URBANarmy: What if... [a random thought]

..."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

Friday, November 11, 2005

What if... [a random thought]

Something said in a recent conversation about Church social engagement and social work got me thinking. I couldn't help but think the person had a 'means to an end' philosophy when it came to mission.

What if the social work that church has been engaged in hasn't pointed to the kingdom? What does it say about the Christians that have facilitated that 'Heresy of Mission'? What if social transformation hasn't pointed to the community of justice, freedom, love, grace that Jesus represents because Christians have used it as a means of disguising the 'hook', leaving the message and ministry of Jesus as nothing more than a wriggling worm?

It reminded me to beware 'wriggling worm mission!!'

2 Comments:

Anonymous said...: Greatly enjoy your blog. Admire and respect you for working in the Poplar area of London.Your father- was he is the Peacemaker session? God bless you.; 8:25 PM
Gordon said...: My father was indeed in the Peacemaker session - do you know him?; 4:44 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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