Essential Tenet #10: Every member of the Church is called to share in God’s mission to the world.

There are two truths behind this tenet. First, God is a sending God. Jesus reveals as much when he says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:16-17). Our understanding of mission is shaped by the sending nature of God. Leslie Newbiggen writes,

“Mission is not first of all an action of ours. It is an action of God, the triune God – of God the Father who is ceaselessly at work in all creation and in the hearts and minds of all human beings whether they acknowledge him or not, graciously guiding history toward its true end; of God the Son who has become part of this created history in the incarnation; and of God the Holy Spirit who is given as a foretaste of the end to empower and teach the church and to convict the world of sin and righteousness and judgment… This is the primal reality in mission; the rest is derivative.” (Leslie Newbiggen, The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society, 134)

The second is God’s sends us. It is clear from Scripture that God has sent us to join in his mission. Several texts highlight this truth. The Matthew 28 text that is often called the Great Commission could also be called the Great Sendoff. He says, “Go!” Similarly, in the opening words of Luke 10, Jesus says, “Go on your way!” The sending God sends us.

The identity question.

Two things may be holding us back from going. First, we have to get our identity right. Are we Safe Christians or are we Sent Christians? Here’s the difference:

Safe Christians.

·      See the world as a danger.

·      Look to the church as a refuge from the world.

·      Prefer the comfort of the church gathering than the awkwardness of gather with unbelievers.

·      Primarily focus on receiving the benefits of faith.

·      Content to build relationship enclaves with only other Christians.

·      Resist changes that intend to open the church to reach the lost.

Sent Christians.

·      See the world as a dangerous place, but see their God as powerful, faithful, and just, and in a sense more dangerous to the world than the world is to us.

·      Do not see the church as the only place through which mission happens.

·      Take the mission of Jesus into whatever realm they go, e.g., work, home, or school.

·      Act as the frontline of God’s mission in the world, and return to the church as the basecamp that refreshes and equips people.

·      Take the initiative to build relationships with non-Christians or those who have fallen away from God.

Which one are you? Safe Christians do not gain the kind of life God intended for his children. Safe Christianity produces an incomplete experience that doesn’t really satisfy us. On other hand, Sent Christians are more likely to be satisfied in their faith because they are pursuing the whole mission of God – to be transformed and to work for the transformation of the world.

A Luke 10 strategy.

Once we get our mind set on our identity, then a strategy is needed. How do we participate in God’s mission? The first part of the strategy is “Go!” If you are like most Christians, your circle of friends is mostly, if not all, Christians. That won’t do. Find a way you can build relationships with people far from God.

Next, in Luke 10, Jesus instructs them to enter a village read to say a blessing, or to say a good word. Who in this world doesn’t want to hear a good word? We are so used to hearing bad or discouraging words that good words, kind words, encouragements are like cool water to a parched traveler. Every time I have asked a question of one of my kids’ schoolteachers, their initial reaction is a quick defensive posture. They do not relax until they understand that I am not critiquing or complaining about them. Do you think they are used to hearing a good word from parents? Go and bring a good word from God. Most people need it.

Lastly, Jesus instructs them to heal. In those days before modern medicine, life was fragile. Physical healing was important. It still is, but there are other ways that healing is now needed. Wherever you going takes you, keep your eye open for ways that you can bring healing. Is there a homeless person you frequently see? Do you see someone crushed by grief? Do you see someone struggling financially? Do you see someone who is lonely? If you do, maybe caring for that person is the way you bring healing.

Levi Dinners.

To get you started on this sent mission from God, we encourage you consider hosting a Levi Dinner. Levi was the tax collector that Jesus invited to follow him. Levi gave up on his tax business, and dedicated his life to Jesus. One of the first things Levi did was to invite Jesus to dinner to meet his friends, who were people far from God.

In the month of April, we are going to have a church-wide emphasis on our members hosting Levi dinners. The plan is simple. Invite someone who is either not Christian, or is a lapsed Christian to join you for a meal. It can be lunch or dinner; it can be casual or formal. Your job is to be a good host, and have a good time. If it goes well, do it again.

Notice what is not in the instructions. You are not asked to assess your gifts and skills to see if you can do this. If you eat, you can do this. You are not asked to give someone a brochure about our church, deliver a presentation, or ask someone to visit our church. If questions of faith come up, then great – talk about faith.

The goal is taking the first step in building a relationship with someone far from God so that they can perhaps meet Jesus for the first time. Ah, you may say, Levi invited Jesus to meet his friends; yet, we don’t have Jesus coming to our dinner. Friends, don’t believe that for a minute. When we are redeemed, Jesus takes up residence in us. Christ dwells within us! We bring Christ with us.