Wikipedia states: "A Christian mission has been widely defined, since the Lausanne Congress of 1974, as that which is designed 'to form a viable indigenous church-planting and world changing movement.' This definition is motivated by a theologically imperative theme of the Bible to make God known, as outlined in the Great Commission.
It's important to remember what the primary purpose of a missions trip! If we go into an area and just help with medical aid and the construction of buildings we do nothing to help the people with their biggest problem, their Salvation.
I am not saying not to help, or not to go on trips where you don't have an opportunity to preach the Gospel. Quite the opposite in fact. I applaud everyone who helps those who need and deserve help. I thank God for those Christians who help out! After-all, Christian organizations make up most of the worlds charities and aid agencies.
It's not a "Mission's Trip" without the Gospel being the primary focus and purpose of the trip. Rather it is an "Aid Giving or Humanitarian Relief Trip".
There is no such thing as a "Social Justice Christian". More on that later!!
If you or your church has people getting ready to go on a missions trip check out:
Serving As Senders: How to Care for Your Missionaries While They Are Preparing to Go, While They Are on the Field, When They Return Home
As to the notion of the so-called "Social Justice" or "Social Gospel" concept of Christianity, I am in full agreement. Those are simply code words for Socialism and certainly do not apply to the Salvation message.
ReplyDeleteOk, that aside, I think some other things may be considered with missions trips. If the intent of the trip is simply an adventure outing, it will serve little value to the Gospel. Likewise, with the tendency of many to want to do something to make themselves feel good, or out of a sense of guilt, there is no value. Other than perhaps the slightest outlay of humanitarian relief.
A couple of positives though. Or more. There may still be that unexpected opening (remember, the Holy Spirit is in charge) to share the Gospel. Next, who knows what the locals may have thought of Christians. Especially in Third World areas where anti-Christian propaganda may have greatly influenced the attitude of locals against Christians. So when some real Christians show up, a different perspective can be seen.
Most importantly, there is the "after affect". Several years ago my son had a chance to go on a missions trip with other young people from his church. The trip so impacted him that today he and his wife are full time missionaries to closed countries. So though the imediate results of the initial missions trip may be suspect, what follows is often where the real work and real calling is accomplished.
Dan Dooley
Dooley Words
http://www.dooleystreasurechest.com/blogsite/
Great points! I attended a Missions conference a while back where the focus was on presenting a method of missions called "Business as Mission". The concept is basically along the same lines as the indirect influence, with an eye to opportunities to evangelize. It was very interesting. I will have to find my notes and post a little more about that up here.
ReplyDeleteRe: Social Justice Christain (whatever that really means). There is a series of internet videos out there with semi-famous people talking about how they are social justice christians--I think Brian McLaren is on there--Surprise surprise!!