Mixed!

Which do you prefer…iceberg lettuce or mixed greens for your salad? When you grill…one item (i.e. hotdogs) or a combination of things (ex: burgers & brats)? When you’re learning something new…do you rely on one YouTube video or a diverse collection of input?

Most of my work colleagues refer to having various mentors. They have an agglomeration of peers speaking into their lives. And, they are getting their information from salmagundi* of friends. This reminds me of a Barna stat…that most people get their theology, first from media sources (i.e. movies & TV), then friends, followed by family and, fourthly, from the church. Honestly, this description has hauntingly echoed in my mind. How do we better contextualize theology & mission? How do we have “an impactful ministry presence” among the unchurched in our neighborhoods? How do we raise up effective prayer warriors and our next wave of called leaders? I need to read more — broadly, and learn more — from others!

What works for your team to gather missions related prayer requests? Yes! You said, “The monthly prayer update*, of course!” Thanks for the promo! Many of us are using the C&MA app, or website, where global prayer requests are updated weekly. Refreshed monthly, the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF) is another great resource from the global Alliance family. Of course, you’re already on our NCD IWs’ prayer lists…especially those in CAC locations! You have to personally request these. Will you lead your LT in prayer for IWs at their next monthly board meeting?

There’s no “silver bullet” for learning about missions engagement. But, there are lots of resources available (some have been listed in the left column of the Monthly Prayer Update). One key resource for every local church missions mobilizer — you know who you are — is on The Alliance website. Each local missions mobilizer, of every NCD church, has access to info on their own church context, information on missions theme & resources, including videos. There’s practical insight for engaging with your missions event (by our own Phil Ronzheimer). The 17 minute video, Doing Missions Well, Doing Missions Poorly, is a great pre-missions event conversation starter! Oh, yes! There’s a plethora of resources at your fingertips — for each local church!

All of these resources, books, seminars, inform us well…but if our heart, our walk, our worldview, and our depth of experience with the Lord of the Church is neglected…we really don’t embrace our commission to witness & testify “here, there and everywhere!” We must grow as genuine disciples of Christ. We must witness & invest in the discipling of others like us nearby and unlike us nearby. We must witness & invest in making disciples among the least reached…so that all may hear! Who is one person that you are guiding into a deeper walk with the Son of Man? Whom are you walking alongside, as they listen for the call of the one true God?

Interested in following up with May’s article?

Entitled A spirituality of racial justice and healing, this is part of an ongoing series led by Ruth Haley Barton. You’re encouraged it read them both in their entirety.

*a dish of chopped meat, anchovies, eggs, onions, and seasoning.

Dave Manske

Missions Mobilizer
North Central District of The C&MA