How are we to approach God's mission today? 

Walk into any Christian bookstore today and you'll be assaulted by a barrage of books about mission.  Most of it will tell you what's wrong with the church and what's needed if we're to reach people today.  Other bits are vociferous in the criticism of this new movement and stalwart in their defence of traditional ways.  Quite frankly, much of it is a case of the 'curates egg' - good in parts. 

How do we process this discussion and reflect on this practice? 

It's a matter of theological method - reading Scripture, digging through our tradition, listening to our experience in the world.  Because we see different things in each place and weight their authority differently, it's a matter of being in conversation too. 

Shortly before his death, Jesus gave his followers a new commandment - "love one another as I have loved you" (John 15.12).  Scripture shows us that the disciples were a motley bunch who frequently misunderstood Jesus, tried to push him their way and competed with each other for privileges.  Nevertheless, he loved them to the end.  As leaders, they were to emulate this love towards each other.  Jesus finished up by saying, "as you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world" (John 17.18). Jesus was prepared to send this unlikely bunch out to continue what he started.  As his disciples, he sends us out too.  We share their mission and it will take a lot of courage, patience and love to see it through.  

Missional thinkers often read Scripture differently.  How does Scripture shape your thinking and preparation for mission today?