Grasping for the Wind

Marks of Successful Missions

It's been a long time since I wrote much about religion and Christianity, other than to review a book, but a discussion that occurred last night in my small group prompted me to write this post.

We are reading Simply Christian, by N.T. Wright, and discussing its implications and points. Last night we were discussing the chapter "Jesus and the Coming of God's Kingdom."

Our leader began by addressing the Reformed idea of the "already but not yet" in reference to the kingdom. To me, this has always meant that Jesus came to earth and began a new kingdom, one to which we join when we are converted. I mean that our allegiance changes from self to God. The not yet refers to the point when Christ will return and make his kingdom rule all the earth and destroy Satan and his minions. I could be wrong, but that is how I have understood it. (By the way, this does not mean that God lacks full sovereignty over the world, only that we are being allowed to use our free will, which also does not mean that I disagree with predestination. Whew! Reformed theology sure does require a lot of caveats.)

Of course, this ends up relating to the way we do missions, and the how we should further the kingdom through missions. One of the attendees mentioned that MTW had never had any martyrs in all its time doing missions. I, being the good PCA bred boy I am, pointed out its youth (approximately 30 years in its current form) and the fact that martyrdom is no true sign of the effectiveness of missions. To which my opponent (in the best sense) mentioned Jim Elliott. While I respect Jim Elliott and those men who died, I would like to point out that the true missionary was Elisabeth. Jim's work was done, and Elisabeth and the martyr's families truly did the hard work of forgiveness, living in hardship, and becoming a part of the world in which they lived changing it from within.

I responded in this way, to which my opponent mentioned the first century Christians and their martyrdom. To which I trotted out the cultural changes in the world, the humanitarian efforts, and the hue and cry raised when missionaries (not converts in the host countries, we are only speaking of missionaries here) are killed. My argument is admittedly weak, but I was actually trying to combat this idea that martyrdom is the best sign of the effectiveness of one's missionary efforts. I would agree it is a sign, but not the sign that trumps all others.

This was all rather weak wordplay and sparring between us, but I am a big proponent of the new way of missions, that of using business, true business to bring the gospel. It is a method unlikely to produce martyrs in the traditional sense, although livelihoods and homes may at times be sacrificed, as with any new business venture. So I fear that such thinking about the validity of mission will invalidate a great deal of effective missionary work, simply because one does not die in its service, but works hard and smart, and converts many more through a long life of service, than a short one of martyrdom.

Also, I wanted to defend the MTW missionaries I know and the sufferings and hardships they endure. MTW doesn't do everything right, but neither does it do everything wrong simply because it boasts no martyrs, although I am sure it boasts converts, and one soul saved is worth every penny I give to the missionaries I know and the churches who support them.

My question to you, dear reader, is was I wrong in my defense? If I was right, what might bolster my argument? What are the marks of successful missions? And how is the "already but not yet" incorporated into our mission's efforts?

Also, I am often trumped because I am not as widely read as others, but does that always invalidate my opinion? You tell me.

Posted by John on March 12, 2007 02:36 PM | Posted to Religion
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