If the cultural revolutions of our age are unprecedented, then we should not be surprised that what is needed is a systemic missiological shift. Not a theological shift from “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3, ESV), but a return to a more apostolic approach for local and global disciple making, while
ministering in areas of the Western world where a mature Church exists.
When I wrote Pressure Points, I felt led to include a chapter on the West as a Mission Field. This is one global issue that will shape the face of the Church for the rest of our lives. Political, religious, ethnic, demographic, and cultural shifts have brought about such a change. Certain parts of the Western world are feeling these revolutions differently than others. Though the United States used to be several years behind Western Europe in this transition, we are quickly catching up.
More of what we have been doing when it comes to disciple making and church planting is not sufficient. More theological training like what we (in the West) have been doing for five centuries is not sufficient. To continue our present course, even in light of what most Americans are calling cutting edge training and church planting, is not sufficient. Over the past thirty years, even the most progressive evangelical disciple making and church planting paradigms are slight variations on the status quo. A systemic shift is needed with our structures, organizations, training, and missionary practices.
To remain on the present path is like preparing for nuclear war by teaching your troops how to sharpen arrows for their bows.
Are bows and arrows still needed? Yes, for short-range combat that is likely to occur in any war. But if we are putting most of our convictions, resources, and energies into stockpiling arrowheads and rawhide strings, then we will be surprised.
Revolutions happen, and sometimes they happen quickly. Evangelicals are the utmost conservatives when it comes to philosophical and methodological change.
The war has started. And the enemy is not using bows and arrows.
Note: I recognize that this post is an interruption to my two-part series started yesterday. However, I felt strongly compelled to write this and post it today, rather that wait.
(image credit: Microsoft Office)