Gospel

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A MINISTRY DILEMMA


On the one hand, Jesus observed: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). On the other, “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). How to reconcile these two tasks has created what might be designated as a ministry dilemma.
Why? Since we have been inclined to focus on one or the other, rather than devise creative means to accommodate both. Qualfications aside, this may be legitimate to some degree. For instance, pioneer missionaries characteristically focused their attention on the proclamation of the gospel. While second generation missionaries felt less obligated to do so, given the availability and success of their national counterparts. Consequently, they became involved in educational activity, health services, economic development, and the like.
Moreover, we should not overlook the success that has been achieved. Earlier on, with the rapid expansion of Christianity. Subsequently, with the shift in Christian population. So that it is now said that there are more Christians south of the equator than north of it. Then with the claim that there are now more Chinese Christians than any other national group. While along with the astonishing estimate of 10,000 daily converts in China. If less, still a remarkable number. Nor has there been a lack of doing good deeds, although these often result from a corporate effort, involving non-Christians as well. For instance, two billion people have gained access to clean water. In addition, 156 million no longer have to live in extreme poverty. Then with the anticipation that extreme poverty may be entirely eliminated by 2030, presumably with the exception of regions that are unwilling to cooperate.
Some have advocated a holistic gospel as an effective way of dealing with the dilemma. That is, one that deals with the full range of human needs. It is said that Jesus provided a precedent, in that he ministered to the physical needs of people, while declaring the good news. As for the former, such as allow for human survival: food, clothing, shelter, etc. In a more extended sense, to include security, esteem, and the like.
As for the latter, “For what I received, I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4). After which, he appeared to Peter, then the Twelve, more than five hundred brothers, James, and finally also to Paul. Had this not been the case, it would seem impossible to account for the rapid growth of the Christian faith and its resilience.
In greater detail, a holistic gospel should address a number of related issues. (1) The need to enlist and train persons to engage in this enterprise. This would likely involve study groups, provided with adequate resources. Retired missionaries might be enlisted to assist in the enterprise. While individual gifts should be recognized, so that persons can best discover their distinctive role.
(2) Short-term missionary deployments might prove effective, if carefully structured. Although these should be weighed over against other pressing missionary concerns. If properly supervised, these can readily be fine-tuned for greater effectiveness.
(3) That which is essential to any outreach must be distinguished from that which is unique in each instance. As in other regards, this will require a creative use of limited resources: both human and material.
(4) Of critical importance, God should be factored into any equation. This recalls the saying, “With God, one is in the majority.” If we fail to realize this, our efforts will prove to be fruitless. In any case, this constitutes only a short list, which could be profitably enlarged.

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