The call to do mission is loud but not clear

Posted on August 8, 2010
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It was another great Sunday at DBF. The pastor continued the sermon on “Mission”, final of a four-week series. I was sure very cheered to see the pastor urging his congregation to go out and do mission. But I was so much in curiosity why the sermon contained all about “doing mission”…especially when people of different walks, experiencing a toilsome week…come for comfort, encouragement and guidance. To them, just goading on doing “mission”? That seemed a little unconventional to me.

The pastor quoted many verses, out of them two I remember. One was Mathew 28:19 (Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age) and Mathew 20: 28 (just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many).

Citing the verses, he stressed umpteen times on “doing mission”. Many powerful statements were indeed made…but his congregations were not scholars and theologians to apprehend the meaning. They were common men. Nothing wrong in asking them to go out and “do mission”…but shouldn’t there be some education on “where to do”, “whom to do”, “how to do” and “why to do”. Evangelicals in India otherwise might end up being accused of “forceful conversion” and conversion through allurement. These days Christians involving in conversions are totally lacking knowledge of Scriptures. These recent growing accusations are mainly due to lack of education and direction. We cant ask them to go out to the battle field and fight without giving them a tool to fight. They sure need a sword. The call to evangelise and do mission must be inculcated with more caution and care.

However, I should say it sure is encouraging to see them urging people to do mission. You don’t see that in other churches or denominations where they only think of taking care of their flock. Everybody has a calling…a calling to take the message of God to the ends of the earth. It is so strange how certain Pentecostal churches conduct their service. The pastor points his finger and picks young men/women out of the crowd declaring that he/she has God’s calling in their life. As a young lad, I used to wait with much anticipation on when that finger would point to me. Till it does, I have nothing to do with “serving God”. It is for special people you see. May be I am called for something else. Now, I look back and laugh at all those thoughts and experiences of mine. God sure has called each of us and has a will and purpose in our lives to love and serve Him. But it is how we respond. The prophecy has already arrived. All you go to do is, open your Bible and comb through the Scriptures. The rest is just an incredible experience.

Adios ~ SAM

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