Category Archives: Global Christian mission

Resolving the tension between grace and truth—through ‘missional grace’

Bible commentary, Ephesians, Global Christian mission,

When Christian leaders disagree on the relative emphasis on grace versus truth, I imagine it being resolved through missional grace. Here’s what I mean.

I imagine that on one side, there are the grace champions, and on the other side, the truth champions.

Grace champions are passionate about the fact that GRACE is the answer to living in a fallen world; they believe that Jesus Christ—especially in his transforming love—is the answer to our brokenness as individuals, families, communities. In my thinking, if I’m a grace champion, I believe people must repent and experience healing from their brokenness. We are all in pain, and for most of us, life is a struggle in one degree or another. We are all sinners. Praise God, His grace helps us overcome. We all need Jesus! 

Truth champions are passionate about the fact that TRUTH is the answer to living in a fallen world; they believe that Jesus Christ—especially in His transforming Word—is the answer to all our deceptions. In my thinking, if I’m a truth champion, I believe people must repent of their sin, their belief in false truths, their worship of false gods. We all need the truth principles in God’s Word to overcome our own sin and sinful deceptions. We need the truth of God to stand against our sinful culture. We are all sinners. Praise God, truth sets us free! We all need Jesus!

Sometimes truth champions oppose grace champions. Truth champions are concerned that, if one is too grace-oriented, too forgiving, too accepting—the objective truth of God’s Word will be marginalized—with the result that the church will lose its significance in a secular, relativistic culture. They fear that, instead of standing against the evils of the culture, the church will succumb to and decline with the culture; the church will have lost its mission, its identity.

Sometimes grace champions oppose truth champions. They are concerned that, by being too truth-oriented, the love and grace of Christ will be marginalized—with the result that the church will alienate struggling believers and be unattractive to a lost world. They fear that the church, instead of being a place that welcomes the hurting, ends up as more of a social club for the successful; the church will have lost its mission, its identity.

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Into this divide between grace champions and truth champions, God’s Word speaks of Jesus Christ:  

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth.” –John 1:14 ESV

In Jesus Christ, there is no division, there is no conflict between grace and truth. Simply, Jesus Christ is full of grace and full of truth in perfect integrity. This Word—this Son—is glorious! … as glorious, honorable and worthy of praise as the Father who sent him.

Yes, Christ was sent. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us …” God the Father sent God the Son to this world, and he “became flesh.”

If I am to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, then I’ll be engaged in a glory-filled, life-long missional journey, endeavoring to live out my life as a harmony of grace and truth.

Do you want a fuller understanding of grace? Are you involved in a conflict between grace and truth? Some insights from the book of Ephesians:

Examine the word grace in Ephesians 1: 6–7, along with its context (verses 3–14). Because of grace, what does the believer receive in these verses? Because of grace we are in Chirst, in the Beloved One; therefore we have received … redemption, forgiveness, adoption into God‘s family, knowledge of the mystery of his will, an inheritance … indeed, all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Chirst. The treasures and blessings are infinite in scope.

Examine the three times the word grace is used in Ephesians 2:5–9. Because of grace, what does the believer receive in these verses? The believer is “made alive together with Christ;” the believer receives the elevated position of being seated with Christ “in the heavenly places,” all by virtue of God’s effort, not our own. This is “not of works, so that no one may boast.” It is the gift of grace. And to think this all happended “while we were dead in our trespasses.” Amazing what the believer receives by grace!

But now consider Ephesians 3:1–13. Here we see another dimension to the grace God. Here, grace is not only about what the Apostle Paul receives, it’s also about what he is divinely commissioned by God to give. Paul is given the enormous responsibility (you’ll see he considers this a gift of grace in verse 2, 7 and 8!) …

“… assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you,” (Ephesians 3:2 ESV)

“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. (Ephesians 3:7 ESV)

“To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,” (Ephesians 3:8 ESV)

Do you see it? Paul viewed grace not only as the means of his forgiveness, but also as the means for his calling and mission. Shouldn’t it be the same for all believers in the church today? Of course, Paul was specifically called to be an apostle to the Gentiles in the early church, and so his unique calling does not apply to you and me. But here is the principle that does apply:

As grace saves us, so also, grace sends us to those who are yet to receive the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

So how might an expanded, truth-filled, missional understanding of grace resolve the so-called conflict between grace and truth? By enabling us to see that grace is not just for saving the lost, and compensating for weakness or sin and failure.

True biblical grace transforms the believer into someone who goes, who is sent. Grace-saturated followers of Christ (like Apostle Paul) are honorable servants and ambassadors whose passion is to bless those neighbors and peoples and nations (those we might even call our enemies!) who have not yet received the transforming gospel of Christ.

If grace does not include mission, it is small, truncated, and self-centered. We are not just saved by grace. We are sent by grace. This is missional grace.

In the glory of Christ and his mission to bless all peoples and nations, there is no divide between grace and truth.

Is your “glory” awakened?

Bible commentary, Global Christian mission, Honor and shame

Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn! –Psalm 57:8 ESV

What were the circumstances in David’s life when he wrote in Psalm 57, “Awake, my glory”?

David wrote this in a dark place in his life. This Psalm likely refers to events recorded in 1 Samuel 22. He was fleeing from Saul, hiding in a cave. Saul had killed others. David knew he could be next. “My soul is in the midst of lions,” he wrote in verse 4.

Psalm 57 reveals the heroic heart of David. While fearing for his life (v. 1, 4) he lifted his heart in worship to God (v. 5, 11) and allowed his faith to soar.

David never forgot that years before, he had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be king of Israel. He believed God ordained for him a royal destiny.

So how did David see himself in his mind’s eye, living out his faith, his royal destiny toward God?

Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations. –Psalm 57:8–9 ESV

“I will awake the dawn.” What could this mean?

Was David imagining himself having superhuman strength to make the sun come up all by himself? I suggest that David knew his life had an incredibly significant destiny way beyond the horizon … way beyond tomorrow, way beyond his immediate geography.

That cave was cold and dark. The most powerful and ruthless man in the land was after him. But David did not despair.

David knew that a day was coming when he would be using his unique talents and gifts to make known “among the peoples” — the glorious, steadfast love of God Most High. He would be singing and worshiping among the peoples, using his creative gifts, both to bless God and to bless the nations.

David knew ‘in his bones’ that his royal destiny, his glory—was merely dormant. He came close to death many times in conflict with his enemies. But ultimately, his glory, his destiny could not be denied.

David’s passionate longing for glory aligned with God’s grand global purpose. In faith, David cried out and called forth his destiny in God’s Story. “Awake, my glory … I will give thanks to you among  the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.”

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Are you like David? Are you in a place in your journey where it feels like you’re in a cave? Do you sense something glorious deep within remains unfulfilled? Do you long for God to awaken your glory?

Whatever gifts, skills or resources God has ordained for your life … whatever experiences, beautiful or tragic, He has allowed for you in your journey … know this: If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are IN GOD’S STORY.

And God’s global love Story is glorious! It is glorious for God, it is glorious for the nations, and it is glorious for you.

Meeting needs or pursuing God’s purpose?

Bible commentary, Global Christian mission

On Thursday May 19, I had the joy of hearing Steve Hawthorne teach at the office of Frontiers, a mission organization located here in the Phoenix area.

Like many others who have been through Perspectives, I owe a great debt to Steve for his writings and work. What an inspiration!

Below are some thoughts based on some of Steve’s teaching that morning.

“I have glorified You on the earth, having finished the work that You gave Me to do.” –John 17:4 NAS

With regard to this verse, Steve said,

“Jesus references his life purpose in terms of what he did for God. … The Bible usually frames [missions / the story of redemption] in terms of what God gains for himself. Jesus wasn’t just meeting needs. Jesus was finishing. There was work. There was an actual task. He was not just keeping busy. Jesus had a task. He was able to say No to this and No that—because he knew his task.”

“He did not do everything that needed to be done. He could have said, I need more time. But Jesus was not framing his mission around his capacities. Nor around the needs of the world.”

There’s a difference between mission that is done to meet needs, and mission that is inside of God’s specific eternal, relational purpose, which Steve Hawthorne calls a “purpose-pursuit.”

While human needs are met along the way of this “purpose-pursuit,” at the core, this pursuit, this mission does not begin with human needs. Rather, the purpose of God is to gain glory for himself, for the sake of his name. He does this through his plan to bless all the peoples of the earth through Christ and Christ’s followers.

For they have gone out for the sake of the name, … –3 John 8 ESV

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. –Romans 11:36 ESV

What a profoundly relational enterprise! The final words of our Lord’s Great Commission are:

… And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. –Matthew 28:20

The work of our calling and mission is not only “from him” and “to him”, but also “through him.” No wonder Jesus said, “I am with you always.” He is with us in an intimately collaborative work unto a wondrous fulfillment—“the end of the age.”

This specific fulfillment is rooted in the ancient purpose of God to bless all the peoples of the earth (Genesis 12:3). Ours is a supreme fellowship with a supreme global purpose—unto a supremely good and loving God.

Steve Hawthorne is the editor of the book, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. He also wrote the article, “The Story of His Glory,”  which is lesson 2 in Perspectives, and which is the basis for the biblical component of Operation WorldView.

The most elegant words in the Bible about our mission?

Bible commentary, Global Christian mission

“Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21 ESV)

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you:
as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. (John 15:21 KJV)

Concerning Christian mission, is there a verse of Scripture more simple and strong and beautiful than this?

  • Jesus had both deep humility and fierce resolve (Philippians 2:8). So send I you.
  • Jesus was a friend to sinners (Matthew 9:11). So send I you.
  • Jesus loved the unlovely (Mark 3:1–5). So send I you.
  • Jesus ministered cross-culturally (Mark 8:24, John 4:4–40). So send I you.
  • Jesus blended grace and truth beautifully (John 1:14). So send I you.
  • Jesus had an intimate prayer relationship with the Father (Luke 16:12). So send I you.
  • Jesus did everything ultimately for the glory of God (John12:28). So send I you.

To abide in Christ (John 15:4) means to identify with Jesus—to bear fruit in his Story to bless all peoples and nations.

Is this the Story that runs through my heart? Is this my identity?

A light on top of the hill

Cross-cultural partnership, Global Christian mission, Indigenous ministries, National missionary stories, Partnership with national missionaries, Stories and reports

Rev. George Odaa is the Director of Grace Evangelical Mission in Kisumu, Kenya. George and his wife Lightness have led the GEM Home and served as “parents” for about 20 orphans for several years. George has a passion for teaching the Word of God and has faithfully taught these children the glorious truths of God revealed in Scripture.

Rev. George and Lightness Odaa

Below is a passage from the recent quarterly report from Rev. George Odaa:

In the book of Hebrews we have this verse:

“Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have.  God has said; ‘I will never leave you; I will never forget you’ (Hebrews 13:5).

Again, quoting from David, the word of God tells us that, “I will not be afraid, because the Lord is my helper. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).

These and many other verses in the Scriptures give children of God comfort and courage to endure affliction and difficult times. We the family of Grace have seen the Lord fulfill these words in [our] life time however short. The family of Grace started with much assurance that it is God who wanted me to take a step of faith to plant this new ministry of caring for orphaned and destitute children. Just at the age of 34, God called me to take this challenge to do His work amidst lots of opposition from friends and some good Christian brothers. I took the challenges head on and started the GEM (Grace Evangelical Mission).

The GEM Home now is a light on top of a Hill bringing new life to orphans and needy children in our society. … God has used the ministry to bring honor and glory to His name.

GEM children having fun playing games at home

Praise God for all that He has done in GEM Kenya. What he has done to his people. Thank you Lord for using dear brethren all over the world, to bring a rich fulfillment to our deep soul longings, to your own glory. Amen.

2,004 children come to Christ in Kenya

Cross-cultural partnership, Global Christian mission, Indigenous ministries, National missionary stories, Partnership with national missionaries, Stories and reports

Children in Kenya

Below is an excerpt from a recent quarterly report from Pastor Wilfred Githongo Kabiru serving with AIC Kenya:

Having noticed for years how brutal and irresponsible our young people are, two years ago we offered to launch the above program to make sure that we will reach children to Christ as early as five years if possible. Church elders did not believe that Mission ONE team would be able to carry on this work, but now we have proved to them that it is possible and that this age is the best and easiest to bring people to Jesus.

We meet them in schools, preach to them and conduct fun activities for them. We also make teachers responsible to follow up born again ones. This is for Christian teachers whom we have brought to the Lord.

Secondly, we gather them, and more seriously we invite them together with their parents so that they can continue with them from where we have left. During this second quarter, Jeff Kabero Gathu was responsible. He met with them at schools, villages and lastly jointly with their parents.

So far we have 2,004 born again children in our outreach program.

For more information about the ministry of AIC Kenya, contact Werner Mischke at werner@mission1.org.

New book on cross-cultural partnership focuses on money and missions

Competencies for cross-cultural partnership, Cross-cultural partnership, Cultural intelligence, Global Christian mission, Quotes, articles & books related to cross-cultural partnership

Mary Lederleitner has provided a valuable service to the Church. Her book, Cross-Cultural Partnership: Navigating the Complexities of Money and Mission, has much from which we can learn.

In my blog, I intend to highlight several things from the book which liked or which I found particularly helpful. I’ll begin with this quote from chapter 2:

A core concept in many collectivistic societies is “face.” Many people in individualistic cultures make the mistake of assuming it is the same thing as reputation. However, its meaning and role in society is far greater. Individualistic cultures navigate life by utilizing a currency of money, but collectivistic cultures navigate life by using a currency of face.[1]

For those of us in the West, the idea that “face” has its own “currency” is for most a new idea. But when you apply this understanding to cross-cultural partnerships, it can bring insight to financial and accountability misunderstandings. In her book, Mary frequently connects a principle to a real-life story and makes the principle come alive.

Individualistic societies like those in America and many Western nations have very different ways of thinking about money in comparison to the more group-oriented peoples of the Majority World. So in a cross-cultural partnership, handling money and accountability in a healthy way requires an extra measure of wisdom and cultural intelligence on all sides.

Considering all the “complexities of money and mission,” it is no wonder that so much can go wrong and often does. Cross-cultural partnerships are challenging, but when done in a healthy way—informed by both Scripture and cultural intelligence—Mary believes they can be a powerful kingdom-building strategy. Needless to say, I agree with her.

Mary writes from her many years of experience working as a CPA with Wycliffe International; this afforded her many opportunities to serve as a bridge between a predominantly Western agency and indigenous Christian mission organizations. She tells many stories “from the trenches.” Thus, Mary has a strong grasp of both the peril and value of cross-cultural partnerships. Add to that Mary’s high regard for biblical guidance and wisdom … this all combines for a compelling vantage point from which to write and serve others who are engaged in the world Christian movement.

I highly recommend Mary Lederleitner’s book, Cross-Cultural Partnership: Navigating the Complexities of Money and Mission.

1. Mary Lederleitner: Cross-Cultural Partnership: Navigating the Complexities of Money and Mission (Downers Grove, InterVarsity Press, 2010) p. 45.

God is at work in Nepal

Cross-cultural partnership, Indigenous ministries, National missionary stories, Partnership with national missionaries, Stories and reports

Local church pastors and believers in Nepal

Below is an excerpt from a recent quarterly report from Bishwa Karmacharya, serving with Transformation Nepal.

The presence of God was felt so much in this quarter. We were able to see that the seeds that had been planted in people’s heart started to grow. The follow up visits to churches helped us realize that God is at work, He has worked through us. The people whom we had shared gospel with had been a growing Christian. The number of believers in churches was also increasing where we did a follow up visit. Ed and team came to Nepal this quarter; we had a very good time of ministering to people. We thank Ed and Mission One for bringing this team.

Bishwa sharing the gospel in Ranitar

We were able to make a 2010 plan for Transformation Nepal in this quarter. With much prayer, we have identified what activities we want to do in 2010. So, this quarter has been a very fruitful quarter for us.

The Transformation Nepal Team labors among many unreached communities of Nepal and focuses on church planting, discipleship and leadership training.

For more information about the ministry of Transformation Nepal, contact Werner Mischke at werner@mission1.org.

The Beauty of Partnership, Standard Edition—learning journey for individuals and small groups engaged in cross-cultural ministry

Competencies for cross-cultural partnership, Cross-cultural partnership, Cultural intelligence, Global Christian mission, Training
The Beauty of Partnership Study Guide, Standard Edition, is perfect for individuals and small groups who are engaging in cross-cultural partnerships, but are unsure about what constitutes truly healthy and wise practices. It is ideal as a six-week study for small groups.

Developed over the past two years, The Beauty of Partnership is a missional learning journey for followers of Christ and “average church members” — to gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for healthy cross-cultural partnerships. The front cover subhead reads: “Equipping followers of Jesus Christ for healthy cross-cultural partnerships to bring hope to the peoples of the world.”

More than a book with good information and concepts, this study guide leads people on an interactive journey to discover how they can be successful in cross-cultural relationships and partnerships. It is appropriate for believers engaged in cooperative alliances—between local churches/ministries in the West and their counterparts in the Majority World. It is a learning journey designed for believers to experience in community.

The research for The Beauty of Partnership was completed in 2008 as part of a four-credit independent study course which I did at Phoenix Seminary under Dr. Malcolm Hartnell. The design and editing for the study was largely done in 2009 and 2010. Built on the principles of adult learning theory (inductive/input/implementation/integration), the study has three inter-related areas: godly character, cultural intelligence, and organizational competence.

Suitable for a 6-week study for small groups, mission committees, frequent mission trip goers, and others engaged in cross-cultural partnership ministry, the 8-1/2 x 11 book is one-third study guide, and two-thirds readings. The readings are all part of a guided study, and users develop their own conclusions, spiritual insights, and applications based on the Bible studies, readings, reflections, and practices.

Authors included in the readings of The Beauty of Partnership Study Guide are Alex Araujo, Stephen M. R. Covey, Duane Elmer, Jon Lewis, Mary Lederleitner, Bryant Myers, Brooks Peterson, and Daniel Rickett.

At the 2010 COSIM conference, I will be leading a workshop on Tuesday afternoon June 8, called “The Beauty of Partnership: Learning journey / curriculum for lay persons and small groups.” I will be introducing this new mission eduction resource for lay persons. The study guide will be available at the COSIM conference at a significant discount.

If you would like a review copy of The Beauty of Partnership Study Guide, or if you would like to be contacted by email as soon as this study guide is available, please write to me, Werner Mischke.