Touchstone #8

Mission begins with confession and compassion; it continues with clarity and confidence. Christian mission involves recognition that listening and repenting may be more powerful gifts than money or knowledge. In mission we serve as ambassadors or representatives of Jesus Christ. The Christian church is the body of Christ in the world. How mission is done must always reflect the person and character of the one who sends, the one who came to earth as a servant.

The faithful person lives within the tension between serving humbly and acting boldly for the sake of the gospel. We must not believe the lie that says if we are bold we must be proud or arrogant. Jesus showed us differently. Neither should we believe the lie that says if we are humble we must be shy and reserved. Jesus proves this wrong also. We are called to proclaim the gospel with confidence while serving with humility, to speak truth boldly while listening compassionately.