Last week, my family and I visited Epcot in Orlando. It had been several years since my previous visit. We had a great time on the rides and visiting the World Showcase area in the park. One particular attraction caught my imagination.
Spaceship Earth–the ride that is found within the golf-ball-looking structure at the park’s entrance–was a fascinating 16-minute journey through time, showing innovations in technology that resulted in significant global changes. Beginning with the development of papyrus and culminating in the cyber-age, the observer is exposed to a quick glimpse at how innovation leads to major breakthroughs that result in significant outcomes for society.
Global Issues
One of my present writing projects is related to the major global issues (e.g., growth of cities, poverty, Diasporas, what is truth) that are shaping–and will continue to shape–the face of the Church in the present and (Lord willing) near future. I believe with each of these issues the Church is faced with a decision: follow the leadership of the Spirit and innovate methodologically and strategically or remain on the present course.
The choice to follow the latter option is a recipe that will result in the hindrance of gospel advancement and church multiplication across North America and throughout the world.
In our globally integrated world, the global issues are not ones that we can say are “over there” and not in our own communities. Rather, such issues do not limit themselves to geographical borders. Any denomination, parachurch organization, network, or local church that embraces a missiology limited and defined by geo-political boundaries will find it very difficult to navigate the currents of change necessary for effective mission work in the world today–and tomorrow.
Innovation in the Bible
But before we come to believe that innovation in missions is rocket science, we must remember that such is not the case. In the book of Acts, we read that innovation–to overcome significant barriers to gospel advancement–was a matter of following the leadership of the Spirit of mission– for example, see Acts 10 (the reception of the gospel and Spirit by the God-fearers in Cornelius’ house), Acts 11 (the birth of the Church in Antioch), and Acts 16 (the birth of the Church in Philippi). In each situation, the believers were required to change their general way of functioning and thinking. However, once the institutional/organizational adjustments were made–sometimes with great reservation and sometimes by force–the gospel continued to expand beyond the socio-cultural barriers.
Jesus will build His Church (Matt 16:18). Such is not a matter for debate. The question of concern should be: “Will He work through us to build His Church?” We need to understand the challenges of our times, be filled with the Spirit of mission (Eph 5:18), and adjust our methods, strategies, organizations, and institutions accordingly. It is a terrible mistake to avoid Spirit-led innovation.
The Pain of the Challenge
Unfortunately, such adjustments are usually painful and difficult. We are the ultimate conservatives when it comes to making necessary institutional adjustments for missions. And, it is sad to write, that in many cases, until our pet preferences become a burden to us–or are cataclysmically removed from our control–we are likely to hold on to them, grieving the Spirit–yet believing we are walking the straight and narrow path for gospel advancement.
The Body must always be growing in conformity to the Head. And innovation is required with such growth. We do not innovate for the sake of innovation. We innovate for the advancement of the gospel as the pressures of age apply force and create challenges to the mission of the Church.
And just as the history of mankind is filled with examples of innovation that resulted in breakthroughs that reshaped society, the Church’s innovations in missions will continue to result in breakthroughs that will glorify the Lord and reshape the Bride as She waits for the Groom.
What are your thoughts? Do you see any value in innovation in missions? Are there dangers with innovation? If so, how can we avoid that which is unhealthy?