“It is gradually becoming clear that the pattern which has been followed up to now (one-way traffic in missions, spiritual and financial dependence of the younger Churches, and the like) is old, obsolete, and thus about to disappear.”
Here is a fascinating quote, one that recognizes missionary work now exists in a post-colonial world. This quote reflects the wisdom missions is no longer “from the West to the rest,” but here, there, and everywhere. This is a statement that appears fresh, a statement that is often heard in evangelical mission circles over the past decade (or two). These words of wisdom reflect recently embraced views of many agencies, churches, professors, and leaders. This fresh quote could serve as a novel headline in a missions periodical.
Regardless of the truth in this quote, the truly fascinating element is not found in these words, but rather the date in which they were written. These words were penned by Johannes Blauw, Secretary of the Netherlands Missionary Council, in his book The Missionary Nature of the Church: A Survey of the Biblical Theology of Mission. The year? 1962.
Why is it that such words, written almost 60 years ago, seem very similar to what many leaders are expressing as news today? Why are some leaders just now considering the Church’s apostolic work in view of post-colonial realities? Why are evangelicals especially slow to embrace such realities, make adjustments, and move forward with the gospel?
Of course, this is not just an evangelical problem. Roland Allen famously stated no one would understand his writings until he had been dead for ten years! While it was not a complete decade (He died in 1947.), it was close. And for countless others, it would be decades following his death before they would learn from and apply principles from Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours? (published in 1912!) and The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church (published in 1927!).
Or, consider the language of missio Dei. Karl Hartenstein began using the expression in the 1930s, but the expression attracted little attention until after the Willingen Conference in 1952–over 22 years later! However, it would be another several decades before evangelicals would allow such nomenclature into their theologies and guide mission practices.
And so, I ask again, why? Why does it take so long for the people of God it recognize value and adjust accordingly?
One of the greatest theological and missiological challenges experienced by the Church was addressed at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). Based on reports, many heard that large numbers of Gentiles were coming to faith without circumcision. Of course, we know the outcome, but how much time expired between the planting of the Church in Antioch (Acts 11), the first missionary journey of Paul, and the crisis addressed in Acts 15? Even more shocking, following the Council’s decision, how much time expired before the Church adjusted her thinking and missionary practice? The answer should shock the modern Church.
J.D. Old wineskins have tremendous power within the church. It’s funny because the members of our churches are often working for businesses that reflect and reset rapidly based on the bottom line. So we can do it. One exercise that I learned from Stan Parks was really helpful in sort of helping me shake loose from “the way we’ve always done it”. I’ve found it to be a really helpful exercise to do with church leaders at the beginning of gospel conversation training events. I call it “Aiming for the Right Goal” Here is a link to the facilitator notes I put together from some of the notes I received from Stan ten years ago. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lVYv-tunkXB5LiiAhWQK8-7GlLOUS0WPvwxusrtN44s/edit?usp=sharing) You may find it helpful. -Aaron
Thanks, Aaron, for the comments and the link.