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From the Desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: God’s love in all places
October 31, 2017 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb
The fall 2017 edition of the Advocate is available on our website and has also arrived at local churches. This issue focuses on Being God’s love to our neighbors in all places. In this issue, Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb reflects on a blog he read by Rich Robinson, who describes what it means to be m.i.s.s.i.o.n.a.l. by changing the word into an acronym.
John Wesley had a vision for the Methodist movement – “to reform the Continent, and especially the Church, and spread scriptural holiness throughout the land.” That’s a pretty radical vision. It is part of our heritage. Upper New York continues that heritage, as we attempt to live the mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Like Wesley, we have a vision of what the world and Church will look like when we faithfully and diligently live our mission. The vision statement of Upper New York since its birth has been clear – “to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be God’s love with our neighbors in all places.” As we strive to live out our purpose, we will see that vision become a reality – we will be a radical, Christ-following, Gospel-centered, missional Church.
Not too long ago I read a blog written by Rich Robinson, who is a part of 3DMovements. 3DM is a missional movement led by Mike Breen and others that seeks to train churches and Christian leaders to do discipleship and mission in an increasingly post-Christian world. I encourage you to check out their website https://3dmovements.com/ and learn about the work they are doing.
The blog that I read outlines what it means to have a M.I.S.S.I.O.N.A.L. culture. Let me elaborate and while I do, envision how you can be more MISSIONAL, how your church can be more MISSIONAL, and how UNY can be more MISSIONAL!
Robinson explained that the M stands for missional mindset. These are people who understand that they are “sent;” they live sacrificially and are comfortable with risk and change as they work outside the church walls.
The I stands for Incarnational lifestyle, meaning people who look to be the Good News in whatever setting they are in (neighborhood, work, golf club, pub, etc.); they do not “minister to,” rather they exemplify what it means to be a faithful Christian.
The first S indicates being scripturally-based, or grounded in Scripture.
The second S means to be Spirit-Led, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The second I stands for Intercessory Prayer; these are people who are fueled by prayer.
The O indicates people who Orbit the Center. They are resourced, trained, and sent from the church into larger communities.
The N represents Neighborhood or Network; these people know the precise demographics of people they are called to share the Good News with.
The A stands for Active Participation. These are people who go far beyond being at church on Sundays.
Lastly, the L is for Lay Led. These are lay leaders who step up to the plate; they are not dependent on pastors to call them up to bat. They take responsibility for whom and where they are called to live.
Check out Rich Robinson’s full blog at http://bit.ly/missionalculture.
All across the Upper New York Conference, God is calling congregations to engage in a missional culture, to engage in such a way that our vision will indeed become a reality. I hope you will read every story in this issue of the Advocate, but more importantly, I hope you will begin to imagine what God desires to do in your life, the life of your congregation and the life of your community. We are a movement! We are a Missional Movement! Let’s embrace the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit. Let’s be people who together live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and are God’s love with our neighbors in all places.”