Just over a month ago I was asked to become a Mission Area Leader.
With the needs and demands of my primary responsibility at church growing, and an already high involvement in ministries outside of my church, my initial reaction was to decline the invitation.
What changed my mind was some reflection about how we (both as a Diocese and as 'Sydney Evangelicals') are travelling. While there have been bright spots, our overall growth has barely kept up with population growth. God had entrusted us with significant assets (property in generally excellent locations scattered across Sydney) and income streams (giving alone was $67m in 2007).
With the pressures of a theological nature from within 'Christendom,' and mounting secularism all around us, the future is critical.
The best idea on offer
While I have had reservations about Mission Areas, at the end of the day I have not talked to anyone who has had a better idea. The very nature of a new initiative is not knowing how it will look. And if we already did, then we would have wanted more 'consultation'. Like everyone else, we can struggle with change.
I accepted the invitation when I became convinced that the principle is right: we will be able to achieve more for the Gospel of Jesus by working in greater partnership with one another. No, I do not know exactly what that will look like. In fact, I am becoming more and more convinced that this will take quite different forms in different areas.
Already it is clear that we must get rid of the parochialism that seems to be embedded in our DNA. The result can be suspicion and lack of trust from people who are on the same team. After just a few weeks in the role, I have heard of stories of the tragic results. Opportunities for the gospel are not being taken even though the willingness and resources are there to take them! And on the other hand, I have heard other stories of the marvellous synergies that can develop. My initial perception is that stories of the latter are in the minority.
The best time to contribute to the Mission Areas concept is now as it is being set up. How do you think we can use the Mission Areas initiative to advance the Kingdom of God?
