Jesus' immortal words captured by the Evangelist resound in our heads, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few....” And, from the early days of the Church right up until today, we hear these words repeated in the Church year after year...and we're moved to imagine how we can be a part of this great spiritual harvest. I wonder from time to time if we've not taken the metaphor a bit far...so far that we see only the harvest.
Just some 30 or 40 years after Jesus spoke those words, Paul the Apostle wrote these words, also associated with that spiritual harvest: I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow (I Cor.3:6) Here, Paul reminds us that in God's great mission to the world, people are also needed to simply sow the seed (Jesus agrees—see the parable of the sower), people are needed to water the soil and nourish the seed, and--finally--yes, people are needed to reap the harvest.
It seems that people are interested only in the harvest. The whole focus is on the visible, tangible fruit. As mission teams go out from local congregations they are only interested in doing something that is visible, tangible—that which can be caught on camera. I'm not entirely sure of the reason for this—perhaps some of it comes from our North American fascination with “measurable outcomes”; or, perhaps the congregations want to be able to “see” what they've 'invested' in with regard to their mission team; or, perhaps we missionaries have inadvertently taught teams to expect such things by inviting them only to do such things. After all, what other kind of ministry can a dozen folk from North Georiga have in the highlands of central Mexico...with all the barriers of language, culture, food, etc! Easier for them to come in, build a small church building, take pictures and return-- “mission accomplished.”
But, is that true? Just as much a part of the mission effort is the sowing of seeds and the watering of small sprouts. In fact, the ministry in which we find ourselves right now in Monterrey for the most part does not lend itself to the “harvest” ministries, to visible, concrete, hammer and nails type of work. So, what are we to do? Do we say, “thanks...but no thanks”?? Of course not! We know there are ways that English-speaking, American Christians can come and impact lives in amazing ways...even among south-of-the-border, non-English-speaking Mexicans!
Just over two years ago, a group from the US came to Monterrey (where we were serving) to share on university campuses. They met students at the university who wanted to practice their English! A good number of those students came into the church where we worshiped because of this encounter...and today are leaders of discipleship groups!! No “finished product”...no hands dirty, per se, and no "mission accomplished" photograph to take back and show others. BUT, they formed relationships that can last life-time and had an impact on God's Church that is immeasurable!
So, what kinds of seed-sowing, plant-watering ministries can your church or group do? A choir...singing a mix of appropriate popular music and Christian music that can share in schools all around the city; a mime team that shouts out a message without saying a word, performing in plazas and schools; language teams (like the one mentioned above) coming simply to speak English with those who are learning and sharing life with them.
One mission perspective has been, “Send all the teams you can, as often as you can!” This, we've learned, often leads to a dangerous dependency on outsiders. Another perspective is, “Stay home; send your money.” While this may build an indigenous church, it robs the local church of knowing their brothers and sisters in Christ from other countries. Therefore, we'll opt for the middle road and say, "Yes, we'd love to receive a mission team from your church...a sowing and watering team that wants to impact lives, influence others and help lay a good foundation for God's church!"
No comments:
Post a Comment