Mission – Ministry – Life
It’s clear we live in a time of significant change. Changes in the culture of the Western World: politics, migration, secularism and decline of Christian faith. Changes in the global church: as the centre of gravity moves to the global south with overseas mission now a global effort not the preserve of European or North... Continue Reading →
Mission is a slippery word. What does it mean? Is it still useful? Should we find a different word? The debate will continue but there are at least 10 aspects that need to make up our understanding. Being sent. In John 20 Jesus tells his disciples “As the Father has sent me I am sending... Continue Reading →
Over the last few months we’ve visited a number of churches to share about our work in the Amazon. We’ve also been asked about how churches can support global mission so here are 5 suggestions: Make mission a key value of the church. Global mission is part of a bigger call to be witnesses and... Continue Reading →
It will soon be a year since we left Poynton. Moving from being a church minister to working with a mission organisation has been a learning curve. Here are some of the things I’ve discovered. It’s a lot less stressful than leading a church. Sure it is hard work with the heat and humidity, struggling... Continue Reading →
Moving house has meant little time for blogging but I’ve continued to process thoughts and ideas from the Thinking Mission symposium. It’s a bit disjointed but here are some of the things bubbling round my mind. While Stroope is right that using the word ‘mission’ is problematic it is here to stay. What will be... Continue Reading →
Over the last couple of months, whilst back in the UK, I’ve been reading a number of books. Michael Stroope Transcending Mission (IVP academic 2017) is one. It’s a serious, well-argued book that sets out to show why we should abandon the word mission (as well as missions, missional and the rest). Anyone involved in... Continue Reading →
Last week Lori wrote some reflections on her first six months in Peru, now it is Neil’s turn: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Not so much the tale of two cities but of the twin responses to living in Nauta. I’ve often felt both emotions on the same... Continue Reading →
Over the last few months I’ve begun to understand the scale of the challenge to develop a new training course for pastors and church leaders. Every learner brings things with them. We all have experiences of life & learning; we all have motivations for learning and all of us are affected by the cultures we... Continue Reading →
Smiling faces on social media, upbeat prayer news and encouraging reports of God’s provision…..Our first three months in Peru have been a positive experience but have also shown us that ‘missionary’ life is harder than it looks: Things take longer. I read a blog a couple of months ago entitled “today I made a copy... Continue Reading →
Rattling around in my mind for the last few months have been the questions, “what are mission agencies for” and “do we really need them”? I have some nagging worries. The first is theological. Mission is about us (the church) joining in with the mission of God. Going and sending so that others might become... Continue Reading →
Distinct Reflections 