In This Issue: Help, I’m a Victim of Identity Theft!
Missions Catalyst is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry. Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
Practical Mobilization by Shane Bennett is published once a month.
Help, I’m a Victim of Identity Theft!
By Shane Bennett
Identity theft. DUM duh dum DUM. It’s the scary crime du jour. Having not been a victim of identity theft, I probably overly downplay its significance. (Similarly, I had to put on a jacket this morning, therefore global warming is a myth.) But I do suspect the Church, at least in the US – at least the evangelical Church in the US – may have suffered identity theft on a grand scale. We seem to be “the Church that is against stuff.” We are defined by what we oppose. Try this: Ask someone you don’t know well to list the things that Christians are in favor of and the things that they’re against. I’ll bet you your subscription price to Missions Catalyst that the second list is twice as long as the first. (Either way, if the person gives you a combined list with over five items, take them for a coffee and a conversation. It might be enlightening.)
A quick ramble through the gospels seems to indicate that Jesus was for a lot more than he was against. Consider the early part of Mark’s account. Jesus is for (among other things): announcing the kingdom, praying, casting out demons, healing mothers-in-law, forgiving sins, and hanging out with both stinky people (fishermen and lepers) and nice smelling ones (Pharisees and prostitutes).
At least as long as I can remember, we’ve had a long list of things we are against and things we don’t do: We don’t play cards, we don’t dance, we don’t listen to music with a “rock and roll beat,” we don’t drink, smoke, chew, or go with girls who do. Lately we’ve been against abortion, evolution, stem cell research, gay people, and both liberal politics and politicians. This is not to say that there is nothing we should be against. For instance, I’m solidly against abortion. The point is that we’ve been framed, rightly or wrongly, as “the people who are against stuff.”
What would it be like if we were known for what we were for? It would be pretty cool. What would you like Christians to be known for? Here’s my abbreviated list: Christians laugh and sing, kiss their wives, work hard, give fun gifts, and keep standing through disappointment and failure. They listen, throw decent parties, and tell interesting stories. They always seem to be making friends.
Assuming you are reading the Missions Catalyst because you’re into missions, and considering anyone who’s into missions part of my tribe, can I ask you a favor? We, of all people, should be Christians who are for, rather than against. We are for the growth of God’s kingdom, in which he is known, loved, and followed. We are for churches being all they can be, as well as the people who make them up. And we are for peoples and cultures becoming all God has in mind for them, living the best possible lives under his loving authority. So here’s the favor: In the coming months join me in asking God and looking around for ways to reframe the argument. Let’s lead the way (If I can be that presumptuous) in returning to a Church that is for God’s good purposes over and above one that is against the corruption of evil. If you need a shallow place to step in, how about this Friday inviting over some international students to play cards.
Thanks to John Smulo for sparking these thoughts.
Questions? Problems? Submissions? Contact publisher/managing editor Marti Smith.