GROWING TOGETHER

Mission is the theme of this Perspective as you no doubt have already noticed. Now, it is crucial for us to see that Christian Mission involves both evangelism and service. The two function as inseparable twins, and together they define our work of penetration. True, in our century certain groups have tried to separate the one from the other—stressing service to the exclusion of evangelism or evangelism to the exclusion of service— but the results have been disastrous. These either/or options always lead to unhealthy and ultimately unbiblical practice. So we begin by confessing the need for both faithful service and humble witness. In fact, Mission has intrinsic grandeur precisely because it provides the only known pattern in which the inner life of devotion can be combined with the outer life of social action. So now, in this page devoted to practice, we want to consider ways of Mission which incorporate both evangelism and service.

• Finding a person in need. A simple, insightful look around us will usually lead to someone close by. Then we see what we can do to meet their needs. We do not predetermine the nature of the need. It could be physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, or perhaps a combination of all these. It doesn't matter. At times the need is obvious and immediate: food to eat or shoes to wear. At other times the need is more internal and subtle: a listening ear or a loving acceptance. Sometimes gospel truth needs to be brought to bear upon unbelief or wrong belief. Always this is done in great humility and meekness of spirit for we know how often we are wrong and how easily we misapprehend the gospel message. Throughout we do not control the need or set the agenda. That is, in fact, the point for us. We are learning to simply and genuinely respond to the need at hand whether large or small, spiritual or physical; a simple act of service or a deep work of evangelism.

• Meeting a neighbor. The task here is to meet the neighbor. No ulterior motives. No setting the stage for evangelism. No trying to serve the poor. No nothing. We just meet them. Right where they are. Right where we are. We learn their interests, their history, their hopes, their dreams, their anxieties. We enter the discussion without particularly trying to angle it anywhere. In the process we will be immeasurably enriched by some amazing stories and unique people. And we have a story to tell too, don't we.

• Letting the children come. It is always a gift of grace when we can give special attention to the little ones. Those who have children of their own have natural bridges to numerous other children. Others utilize after-school activities such as those sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship. Or athletic programs like AYSO or Little League. But even those of us who lack more natural networks can still find ways to bless the little ones. Parks and playgrounds abound with children. We can go, sit on the bench and enjoy their play, inwardly filled with prayer for them. We can greet their parents and teachers and other leaders. Even strike up a conversation with them. Without ever making a nuisance of ourselves, we can find easy, natural ways to give encouragement, friendship, and affirmation. Oh, and whenever we can—the grade school in our area, the church nursery—we will want to walk around the area, praying protection upon the children there: surrounding them with the light of Jesus Christ, covering them with his blood, and sealing them with his cross. Then, too, foster home programs, Big Brothers and Sisters, and many similar opportunities abound. These are all ways of loving, caring penetration. Just be sure you are counting the cost of these avenues of service and are not entering into obligations you cannot fulfill.