..."Evangelism is mission but mission is not merely evangelism" (Moltmann 1977)...."Mission is not a programme of the church but rather an attribute of God" (Bosch 1991).... "we are called to display what it means to be a colony of heaven mission embodies the total impact of the church on the world it's involvement with the social, political and moral life of the community and nation where it is placed" (Green 1990).... "The Church exists primarily for the sake of mission in the world. Mission is therefore the reason why the Church exists (Needham 1987).... "Mission comes first from the heart of God and we are caught up in it rather than initiating it (Bosch 1991)..."we seek to renew the face of the earth, all things and all peoples - that's mission" Archbishop Rowan Williams

Sunday, March 14, 2004

Sunday’s Bits and Bobs

Andrea returned. Two other friends to house group on Thursday. Four more to worship today including a Japanese friend. Only Andrea is a Christian - the others not. Interestingly they all took an unlit candle as symbolic of wanting to start of journey with Christ.

"Why do you do all of this?" Wei Wei asked as we looked around the church and what we do through the week. It is good belonging to a church that provokes unsolicited questions; intrigue and interest. It was good not to feel guilty about any hidden agenda’s, concealed motives, veiled intentions. Totally liberating to talk about grace, to talk about loving as God loves, amazing to discover that ‘unconditional love’ crosses all cultures. What a privilege to be able to proclaim.

Who knows what will happen – I know that I was presented on a plate full permission to outline the liberating news of Gods grace. No nifty evangelism programme; not a video and workbook package in sight; no natty sketches on the back of a napkin; no seeker sensitive service ladled up with drama and jokes - just something natural; something that felt authentic, right.

Who knows where this is going – all I know is that God is full of surprises!

posted by Gordon at 8:47 PM

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Name: Gordon
Location: United Kingdom

URBANarmy – are the thoughts and theological reflections of an insignificant Salvation Army officer trying to show true hope, grace, love and freedom in a significant way. URBANarmy -is a story of Missio Dei driving an all-encompassing grace-centred mission. URBANarmy – is an open compilation of lessons learned from day to day ministry, dialogue and reading. URBANarmy – is Gordon who finds total fulfillment in demonstrating the Kingdom of God. URBANarmy – is now the fusion and exploration of 'mission' and 'spiritual formation' while trying to inspire a new generation of Salvation Army Officers as to their role in God's plan for His creation.

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    • My weeks Highlights and Lowlights
    • Maureen...professional pastoral pre-occupation!!
    • Hiding behind Mission - more on sociological wrapp...
    • Theology of space....Andrea...left speechless
    • A couple of posts recently caught my attention. ...
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    • Books 2004
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    Books 2013
      Wright, N. T. (2012). How God became king: the forgotten story of the Gospels. New York: HarperOne.
    • Becket, W. sr (2007) Sister Wendy on Prayer.
    • Ashbrook, R.T (2009) Mansions of the Heart: developing the seven stages of spiritual growth.jossey-bass
    • Rohr, R. (2011) falling upward: a spirituality for the two halves of life.
    • Anderson, K.R and Reese, R.D (1999) Spiritual Mentoring: a guide for seeking and giving direction. IVP
    • Sweet, L. I. (2012). I am a follower: the way, truth, and life of following Jesus. Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson.

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