|
For 36 remarkable years, my Nazarene missionary life has been an odyssey entwined with the vibrant pulse of urban landscapes. From the lively energy of Asia to the bustling heart of New York City, this expedition has been an incredible tapestry—a testament to the journey ignited by God's calling and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Each corner turned in this urban labyrinth has been a revelation—an opportunity to witness God's diverse work in different cultures. Asia for 20 years, with its bustling streets and rich tapestry of traditions, painted the initial strokes of my canvas. Its people's warmth, the depth of their traditions, and the winds of change deeply imprinted my understanding of God's mission.
Then, the leap to New York City for 16 years—a melting pot of languages and cultures—a city that throbbed with life. Here, amidst the towering structures and the symphony of languages, I found a new rhythm—a dance with the Holy Spirit. This urban pulse synchronized with my calling, unveiling the intricacies of God's work in the midst of the bustling cityscape.
These 36 years have been more than a passage of time—they've been a testimony to God's grace and transformative power. Each encounter became a chapter in a divine narrative, each challenge a lesson in faith, and each triumph a testament to the unwavering presence of the Holy Spirit.
Today, I stand in awe of God's mission—a profound revelation that transcends the boundaries of church walls. It's not about grand buildings or complex rituals but about God's purpose unfolding through each transformed life. It's about God's relentless pursuit of hearts, His message echoing through the lives of those He touches.
In the world of Missional Churches, the emphasis is not on ornate structures, tradition, organization, or programs but on being vessels of God's message. It's about acknowledging the Holy Spirit's guiding hand, propelling believers beyond boundaries to share God's love in tangible ways.
The Missional Church stands apart from its Traditional counterpart in its very essence. While traditional churches boast impressive structures, modern amenities, and a plethora of programs tailored to attract visitors, the Missional Church steers its focus towards God's outward-bound mission, as articulated by Darrell Guder. This distinction lies in recognizing the church as a missionary community, a collective sent into the world for God's greater mission, rather than merely serving religious activities as transactions in a store.
At its core, the Missional Church underscores the church's role—sent into the world by the Holy Spirit, commissioned by the Father God and Jesus Christ. This ethos propels it beyond the confines of its physical structure, embodying a "spreading church" ethos that transcends the walls of its buildings. It cherishes the profound truth that missionary endeavors aren't solely the responsibility of select missionaries or clergy; rather, every believer transformed by Christ's grace is sent back into the world as a missionary.
Allen Hirsch champions the pivotal role of a missionary-incarnational impulse in shaping a Missional Church. He shares a sobering truth—expecting marginalized individuals in places like New York City, rife with challenges like commercial sex and drug trafficking, to easily assimilate into a Christian life within church walls is unrealistic. A genuine missionary approach demands sensitivity to cultural nuances, a deep integration within these diverse communities, and an audacious innovation aligned with God's mission.
Reflecting on Jesus, who became our neighbor and dwelt among us (John 1:14), underscores the essence of a missionary and holy desire. His embodiment among humanity allowed God to fully realize His salvific ministry through Jesus Christ.
Hirsch advocates that today's churches should learn from Jesus's approach in communicating with the world—a communication that transcends any visible church identity. Jesus, holy yet devoid of isolation, actively engaged with sinners (Matthew 11:19). Perhaps we've gradually drifted from our sacred missionary life by erecting walls of division between the world and the church, rooted in a rigid sense of "holiness and belonging." Instead, the call is to approach the culture and values of those considered "lost" with an open heart and mind, communicating with them without barriers.
In essence, the Missional Church stands as a beacon, calling for a return to the compassionate, engaged, and inclusive spirit of Jesus—a divine mission embracing humanity without judgment, actively participating in the lives of those seeking grace and salvation. In a world that often sees the church as distant, a paradigm shift beckons—a shift from inviting others to 'Come and See' to boldly declaring 'Go and Tell.' My fervent prayer echoes—that the church embraces this divine calling, shedding any focus on growth for the sake of growth and instead anchoring itself in God's mission.
| 
