You went on a mission trip? Congrats, you're a monk now
TLDR by ChatGPT:
Traditional mission trips follow a limited model of charity work, based on ancient monastic tradition.
Early monks were the first intentional missionaries, focusing on theology and serving the needs of unreached people groups.
Mission trips shouldn't be confined to one formula; every believer has unique gifts and passions to fulfill the Great Commission.
Let's break free from restrictive models, embrace our creativity, and bring the love and message of Jesus to all corners of society.
Your church is organising a mission trip. What's on the programme? Probably travel to an orphanage, build some toilets and teach the kids English (which they may never use).
Maybe an alternative is to head over to a church in another country, connect with the christians there and work with them to hand out some gospel tracts on the streets.
Why is that the only way we do missions now? Aren't there new ways we can bring the message of Jesus, with greater and different impact?
Mr bombastic, bomba monastic
To understand the current landscape of missions, we must delve into history and examine its origins.
The emergence of monks in the third century as the first intentional missionaries open our eyes to a broader understanding of mission.
“Aren’t there new ways we can bring the message of Jesus, with greater and different impact?”
These early missionaries dedicated themselves to theological study and ventured into new areas to unreached people groups.
Their work encompassed improving social welfare and serving the immediate needs of the communities they encountered.
The 'm' in 'missions' stands for monk
Sounds familiar? The monks and nuns from the 3rd century are where we get our current model of missions.
Long-term missionaries in organisations like YWAM, Cru, etc, go through months of training, and then are then sent out to various countries.
Short-term trips then become mini versions of the long ones, because it's the only thing available.
It's no wonder only few people feel an affinity to such an expression of missions.
This is what missions actually looked like
However, returning to the early centuries of Christianity, we actually uncover a remarkable truth: there was no concept of a "missionary", because every believer essentially was one.
Individuals embraced their unique strengths to bring the message of Jesus to the world.
“It’s no wonder only few people feel an affinity to such an expression of missions.”
Some built churches and communities, others engaged in philosophical dialogues and apologetics in the public square, while many others integrated their faith into their professional roles.
If the gospel is good food, why would we need to force it down other's throats?
Early christian missions had two major effects: the first, that more people became aware of the gospel, and second, that God's redemptive character would seep into every area of society believers were in and improve it beyond anything conceivable by the human mind alone.
“there was no concept of a ‘missionary’, because every believer essentially was one.”
This rich diversity in missions made a greater impact on the world, fulfilling needs across sectors of society.
Same mission, different strategies
It is essential to break free from the notion that mission trips must conform to a single predetermined model.
Each individual possesses unique gifts, passions, and life circumstances that can be harnessed to bring Jesus to the world in a personal and impactful way.
“Early christian missions had two major effects: the first, that more people became aware of the gospel, and second, that God’s redemptive character would seep into every area of society believers were in...”
By looking into our unique characteristics, we can uncover the specific ways in which we are called to fulfil the Great Commission.
Evangelism isn't just about telling people about why you believe in Jesus or being a nice person such that people will notice you're a christian. Unleash your God-given creativity.
Break out of the mould of missions
It's time to redefine missions and move away from the restrictive framework that has dominated for too long. If every single person works rigorously and thoroughly for their calling, we can revitalise the impact of Christianity on the world.
Break free from the restrictions of only what we know. Transform your world with your mission. Bring the love and message of Jesus to all corners of society.
Reflect:
What was a time you felt the most effective when serving others? What were you doing that felt natural?
What is a problem in the world that you want to solve, or a need you want to fill? How will going overseas help your progress?
If you don’t know what impact you want to make, how can you make going overseas be a way for you to develop your mission?
