May 1 - We Declare - Becoming a Missional Church

 Over the next few weeks we will be working through material provided in preparation for Mennonite Church Canada's national assembly.  This is a gathering open to people from Mennonite congregations across the country interested in joining together to connect, to worship, to study, and to discern together. This year the theme is "We Declare...what we have seen and heard" (based on  1 John 1:3). What is it that we have to declare? What do we have to say that is relevant in this day and age? How do we share our experience in a way that is sensitive to those around us and true to the Gospel we have received? As it says in the provided material: "How can we speak of our faith in a society of many faiths and no faith, ...claiming and living out a good news that is truly good news for humanity and all creation..." 

The Scripture passages for this week include Mark 1:14-15, Acts 1:6-8, 4:20, 1 Peter 3:15-16, 1 John 1:1-4. These passages are calls to, and testimonies of, living lives witnessing to the joy, hope, and so much more we have received in our learning about and walking with Jesus. God is at work, in us and in the world. How can we be silent?

These calls have meant different things to different people. Some have heard them as a call to inclusion from exclusion - but with conditions.  Some have heard them as a call to live the best life possible.  Some have heard them as a call to "save" anyone who thinks differently by showing them the "right" way to believe. Sometimes well meaning and inspired people have become quite dismissive of existing beliefs and practices in their zeal to promote their understanding of Christianity. How do we read these passages in a meaningful way? How do we avoid the pitfalls of arrogant certainty?

It used to be that Christianity was central to state, culture, and society. Many towns and their social lives were built around the church. Everyone had a basic understanding of and experience with Christianity, for better or worse. This has changed as more faiths abound, adding their voices to state, culture, and society. There is also a loud voice for separation of politics from faith of any sort. Other organizations have taken over many of the functions the historical church may have served. Fewer people view Christianity and the church as central to their lives. As the Church moves toward the margins of our daily lives, we need to look again at who we are called to be and how we are called to witness to God's goodness. Decades ago Mennonite Church Canada adopted the term "missional" to describe itself. This term was meant to describe efforts to find where God is already at work and joining in that work, rather than relying on our own strength and ingenuity to further God's kingdom. Focussing our attention on God at work helps us find hope, to find strength to keep working, and to keep from misguided efforts that end up causing harm. 

The question then becomes, "What if someone asks questions?" Are we able to articulate our faith?  Are we able to share what we believe without condescending to people who believe differently?  Are we able to share God's love with everyone, even those with whom we disagree? Are we able to share an excitement about God at work in our lives? What do we do when can't just "do" but actually are called to speak? 

Reading the passages above can be helpful.  They speak of sharing our experiences - not preaching dogma. They speak of finding great joy, not painful duty, in the sharing of God's love. They speak of the hope we find in Jesus.  The first part of 1 Peter 3:16 also reminds us to "do this with respectful humility, maintaining a good conscience." 

So let us continue to study scriptures, to participate in God's work going on around us, and to practice sharing our faith with each other and others. Let us continue to live our lives as witnesses to God at work in us, and be willing to share what God has done for us.