How big a deal is "missions" at CGPC. It seems to be part of our DNA. Our funding mechanism is probably unique - at least I haven't found a church that does it our way. Here are some questions to ponder:
- In thinking about our current state, what is the role of missions?
- In what way did the role of missions change from our first pastor to our second? (If you've been around that long!)
- What changes, if any, do you see over the next 10 years?
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2 comments:
Missions at CGPC is HUGE. I believe it *is* part of our DNA. Our congregation has a heart for doing missions work, especially overseas, in New Orleans and Glory Ridge. It is really cool to be part of a congregation with a heart to give and serve!
I would love to see the role of missions at CGPC expand to include outreach/evangelism in the Center Grove community. We have a great relationship with Shepherd Community and other organizations in Central Indiana. However, my big question is, "What are people's needs in *Center Grove* and how do we meet them?" I have yet to find a really good answer. Whatever the answer ends up being, I think we are uniquely placed to meet those needs.
The biggest change I see coming in the next 10 years (globally) will be the continuation of role reversals - with the US becoming the mission field, while others (especially from Africa and Latin America) will continue to become missionary-senders. Opportunities for missions work are - and will be - in our own back yard.
The funding issue at CGPC is an interesting one. On one hand, I think it is quite amazing we give half our budget to missions work. On the other, everyday I see pressing needs in our own congregation first-hand (lack of space, employees, growth, walk-ins needing assistance, ...). It's definitely worth re-examining and will make for an intersting discussion.
Sorry for the long post!
I suppose it could be construed as a conflict of interest for me to comment on this topic. But I trust you know my heart.
I enjoyed John's comments. He definitely has the pulse of how World Missions will be changing over the next 10 years. While the majority of Wycliffe missionaries are still from the U.S., that is changing at an amazing rate. This has impacted the whole posture of our work. Instead of being the doers, we are becoming the teachers, the consultants, the facilitators.
I also pondered a bit, John's comments on our lack of outreach to our own community. I am not sure I understand it either. Time again, I have observed needs of our church expressed and people quickly rallying to meet those needs. So I don't think we are averse to meeting needs in our community. Examples: Flood response, Hearth ministry, etc.
I wonder if it is just more challenging for us to 'see' more needs in our community. Like if I don't have a need in a particular area, it might be difficult for me to 'see' that someone else is needy in that area.
I have been around through both pastors. I think the differences in their connection to 'Missions' reflected their differences in age, in life experience, and in their understanding of the 'means' to do missions. I would guess that where they didn't differ centered around how Missions is in our DNA and it breathes life into us as a body.
A positive thought is that our next pastor will come with a unique life experience, age and personal understanding and preference for what Missions should be. I believe God desires to use this opportunity to increase our Missions impact, and maybe He will do that in the very area of outreach to our own community.
I will defer from commenting on the money thing, other than saying our current approach is to allocate 50% of undesignated funds to missions vs. 50% of our budget. At least thats how I understand it.
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