As a Pastor people often ask me how can I find my purpose in life?, what is my mission in life?. It can seem like a mystery that for some, remains unsolved for years which is sad and as we all want to live a life of purpose.
God has been very transparent in sharing his mission with us, his ‘Missio Dei’. This wonderful Latin Christian theological term has a depth and power of meaning that no English translation can easily capture. I find the words of Paul Avis helpful ‘Missio Dei speaks of the overflowing of the love of God’s being and nature into God’s purposeful activity in the world’ (Avis, 2005, p. 5). These words clearly imply that God is already at work in the world and I would suggest our mission in life is to join in with his mission. God’s desire has always been to restore this world and all the people in it back into relationship with him. God sent Jesus into this world as part of his Missio Dei and God desires that we, as believers, share his heart for the world and those in it. We become co-workers in God’s mission, what a privilege, we co-work with God to bring about his Kingdom here on earth. I like to think of it as being an agent on God’s assignment but that could be because of my early unfulfilled career desire to be an MI5 agent!
Our mission is not hidden, it’s not a mystery we spend all our lives trying to solve, it is in clear sight for those who want to receive it.
Participating in Missio Dei is not for the faint-hearted, it brings its own kind of challenges. It disrupts our lives, it causes a shift in priorities but it is an amazing place of fulfilment. It is out of this mission our ministry flows. We are all called to ministry, as we join in with what God is already doing here on earth we are ministering. Ministry is serving, Jesus was clear he did not come to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). That service to others often takes place outside of the four walls of church and definitely takes place every day of the week not just on a Sunday. Our ministry might be serving our family, friends, peers, work colleagues, the community or fellow students.
As the church, and by that I mean the people of God, recognise that they come together as the ‘gathered’ church on Sunday to be the ‘scattered’ church the rest of the week then amazing things will happen, lives will be changed, families and communities will be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Missio Dei visible in this world.
For me, this quote describes beautifully the impact of the scattered church participating in Missio Dei:
‘The missional church…does not create sanctified spaces into which unbelievers must come to encounter the gospel. Rather, the missional church disassembles itself and seeps into the cracks and crevices of a society in order to be Christ to those who don’t yet know Him’
(Frost & Hirsch, 2013, p. 25)
Some reflections for the days ahead:
Missio Dei, it is here, it is now – it is right in front of us.
Missio Dei is present and active in our world – it is freely accessible.
Missio Dei requires a response from those believe – it is our opportunity to co-work with God in his Kingdom.
How amazing that God chooses us to participate in his Missio Dei every day of our lives wherever we find ourselves.
Speak soon
Jean
References
Avis, P. (2005) A ministry shaped mission London, T & T Clark International.
Frost, M. and Hirsch, A. (2013) The Shaping of things to come. United States of America, Baker Books.
Appreciating Theology 