Not a Journey but a Migration by Wayne Schwab Moving from maintenance of the church as an institution to mission in the world is a topic of much discussion. The move appeals to many people as a way to get the church out of its doldrums and difficulties. To move from maintenance to mission, however, […]
Basic Tool 35: Two completed mission discernment forms with some useful hints
Sample responses with hints for the home and work mission fields: a mother, Marge, finds closeness is lacking in family life; and a postal worker, Jack, copes with an overly demanding manager. What has God been doing or telling me in (this mission field)? Where are love or justice at work or needed? What message […]
Basic Tools 28: The vision of the Member Mission Network
God is most interested in how lovingly and justly we live Monday to Saturday. Sunday – all of church life – is to help us to do it better. Our problem: We do not have the power to do what God wants us to do. The Good News: God helps us to do what God wants us […]
Basic Tools 25: The Gospel and salvation
Christianity has a unique message. God not only tells us how to live; God helps us to do it. We are called to be loving and just in every relationship, in every part of life. Our problem is that we do not have the power to do it. We can go part of the way but […]
Basic Tools 26: A theology for member mission: a fresh restatement
Member mission is based on seven truths about God and the relationship we share with God. Our thinking and actions as missionaries are based on these truths. 1. God is always on mission. God is always working with and through us to make the world more loving and just. Teachers helping children learn to read, aid workers distributing food […]
Basic Tools 24: Love and justice: the signs of God’s presence and work
What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? —Micah 6:8 Wherever you find love and justice, God is present and at work. Wherever the two are weak or absent, that is a call to join the Lord who is already there working […]
Basic Tools 23: Leading Another to Jesus and Into God’s Mission
[He or she has just expressed/done something that suggests readiness or need to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior.] [Select from the following any or all of the wording that fits the situation.] Member: Jesus calls you to join him in his mission to make the world a better place. He will share with you his power over […]
Basic Tools 1 – B: Start small and how to do it
[If you don’t have the workbook, Living the Gospel: A Guide for Individuals and Small Groups, request one. Single copies are also free.] You like what you’ve read? You want to give it a try? Try these steps . . . A small start in outline – a year: – Complete all the activities in the workbook […]
Basic Tools 30: Member Mission Resources — Order Form
Web site: www.membermission.org When the Members are the Missionaries: An Extraordinary Calling for Ordinary People by A. Wayne Schwab This book (203 pages) extends the popular notion of “mission” to congregation members as they bring love and justice in deed and word to each of their daily arenas – with God’s help: Part One describes […]
Basic Tools 29: For Tools to Implement
GO TO: Basic Tools on www.membermission.org People discover their daily missions and ministries For introductory sessions that energize, click on Basic Tools 3 — 3 – D Ways to form everyone for mission From inquirers, newcomers, and parents bringing children for baptism to lifelong members, click on Basic Tools 5, 6, and 7 A spirituality that […]