So I am quite convicted about a few things between my Haiti trip and hanging out with my Campus Ministry colleagues. One of the greater topics I am pondering right now is the ministry of sending people out. What follows is not a polished post, just my raw thoughts on the subject and some things the Holy Spirit is questioning me about:
- People leave churches and ministries all of the time and for a variety of reasons. In fact, in 5 years time the landscape of most American Churches usually change dramatically. Very few people join a church thinking they'll leave in 2 years, but we all know that it happens. What if, instead of doing all we can to keep people in one place for their entire lives, we focused on sending them out for the mission? It could be argued that this is closer to a biblical model of discipleship than a life long membership in the same church.
- One of the reasons we don't send people out is we don't want them to go. The fear is that if we release our best (and almost best) people to another mission, that we (personally and the organizations we build) will suffer because of it. However, it seems that particularly in our society, people tend to be nomadic by definition. That 'nomad' could be lack of commitment. But it could also be something else, something borne in their spiritual gifting. For instance, many of the apostles moved from place to place depending on the need and desire of the Spirit. But sending people out isn't great for our personal kingdoms and egos.
- Another reason we don't send people out is that we don't wanna go. I can imagine that when I walk up to some A218 leaders and say to them, 'I believe God is calling you to leave A218 to start or be a part something new (or something else) somewhere else,' that they could possibly feel like I am really saying, 'thanks for being around, but we don't want you anymore'. I attribute this miscommunication to living in a generation who already lacks strong family connection and therefore (expects and) receives their emotional support from their faith community. When the leader of that faith community (one of the primary conduits of acceptance and guidance) makes a statement like this, they feel a sense of rejection (that this generation is all too used to). I wonder if we are ever truly ready to be kicked out of the nest. Rejection is rough to deal with, but not fulfilling one's call has eternal ramifications.
Another reason we don't want to be sent out: it means we can't be a spectator. I am not convinced that the goal of church is that one will sit under one person's teaching for the rest of the lives. At what point does the student become the teacher? At what point does the disciple become a disciple maker? One argument that is usually made at this point is 'I don't think I am called to lead God's people.' Totally valid if you are thinking of being an elder in the UM Church, a missionary to Africa or similar...roles that require specific calls. But what must be answered by every believer is how will you actively engage the 'go and make disciples of all nations' (Matthew 28:19) and the 'you will be my witnesses' (Acts 1:8)? These statements do not appear to be reserved for a few, especially when you take into account the doctrine of 'the priesthood of all believers'.
Final reason (for today) I don't wanna send people out: it means that I must compel you to grow up. A baby can blame their mom ( in a sense) for being malnourished because that baby's sustenance comes directly from the mother. A child/teenager can't be forced to eat, but can expect (again, in a sense) that good food will be on the table. But an adult, at some point must come to a place where they not only live outside of the parent's home, and not only are able to eat their own food, but can make choices, purchase, prepare and consume the right foods (and know how much is best to consume). When I, as a leader, am already clear that my job is to send you out, I will be doing everything I can to make you as healthy and responsible for your own growth as possible...especially because eventually, you will soon be responsible for growing and leading others. We assume that all Christ-followers want to grow up, but this might not be the case.
Okay...one more. The reason I haven't left yet: I am not ready, I am afraid of being out there alone and I don't know enough. To be quick, name one leader in the Scriptures who felt (or appeared to be) equipped for the call of God on their lives? Yes, there is a responsibility on the part of leaders to prepare those who are following them. And yes, we should be sent out, and be careful about just leaving. But at what point, do we just take what God has given us and get on with it. Furthermore, when we stand before the Creator and say, 'the reason I didn't do what you told me to do in this life is because 'they' didn't tell me enough?' Not sure if that flies when He promises to be strong in our weakness and declares that he uses the foolish and simple to confound the wise.
Okay. I'll stop here. Again, raw thoughts...feel free to comment.
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