Most churches have mission statements. The United Methodist Church's mission statement is "Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."
I used to like it. These days, not so much.
Here is why... I find the word "making" to be confrontational. We don't make people do anything. Surely Jesus didn't force anyone to do anything.
Churches for centuries have gone to far away lands to "convert" the heathen. The church largely ignored and demonized the native religions. We taught people to talk like us and dress like us. It was a form of colonization.
In the 1920's churches went into rural Nicaragua and built churches. But they did nothing to help the people who were starving. Is this the kind of outreach that God hopes for?
In my old age I have come to believe that it is not my job to convert people. God can do that with out me. It is my job however, to love people.
And I believe that when we get good at loving people, they will be drawn to our spirits, to our way of life and to our God.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
No comments:
Post a Comment