More For Your Consideration ---

Last month I shared a few items to consider on your journey to global impact.  We received a larger-than-usual number of very affirming responses.  Here are a few more items to consider:

• You want to be listened to and included in decisions and directions that affect your ministry.  It is instructive to reflect back on some of the issues that shaped our values.  When we first approached adult-hood we discovered that all was not what we believed it to be.  The universities were not ready for us, mainly because more of us showed up than they were able to handle.  The government was not ready for us since we questioned some of their decisions and discovered their answers were not completely accurate.  Corporate America was not ready for us in that we desired a more collaborative approach to work than was currently in place.  These three examples demonstrate how a lack of trust in leadership created a great need for us to be involved in shaping the decisions that affected our roles.  We have brought this value into the missions realm and at times have pushed to reshape the processes and decision-making approaches we observed.  At times we have been chastised and at other times we have been applauded for our "pushing."  But it's part of our DNA.  The secret is to do it in a respectful, godly manner. 

• You want to feel fulfilled in whatever ministry you step into.  The whole "success to significance" philosophy is an expression of our desire to contribute well.  We want to be able to fully embrace and engage ourselves in ministry, not just be a bit-player.  We have a wealth of experience to offer, ideas, passion and desire.  We are at a time in our lives when we are ready to let it all hang out, so to speak.  We don't have much to prove any more.  We have pretty much figured out who we are and we're looking to fully invest that in a cause.  The downside is sometimes the emphasis is too much on ourselves---what I want to do, how I want to minister, how I want to do something big for God.  It turns out that such thinking can be a slippery slope.  We may get a little turned around and be more motivated to fulfill ourselves than fulfill what God has in mind.  So be willing to do a heart-check from time to time and keep centered.

• You are not totally comfortable with the old paradigm of the preparation, supporting and sending models.  Those models were built on a church and Bible-training paradigm.  They were appropriate models for their time.  They expanded the church around the world and helped turn "mission fields" into "mission forces."  We all stand on their shoulders.  But the paradigm we are more comfortable with is built on an economic, business and relational platform.  The bridges we find to cross into global kingdom work will be built on this newer paradigm.  As it turns out, God knew exactly what type of harvest workers he would require from North America at this time in history, and he has carefully shaped the Boomer generation for such a time as this.  It may be that you have run into a few obstacles as you have expressed your ideas regarding preparation or support or the issues involved in sending.  Actually, you are just doing what we as Boomers have always done.  Quite often our initial impact on institutions and organizations is unwelcomed.  We cause frustration and create a negative impact rather than the good impact we desire.  But we re-group, we learn, we persist and we bring about change.  So let's be careful to always be learners and have the attitude Jesus demonstrated, being gentle and humble of heart.

Once again, our encouragement is to be intentional in taking steps of faith towards the "good works" you were made for.  If you've lost your enthusiasm or become side-tracked, determine what logical step you should take right now, and re-engage.  This is kingdom work.  This is Christ's global cause.  This is serious, significant and worthy!  Settle for nothing less.  And as you go---be respectful, keep centered and walk humbly.