In this article by Michael Acidri over at Twisted Crown of Thorns, he addresses the issue of missional vs. mission. Savor the read.
There is some times a rather lax and laid back mood in some evangelical circles as to how to clearly preach or present the gospel. “Preach the gospel, if necessary use words,” they shout. Some say we should be “missional” (read doing several lovely things i.e social justice, poverty eradication) and they have altogether dropped the word “missions”. I think we as Christians should never forget that we have been commanded to preach the gospel -for it alone is the power of God unto salvation.
Imagine the embarrassment that comes when your impressed neighbour eventually asks you, “so lovely, hard working christian missional guy who has for the last twenty years mowed my lawn, washed my cat, given my poodle a pedicure; what is the hope that lies in thee?” And we stare back blankly; barely remembering why we even started such generous endevours. There is value (if we are evangelical) in being clear in our mission as well as our communication – as this clip (though satirical) demonstrates:
“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for.” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon
Filed under: Church Compromised Tagged: | C.H. Spurgeon, gospel, salvation, satire, Twisted Crown of Thorns
[...] Clearly Missional or Clearly On A Mission? – Great thoughts from the Reformed Traveler, and the satirical video fits perfectly. [...]
Great thoughts, and that video was perfect!
Love that video!!
That clip was pretty good. “What are you sinking about?” Hahaha!
Great post.
Hi Jo!
“What are you sinking about?” Ha
Funny!!
I agree it is important that when we help others, either on our own or via organized efforts, (church related or not) that we are not shrinking back and merely saying–we are from so and so church and just wanted to help you; or, the one I heard so much, we just want you to know God loves you…and go no further. Doing is not necessarily sharing the message of salvation-that takes specific words that have specific meanings, imo. I also would not listen to Christian pastors/leaders (I am referring to Keller) when they tell us we are not “allowed” to share the gospel if we are volunteering in an organization not of our own origin. In other words…I guess if we are guests of someone else’s organization, we should not be sharing the gospel–just do the work. I can’t remember exactly how he worded it in his interview at desiringgod last January…but it sounded as if he is saying we are restricted because it would be intrusive and almost rude if we did so. I disagree-that is his opinion…and I do not regard such a restriction as sensible at all. Sharing Christ is first.
That’s right, glad that you brought that up. So many sincere people get involved in, not missions anymore, but being missional, thinking that it’s the ‘old style’ missions and they find out…”Hey, vat are you sinking, you can’t talk like that around here, NO GOSPEL SHARING!!!” Then there is the point in the article about those that get so caught up in that ‘doing good’, when confronted with the, “what is the hope that lies in thee?” And we stare back blankly; barely remembering why we even started such generous endevours.” Exactly.
Jo , I’m still laughing over that clip. Hilarious.Quite unlike the rest of the article, which really is a serious issue. I guess that it is a whole lot easier to wash someones dog , scrub their toilet and mow their lawn , than it is to tell that person they need to be saved from their sin.
So glad that you watched the clip! Yes, be clear in our mission as well as our communication!!! Vat are we sinking!
RT ~ Took the liberty of posting the Spurgeon quote on my blog – hope you don’t mind.
Glad you did!
The social gospel is indeed alive and well in many churches today – sadly – the Word is not clearly being taught.
We must pray for our churches, the pastors and our nation. IF we are to see change, it must begin with those of us who truly believe.
Love CHS – one of my all time favorite preachers.
I don’t think many understand what this social gospel is all about and just embrace it because it sounds so warm and fuzzy. As we know it’s called socialism. Love, love C.H.S.!!!