Theological Touchstone for Mission

Mission is both the very essence of the local church and the most confusing element of the local church. Think of how easy it is to unite a church by noting how it needs to be more involved in mission. Who does not want to be involved in a church that is "committed to mission?"

Now think of how easy it is to divide a church by talking specifically about changing the budget to incorporate a new mission commitment. ("I think we need to increase our giving to the local food pantry/homeless center/Habitat for Humanity." "Excuse me, but we already give to these local ministries; I think we need to start giving to church planting in Mongolia/Tunisia/Turkey/Thailand." "What do you mean? Our mission is to minister to this community, and we all know that the best way to do that is to provide the best child care center in the neighborhood.")

Let's take the conversation a step further. How are we going to be involved in mission either locally or globally? Are we going to send food, people, or ideas? Do we bring people to the United States to learn about our decadence and to see our struggling churches? Do we make three-year commitments to churches or people or nations, or do we make ongoing, unlimited commitments? Should we be concerned with the possibility of creating new cycles of dependency? Should we even intervene at all in the work of God in other countries? Are we, in the way we practice mission, really 21st century Christian imperialists?

This study guide is designed to be used by sessions, adult education classes, mission committees, small groups, youth groups, or any other groups of Christians that gather to consider the call to Christian mission. We hope you enjoy it and that it encourages you to become more engaged in God's transforming mission.