One of the best messages at the recent Cooperative Baptist
Fellowship General Assembly was delivered by Global Missions Coordinator Rob
Nash on Thursday night as part of the commissioning of missionary
personnel. His primary focus was on the
value of cooperative networks or “herds” in carrying out the Great Commission in
the 21st century. He said,
It is clear to me that the right approach for global mission
in the 21st century is this network or herd approach,
joining together in communities of engagement that emerge out of our God-given
passions and that aren’t owned by any of us.
If we truly believe that networks of churches and individuals are
the future of global missions, then we ought to embrace such a way fully,
boldly, and courageously . . . It is my conviction that the global mission
engagement of the twenty-first century is going to be about the blessing and
sending of networks of us, herds of us into the world, driven by our passions
to truly make a difference.
With this terminology, I think that Nash has pictured for us
what is already a reality. Field
personnel, mission organizations, indigenous leaders, churches, and even NGOs
(non-governmental organizations) join together to accomplish tasks that none of
them could do alone. For this to continue
and flourish, however, several things have to happen.
First, organizations like CBF must continue to provide
professional and trained full-time missionary personnel to be the catalysts for
these networks. Men and women with both theological
and missiological skills must be available to nurture, develop, and sustain
these initiatives. This is not
paternalism but good stewardship. Such individuals serve as hands-on
practitioners, mentors, consultants and coaches. Someone is going to have to
call out and support these individuals.
Second, we must be prepared to make use of the best
technology available to mesh these groups and focus their work. Through the Internet and other digital forms
of communication, information can be shared quickly and collaboration across
borders is possible, but someone has to know how to do this. Again, this requires called and trained
personnel.
Third, all parties involved will have to exercise a great
deal of humility and be willing to yield leadership at the appropriate
time. As Nash pointed out, a person from
the country where the ministry is being done may be the best leader for the
effort. Knowing when to let go and allow
that person to run with the project takes both wisdom and humility.
Fourth, as Nash pointed out, we must continually be aware of
the leadership of the Spirit of God.
This will come only as we work and pray together, sharing our strengths
and seeking support where we are weak.
Nash provides a challenging vision for the future of global
missions. I pray that we will be willing
to respond to it.
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