a particular vocational call of an individual to be a "Missionary" is an intricate part in leading God's people into a communal missional character?  I believe so (I know, you're all surprised that a missionary would come out with this conclusion!).  Just as each person is not called to vocationally be a pastor, I do not believe that every person is vocationally called to be a missionary.  Though, we are called to assess our context, learn to see where God is calling us, and obey that call.  But that's just called discipleship.

The challenges of individual missionaries are widespread.  In "Encountering a Theology of Mission," the authors share just a few, "The challenges of communicating the gospel across cultural and linguistic barriers, of making disciples and establishing healthy kingdom communities in unfamiliar contexts, and of appropriately contextualizing the message and expressions of Christianity demand long-term commitments and exceptional gifts that not every Christian possesses" (224).  I read this quote and I immediately feel a bit overwhelmed and humbled by the task, but I also sense the full confidence that comes from being set apart- through past experience, by the laying on of hands, through prayer, and communal affirmation- by God to live into this missionary vocation.

So is there a way to mediate between the individual vocational call as missionary and the overarching missionary enterprise of the church without confusing them?  Can we hold onto both without losing the particular?  Does calling every christian a missionary indeed help orient the church toward God's mission in this world?  And if so, what does that mean for the creative work of missionaries commissioned by the church?  All comments and thoughts are indeed welcomed.

BONUS! Day 31

The 30 Day Blogging Challenge has concluded. I thought it would be good to have a quick wrap-up with some of what I learned. Without further ado...

The Top 5 Lessons of the 30 Day Blog Challenge

5.  If I didn't link a particular post to Facebook, almost no one read it. If I linked the blog, a few more people read it. If Eric shared the post on Facebook (or someone else posted/shared), it more than doubled in viewership.

4.  Producing actual content every day is quite difficult. For me, it was impossible. Thus, this picture post, or this week in pictures, or these Justice quotes, or sharing Micah's growth.

3.  Thinking about the blog everyday generated more content (in thought) than I realized was out there. I'm concluding the 30 days with a list of blog ideas I'd like to write. I started the 30 days with two ideas. I used to think "What do I have to write about?" And now I think, "I want to share this," or "We need to communicate that." But those topics take more thought, research, and editing than is possible in one day.

2.  The accountability to post each day kept the blog (and possible content) always on my mind. This is similar to encountering God. Once you begin the practice, and have the accountability, the moments and creative wonder become easier to see.

1.  The challenge was hard and I failed! I missed April 1 AND April 3. Travel + no wifi = No blogging. I'll try again next year :)

Of course, I will continue blogging (as will Eric). But I'm taking tomorrow off!

Most popular post of the 30 Day Challenge: Seeking Missionary Farmer
Least popular post of the 30 Day Challenge: Testimony - Witness & Worship 
Page-views throughout the 30 Day Challenge: 2,220

Day 30: Optimism

Let's end on a positive note, shall we?

We've been on a Dr. Seuss kick lately.  From Oh, the Places You'll Go...

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know. 

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

While I don't buy into this 100%, I have always been the optimist type. If you set out to do something, you might as well give it your all. I've been encouraged this week by stories of people who are doing it, whatever their it may be. Moving across the globe, changing to a healthy diet, learning a new language to improve relationships with neighbors, natural birth, working moms, single parenting, job transitions, and the list goes on. I often say, "I can't imagine.." or, "I don't know how you're doing it." But the truth is, when you're in the midst of the situation, you just do it. 

The alteration I would make to Dr. Seuss' writing is that you're not on your own. You (hopefully) have supporters, cheerleaders, and friends: a community that helps shape where you are going. And you certainly have a God who understands and feels human challenges as you meet them.  This is the same God who became human, lived among us, ate our food, scraped his knee, was arrested, and put to death.  It is this God who directs our going and is rooting for you as you go.

So where are you going?

Day 29: The Gift of One Hour

What do you do when you're gifted one unexpected (kid-free) hour?

The list is long, and a little overwhelming. I prioritized and have accomplished this: journaling to both of my kids. I have about 15 minutes left, and I plan to write this blog, scroll through my newsfeed, and head home.

Just today I was thinking about the work related tasks that need to be done. I could probably knock out a significant amount of tasks in an afternoon.  But thinking about those got me thinking about scheduling these administrative-type tasks into my weekly schedule. Thinking about scheduling got me thinking about our future furlough trip (dates yet-to-be-determined), which got me thinking about building relationships with churches, which got me thinking about.... You see how this goes.

So instead of crossing a few things off my list today, I chose to make an investment in my kids' lives. And I'm so glad I did. If I put off writing down memories then I'll forget them. These days pass by so quickly and good or bad, I will never have them back.

Day 28: Testimony- Witness and Worship

I've been reading through some material on the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles.  In particular, did the ancient Israelites as described in the Hebrew scriptures seek out Gentile converts, or does their relationship to the world look different than how we evangelicals would understand a 'missionary endeavor?'  I ran across this quote by Harold Rowley in Yoder's "Theology of Mission."

They are not missionaries, seeking to win the nations to the faith of Jehovah, but rather [people] who are so moved with gratitude to God for all His goodness to them that they can think of no worthier way of acknowledging His goodness than to tell all [people] about him...But this was born of their sense of what they owe to God, rather than any compassion for the Gentiles (54). [sic]

I'll probably be contemplating this quote for some time, but I'll share a few of my initial thoughts.  The missionary activity of the church is similar to the call of Israel to be a faithful people.  It is through our fidelity to God's call for us to practice- to make visible- the Kingdom of God in our present location that others will acknowledge God's presence with us.  Or to put another way, as we learn to see and acknowledge what God has done for us, how God has transformed us, changed us, guided us, and made us a more grace filled people, we can't help but share that work with others.

In our Discipleship Clutch, we spend some time talking about the value of testimony.  We call the combination of witness (our story of how God is working in our life/community) and worship (the praise that it is God who transforms us/community) testimony.  Pastor Ryan reminds us, "Our testimony is sharing what God has done, is doing, and will continue to faithfully do into the future."

Day 27: Modeling

How to Be A Model Parent:

Let your inquisitive and curious toddler watch you put makeup on. And then leave said toddler unattended for a few minutes while you talk to your mom on the phone. Voila!

Day 26: Furlough (PURPOSE)

This is part of a series on FURLOUGH. To unpack the details of Furlough, for us specifically, this will be a series of 3 posts (though not immediately within the 30 day challenge). We plan to address the following:

Length of Time
Projected Date
Furlough vs. Vacation
Funding Furlough
Purpose of Furlough
Location of Furlough

Today's topic is a big one, so we'll just tackle one topic in this post.

Let's talk PURPOSE

Furlough is not one long vacation, or continual begging for money. Furlough is: times of rest and relaxation both spiritually and physically; it’s traveling; it’s reporting to prayer and financial supporters what God has done through us in ministry; it’s more traveling; it’s spending time with family and friends; it’s parenting kids in unfamiliar territory; it’s increasing one’s ministry skills through education or special training. It’s all this and much more!

Rest & Renewal

Taking time for rest and renewal is a very valid purpose for furlough.  After the initial culture shock of living in Hawaii wears down, there remains a certain level of cultural stress (that I'm told never goes away). Stepping away from our work physically will allow us the opportunity to rest fully... well, as fully as parents of toddlers are able to "rest."

Reconnect

As you know, our family is on the mainland. Our relationships with our families and close friends is of extreme importance to us. A primary focus of ours will be fellowshipping with these people.

Report

Just as Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14 and 15 reported to churches from Antioch to Jerusalem on “what God had done through them,” so missionaries report today to their churches. As of right now, we have 3 supporting churches and a host of personal funders. We are always developing new relationships and are eager to share God's work with others. We will work first on scheduling church visits, then with individuals who are in close proximity to one of our many destinations.  We would love to know if you or a church you are a part of would like for us to visit/share with you.

Education

During the last several years of ministry, Eric and I have found that our best times of reflection come during a scheduled break. This might come through reading, studying, writing, or attending a conference. All of these facets of education have great importance to us, though it's unlikely we will have adequate time for everything!  We often find that intentional scheduled moments for reflection fill us with a renewed sense of purpose and passion.

In an upcoming post on furlough, we'll hash out some of the details. 

Day 25: Travel

Eric and I traveled to Oahu this week for District Assembly. In short, traveling with kids is hard! Attending a District Assembly in Hawaii is a little different than we're used to.  For one thing, we have to fly to a different island to actually attend.  And with Honolulu traffic being among the worst in the nation, it still takes 45 minutes to drive 6 miles.  We felt perpetually late and out of our element; having adjusted to the slower paced small-city feel of Kona.  But we were looking forward to visiting Oahu and gathering with our broader church.

In all, we are grateful for the opportunity to meet other pastors and leaders on our district. We are thankful for the leadership given, and hopeful for the future of the Church in Hawaii.  And on a personal level, we are honored to serve with our own pastor, Ryan Fasani.

Praying over our newly elected District Superintendent, Rick Powers.

Sending retiring District Superintendent, Bob & Ruth Killen, out with lots of Aloha!

We got through this week with a whole lot of baby-wearing, no naps, late-bedtimes, and a few-too-many toddler melt downs. But we made it!

Day 24: Mission: Kona Coast

We were invited to share a few words about Mission: Kona Coast at District Assembly this week.  Here's our pastor, Ryan, giving an overview, followed by Eric giving a brief summary of our work. 

Day 23: Partner

I would like to take the time today to write about something near and dear to my heart; Eric. He is my partner in this journey of life and I am better for it.

Eric cares deeply for this world; for its people and for its land. He is passionate about theology and the way theology connects to every facet of life. He is a thinker. He is a reader. He is a life-time learner.

Over the past few years, I have watched Eric love people. His patience has grown as the relationships around him have deepened. I have watched him give of himself; of his time, of his energy, of his resources. I have watched Eric grow as a person, and I have grown too.

Eric has taught me to love deeper and to take risks.  To slow down and to make time for others. As a result, I have experienced deeper and more meaningful relationships.  I have found unique value where I wouldn't have looked. I like to think I'm starting to see people how God sees people. Unique. Wonderful. Gifted. Beautiful. Intricate. Worthy.

Here's to deeper growth as we continue this journey together.