Tuesday, May 17, 2011

My 'missionary philosophy'

My church has done a wonderful job of training up local leaders and investing sustained and creative energy into local evangelism, but we're only just getting going on the world scene. This means that I'm in the privileged position of being Crossroads' first and only missionary (so far!). We haven't inherited a backlog of missionaries who need to be managed and supported somehow: we just have me. This has given me the freedom to play with how things should look. Three things make up my 'local church-global mission' philosophy:
  1. World mission should be part of the ordinary church life, because it is a command given to all (eg Mt 28:18-20). I'm keen to see it spoken about in ordinary Sunday sermons and weekly Bible studies; for most church partners to be involved in one way or another (prayer, encouragement or financial support); and for the missionary's ministry to be lumped in with other ministries that church members are involved in (for example, at Crossroads we have people doing uni and international student ministry and running a hostel for spiritual retreat). I'm not so keen on special world mission talks, committees, prayer groups and events because I think they give the impression that world mission is a niche interest.
  2. World mission should be done with excellence, as if working for the Lord (Col 3:23-24). In spite of what I said above, I do recognise that there are some unique things about missionary work that require special handling. Because of this, I have got together an 'Advocacy Team' (aka 'Team Fiona') whose main role is to keep me on everyone's radar once I'm out of sight, as well as providing me with any special assistance or prayer. The 'Chief Advocate' who heads up that team is someone who I keep in close contact with and who is able to advocate for me and liase with supporters and missionary organisations. Part of Kate's role is to keep an eye on whether Crossroads is doing a good job, and part of Crossroads' role is to review my ministry and that of my Advocacy Team, as happens with other church roles.
  3. World mission should be done with mutual respect and dependence. Obviously I'm hoping that I and my church will be able to help my Latin American church, but there is also assistance that they can provide to us. They can pray for us and teach us things just as we pray for and teach them, and we can get to know and perhaps even meet one another.
What do you think? Any suggestions?