Controversy in Mayasia - update: In this morning’s newspaper the language is softening and the integrity of original reporters is (rightly) being questioned. Please continue to pray for peace and truth.
Steve flies home this evening and I will be leaving tomorrow morning. We are pleased to say that the local community has established some wonderful structures to see values, ethics and clean living roll out in Malaysia. We had an incredible time and met some of the most amazing people!
I can't wait to be back in October to speak at the Alpha / Marketplace Ministry conference... Let's hope they allow me into the country! If not, it won't be the first time I've been refused entry. In 2003 I was refused entry into the USA and last year I was not allowed to travel to Lebanon.
The two following quotes spoke strongly to me about being a witness for Christ in such situations. Certainly we have faced nothing compared to these two great witnesses for Christ, but their testimony has offered me great encouragement!
"I don’t preach a social gospel; I preach the Gospel, period. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is concerned for the whole person. When people were hungry, Jesus didn’t say, ‘Now is that political or social?’ He said, ‘I feed you.’ Because the good news to a hungry person is bread."
Desmond Tutu
"Even when they call us mad, when they call us subversives and communists and all the epithets they put on us, we know we only preach the subversive witness of the Beatitudes, which have turned everything upside down."
Oscar Romero
Grace and peace from Malaysia! Tomorrow I will be in Hong Kong.
I enjoy Daniel Mosley's tweets and blog posts. He recently posted this post on the Catholic Church's use of an iPhone app to support the sacrament of reconciliation (confession and penance).
I thought this was a great idea at first glance! I am all for the Church finding contemporary methods (and tools) to reach and serve a much wider audience to aid faith, transformation and wholeness.
And, of course there are a myriad of 'ministries' and 'individuals' who have created tools and apps for devotion, news, encouragement or interaction. Some, like the two mentioned above are 'discipleship' tools to support believers, while others are evangelical tools to reach more people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I would highly recommend that you read Tallskinnykiwi's post on evangelism in this space here: http://tallskinnykiwi.typepad.com/tallskinnykiwi/2011/01/social-media-talk-at-lausanne-.html
Back to the confession app, I wonder if I would use it? Of course one major problem is that this sacrament is not part of my theological and spiritual tradition. So, that does cause me to value it a little less for the specific task it performs.
Let me ask, if you are from a tradition that applies this sacrament would you feel comfortable (or not) using such a tool? I'd love to hear why.
Also, are there any other tools or apps that you use, or know of, that you find as important in your faith and spiritual life?
Personally I use the Methodist app mentioned above, and I use the Olivetree Bible app daily on my iPhone and iPad.
For the past 3 years I have been seconded by the Methodist Church of Southern Africa to serve as a Chaplain. My chaplaincy has been to a number of organisations (which are all connected with the work and ministry of Graham Power, a prominent Christian Businessman and member of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa).
I often get asked what a Chaplain is, and of course what a Chaplain does! In particular people seem to find the concept of 'corporate', 'industrial' or 'business' Chaplaincy quite interesting. Most people are familiar with military Chaplains, prison Chaplains, and hospital Chaplains.
What is a Chaplain? A little bit of theology and history.
Before I talk about what I do let me give a little bit of background to the concept of Chaplaincy. Most scholars trace this history of Chaplaincy to St Martin of Tours, a 4th century Roman soldier who was convereted to Christianity. He was stationed in the North of France and tradition tells of how he encountered a destitute man at the gate of the city of Amiens one day. He was filled with compassion for the poor, naked, man and so took his sword and cut his Roman cloak (capella) in half and gave one half to the shivering man. The legend further suggests that the poor man that he helpded later revealed himself as Jesus (similar to what we read in Matthew 24:34-36). St Martin was later ordained and allowed to minister outside of the 'gathered Church' in places of great need. He became known as the keeper of the bisected cloak (the capellanus) - from which we derive the name 'Chaplain'.
It is interesting to note that Martin and his cohorts spread throughout the country meeting the needs of people and establishing places of worship (which where known as Chapels, after those who birthed and nurtured them, the Chaplains). The Chapel this came out of the ministry of the Chaplain, and not the other way around as it is commonly assumed.
Here then is the initial feature of chaplaincy, that it first addresses the acute need with practical care. Secondly, it goes to where people are without wating for them to come where we are.... Finally, this story says something to us about status, for at the moment of the inception of [St Martin's] ministry, Martin was still a lay person. He was later ordained... Chaplaincy has had the potential from the beginning to be a ministry of the whole people of God.
I have found this image very helpful in my own ministry. I am one who is called to meet people at their point of need. The 'world of work' is often a place of great struggle, hardship, and drudgery. I have had wonderful opportunities to offer practical and spiritual care in the workplace. Second, I constantly strive to facilitate instances of worship (Chapels if you will). Sometimes these are places (like the prayer room we have at our offices). And at other times they are short momemnts either with groups of individuals - for example when I go out onto our building and construction sites to meet with our staff. Most importantly I have attempted to 'extend' the office of Chaplain to numerous people in our company and in other companies and contexts. We have numerous 'lay people' who are ministers in their own right, offering pastoral care, teaching, and mobilizing ministry.
What do I do as a 'corporate' or 'business' Chaplain?
My Chaplaincy is primarily characterised by service. I'm sure that each Chaplaincy is unique in its character and form, attempted to meet the needs of the context in Christian love.
However, since I serve a Christian man, and serve in a Christian organisation, I have many wonderful opportunities for ministry. Among other things I do the following:
Offer counselling and care to our staff and their families.
Lead prayer meetings and Bible study groups in and around the workplace.
I develop and share materials on spirituality in daily life (prayer guides, daily reflections, ideas for ministry and service etc.)
I oversee and assist in the ministry of The Global Day of Prayer internationally and perform the same function with the team in our Unashamedly Ethical Office.
I oversee the management of our company's Corporate Social Investment and Charitable giving (we have a Charitable Trust for this purpose).
I do executive coaching for some of our senior leadership (with a particular emphasis on work life balance, spirituality, personal calling etc.)
I sit on numerous committees in the company that have an input into the wellbeing of our employees, that look after aspects of our decisions (particularly in regard to ethics and social responsibility).
I consult to individuals and companies who are serious about finding God's direction, guidance, and will for their lives and their resources. I help to reshape both individuals and structures for greater significance in God's Kingdom.
Of course I perform a myriad of more mundane tasks that relate to budgest, meetings, planning, strategy, correspondance etc.
What is central to everything that I do as a Chaplain is the understanding that 'work can be worship' (Col 3.23). And the little phrase I often use which says:
While some are called to pastor congregations, everyone is called to ministry.
I'd love to hear your ideas, feedback! Do you do something similar? Do you long to do something similar? Have you got any creative ideas or inputs that could shape and form such a ministry?
Today is the 4th of July 2014 - it has been 4 years since I first wrote my short reflection on the ministry of a chaplain and St Martin of Tours. Today is the feast day of St Martin of Tours. My life has changed somewhat since I wrote that. I am sitting in Holland at the moment, working towards the completion of my second PhD at Radboud University in Nijmegen. I am no longer a workplace chaplain. Since January 2015 I am a full time academic - teaching Systematic Theology, Ethics and Public Theology at the University of Stellenbosch. It is a wonderful privilege to serve the Church and the world in this way.
This year I had an article published in the academic journal, Koers, on ministry and faith in the world of work, and I am working on another article with my friend Dr Johan Oosterbrink for the journal 'In die skriflig' (a Festschrift for Prof Koos Lotter). This article also focusses on faith and work.
My prayer is that we will see many more people awaken to the high calling of work, and like St Martin of Tours, that they would follow the call of Christ and serve Him and the world with their talents, time and treasure so that God's Kingdom of justice, mercy and peace may be established for all.
Today's 'Common Prayer' has a focus on St Martin. The two quotes below were a great encouragement and blessing to me in devotions today.
Martin of Tours (d. 397)
Martin of Tours saw Christ in the face of the poor and in the commitment to nonviolence. He was born in what is now Hungary and as a young man was involuntarily enlisted in the Roman Army. Martin’s conversion to Christianity occurred after he met a beggar seeking alms. Without money to offer the man, Martin tore his own coat in half and gave one part to the beggar. The following night, Martin dreamed of Christ wearing half of his coat. Once Martin was baptized he resolved to leave the army because Christ called him to nonviolence. His superiors mistakenly saw his request as one of cowardice until Martin offered to face the front lines without weapons as a sign of Christian pacifism. Denied this offer, Martin spent time in prison. Afterward he joined the monastery at Solesmes and eventually served for ten years as bishop of Tours.
Here is the other quote from the end of the devotion:
Martin of Tours said, “I am a soldier of Christ; it is not lawful for me to fight.”
Prayers for Others
Almighty God, you are King of all creation. You created order out of chaos, and you call us to strive for the peace that is not like the peace empires bring. Teach us to drop the weapons we carry in our hands, in our hearts, and on our tongues. Enable us to be soldiers of yours who destroy the weapons of our oppressors with your grace. Amen.
Please take a few minutes to watch this wonderful TED video featuring Mitchel Besser, a doctor who is doing extraordinary work in supporting some of the most vulnerable people, who undergo immense suffering, with a very simple and effective Mother2Mother HIV AIDS support system.
The title of this post may be shocking - indeed, I it is intended to be so! I believe that if one person suffers we all suffer. So, to understand my statement 'I am positive' please read these posts.
Today is World AIDS day. Today we remember that the Church has AIDS. We do not minister to people who are HIV positive, as if they were people outside of the body of Christ. Rather, we ask God to heal us, for all of us suffer from this disease.
Whether you are HIV+ or not, this disease reminds us that we shall all face death. It reminds us that we shall all be ill at some stage. It reminds us that we need one another to be strengthened and encouraged to face the reality of struggle. It reminds us that society can be cruel and that people can be judged for something that afflicts them. Most of all, this disease reminds us that we have a God who cares and longs to bring us healing and hope.
Prayer of invocation:
Loving God, you are our parent. You look upon us with mercy and compassion. You understand our weakness. Our suffering breaks your heart. Look upon us with love, grace, and compassion today. Father, you know the pain of losing your only son to death. Jesus, you know the pain of dying and leaving those whom you love behind. Spirit you are the giver and sustainer of life. With confidence we approach your throne of grace that there we may receive mercy.
Renew our spirits and draw our hearts, bodies, and minds close to yours. All of us are subject to the frailties of life. Strengthen us in our weakness, bring us wholeness in spite of disease. For those who live under the impending threat of death, offer them comfort and strength in the knowledge that death does not have the final victory and that in you there is true, eternal, and blissful life that lasts for eternity. For those who feel the pain of seeing a loved one die, fill them with courage through the power of your Spirit of life. Surround them with caring and loving people who will show to them the love that you want to give them in their time of need.
Help each of us to strengthen our resolve to obedience and service. Give us courage so that we would not shy away from facing our own frailty and pain. Move us to go to the places of death, like your beloved disciple John went to your cross, so that we may offer love and healing to those whom you love.
Let us delight in doing those acts of mercy that will bring healing and honour Your name.
Today we declare the faith that neither height, nor depth, neither life, nor death, neither angel, nor demon, nor anything in all creation can separate us from Your love. You are the creator God. You make a way where it seems none can be found, your bring forth living waters in the wilderness. We place our trust in You, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN
A meditation to guide your prayers and actions today
Nosipho's story - no greater gift.
Nosipho is just thirteen years old - tonight she is lying awake next to her 8 year old brother and her 5 year old sister. Her father named her Nosipho when she was born. She remembers that tonight. Her name has a very special meaning. Nosipho was born to her proud parents, Mxolisi and Vuyisile, in a remote part of South Africa called northern Kwazulu Natal. There was no work there for Mxolisi so he went to the city to find work as a labourer working on the roads. Mxolisi wanted to live a good life and take care of his family as best as he could. So, he faithfully brought money back to his Vuyisile and Nosipho at every opportunity. He and Vuyisile were blessed with a son who they named Andile (meaning 'the family is growing'). They loved their children very much and had great dreams for their future.
However, with each year that passed it became more difficult for Mxolisi to be alone in the city. The months that Mxolisi and Vuyisile spent living apart took a toll upon their marriage and they would often disagree and argue. Once, when they argued, he told her that 'he had needs', 'like all men do'. And so, he decided to take a 'city wife', as many of his friends had done. Sadly, his city wife was HIV+, and so when Mxolisi returned home one December, himself HIV+ by this time, he gave Vuyisile another child, Thandi (which means 'nurturing love'), but, he also gave her the killer virus that would take both their lives.
Mxolisi and Vuyisile discovered that they were HIV+ in the year that Nosipho turned 8 years old. Andile was 5, and little Thandi was just 2. Thandi had already been infected with the virus her mother was carrying through the milk she drank from her mother?s breast. Sadly, both Mxolisi and Vuyisile died of AIDS within 3 years of discovering their status, Thandi, however, is still alive and now a little girl of 5.
Nosipho is a clever little girl. However, she hasn't been to school since her father died when she was 11 years old. By that stage her mother was already very ill and confined to bed, but at least then Andile and Thandi could stay with their mother while Nosipho begged for food and money at a traffic intersection on the edge of the township. She watched the other children going to school dressed in their smart school uniforms, with book bags that had pencils, paper, and no doubt some lunch to eat. She wished that she could be like them, but that would not happen - her mother eventually died as well.
Tonight as she lay in bed she was no longer a child, but a parent, overnight she had become a 13 year old head of a household of three. She knew that she had a much greater responsibility than other 13 year old children. Each day she has to get enough money from the cars and commuters that come whizzing by to feed her two siblings and herself. She has a small cardboard sign on which she has written in a child's handwriting 'No parents, no food, no work, 3 people to feed. Please help. God bless you'. She also needs to get a few rand extra every month to help pay for Andile's school fees. She wants him to stay in school and learn so that he doesn't have to suffer like his father did. She doesn't want him to suffer like she is suffering now. Whatever money she has left after she has paid his fees, when there is any, is given to the 'aunty' who looks after her sick sister, Thandi, while Andile is at school and she is begging at the traffic lights. She doesn't trust the aunty, she drinks, and she's sure that she hits Thandi. But, she has no option. It is too dangerous for Thandi to be with her at a busy traffic intersection.
There are other girls like Nosipho. In fact most of the child headed households in South Africa are headed by girls under the age of 15. Nosipho knows this because she meets some of them every Sunday at a little group for children like her that is held in the tin church near her shack. They sing songs, some kind ladies read stories to them from the Bible, and then they say prayers and get some food to eat. The church has also given her clothes and shoes for her and for her brother and sister. There is a lady from the government clinic who comes to visit their group once a month. She always asks Nosipho if she is safe, and asks if she and her brother and sister are getting enough to eat. You see, Thandi needs special medicine to keep her healthy, but she can only take her medicine if she eats properly, or else the medicine will make her sick instead of healthy. So on days when Nosipho does not get enough money, or food, to feed all three of them she lets Thandi eat first, so that she can take her medicine. Andile eats next, because he can't learn when his stomach is empty. Nosipho often lies awake at night hungry, but she knows that she is a 'gift' from her parents to Andile and Thandi ? that?s what her name means. Nosipho means 'a gift'. It?s the name her father gave her. She doesn't play anymore, she simply lives to be a gift to her brother and sister. Tonight she prayed to ask God to help her because a man has said he will give her R20 if she takes her clothes off and sleeps with him. She's praying because she is afraid. She has been told at church, and she has seen the posters, and heard the stories - Nosipho knows that's how little girls get sick and die ? but she needs the money. She wants to be a gift. She doesn't know what to do. Maybe God will do something to help her tomorrow? It is Sunday, she will ask one of the ladies to help her.
Reflection: Stories such as this are common in South Africa. In KwaZulu Natal the death rate is higher than the birth rate because of AIDS. Recent statistics from UNICEF have suggested that up to 50% of children are HIV+ and an increasing number of children are growing up without their parents. Children like Nosipho face a stark and dreary existence. They are robbed of their childhood and dignity in a quest to survive. Very often their only support comes from community organisations such as churches and civic groups. For most children the lack of access to food, or poor nutrition and feeding practises, coupled with infection, leads to their untimely death. Children who are born in rural areas who do not have 'bar-coded' South African Identity documents do not qualify for medical care, schooling, or any form of government grant. Sometimes the most basic of help, like helping children register for an ID Book, or offering children a daily meal, and seeing that they take their medication can mean the difference between life and death. Methodist Churches in Southern Africa train all of their ministers to offer support and care to persons who are infected and affected by HIV. It is a central part of their training for ministry. In the region of the world that has the highest rate of HIV infection it cannot be any different. The Gospel demands that we bring healing and transformation. Perhaps the work of the Church near Nosipho could keep her from turning to prostitution at the age of 13? All that is needed is a courageous group of caring people who will see her plight, understand what she needs, and help her to find it - food, shelter, and loving adult support. This is what Jesus would do.
[I wrote this story as a case study for a book that is in publication in the Cambridge Theological federation, UK. Please do not copy it without contacting me. I shall put you in touch with the publishers to get permission. Thank you.]
Silent reflection and prayer.
What do you feel? What do these feelings tell you about yourself?
What does this story tell you about the world, and others in the world?
What do you think God feels? What would God want you, or your Church, to do?
Knowing this, what do you need to pray to have the courage to do?
What will you do today? What will you plan to do tomorrow? What will you want to achieve by next year this time?
A benediction for today
Almighty God, by the power of your Holy Spirit open my eyes to see the world as You see it, my ears to hear the cries that You hear, my heart to have the courage to feel what You feel, and my life to be present to You and all those whom You love this day. Give me the courage to worship and serve you in faithfulness, to be a blessed and healing reminder of Your love to all whose lives I will touch. I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
If you're looking for some facts on HIV / AIDS here are a few that may be of interest:
Have you ever taken time to consider the relationship between faith, economics, globalization and the suffering of people
?
Well, recently I did a post about the neurological causes of greed, and how these can be managed as a 'value transaction' in order to address some of the economic inequalities that we face across the world.
Let me show you a few basic analogous maps of the world to illustrate the economic inequalities that exist in the world.
First, here is a basic map of the world based on geographical land mass (i.e., this is the traditional manner in which maps are drawn - the area of each land mass is a represented equivalent of the actual land mass drawn to scale).
Now, take a look at this next map - this map is analogous of the world's wealth. In other words, the more wealth a nation has the larger it will appear on the map. Look how large North America and Europe are in relation to the rest of the world - it is also worth noting how rich Japan is on this map. Clearly, the world's wealth is concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere, and it is largely concentrated in the West. I shall, however, say something about the shifts that are taking place in the world's economy at a later stage.
Next, take a look at this map which analogous of poverty across the world. It is almost an inverse representation of the wealth map above - this map shows nations that are poorer as larger masses on the map.
Now, take a look at this map which shows HIV / AIDS infection across the world - it is interesting to note that 68% of all HIV+ people live in Southern Africa (that is 22.8 million out of the 33 million persons who are HIV+). I have just written a study on this for a new book on a Christian response to HIV / AIDS - it is shocking to see the prevelance of AIDS deaths in Africa. But please do take a look at the last map in this series.
This last map gives an analogous representation of where the world's Christian population lives. Isn't it sad to see that Christians live in most of the places where wealth, poverty and HIV / AIDS are significant problems? Clearly we have a few things to learn about money, God's economy, health care, reproductive care, women's rights, and sex!
OK, now I made mention of the fact that the world's wealth is concentrated predominantly in the North and the West - this is changing! Within the next 10 years the economies of the USA (North America), and most of Europe will show negative growth in some instances, and decline in others. The economies that are on the rise are China, India and Brazil (Australia is also a Southern Hemisphere economy that is growing at a significant rate). In other words, by 2020 we will see a completely different picture in global economic power! My advice is that you send your kids for a 'gap year' in China! As for me, I'm starting to study Mandarin!
Sadly, Africa's economy will only show marginal growth since it is crippled by the impact of AIDS, political instability, underdevelopment and international debt. However, if we play our cards carefully the continent could be the next economic powerhouse after China and India since we are one of the only continents on earth that still has natural resources!
So, here's the point - did you realise that if we spent just 10% (190bn US$) of the annual world budget for military expenditure (1235bn US$) we could BOTH restore the earth's natural resources (cleaning up our water, replanting trees, creating environmentally friendly and more sustainable energy source), AND meet the basic water, sanitation, education and health care needs of the whole world! Just 10%... You can read about that research from Brown 2008 (entitled Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to save civilization) here.
Christians make up more than 40% of the world's population - surely we could take up our responsibility to manage the 'household of God' (oikosnomos - economy) for the transformation of the world?
What do you think? How do we do it? What practical steps can you suggest to start making a difference within your sphere of influence... As I've been doing this research in recent weeks I've been praying one text consistently:
The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. (Psalm 24.1 NIV)
If you're interested in an article / chapter that I have published on the subject of the environment and earthkeeping you can read
More red than green ? a response to global warming and the environment from within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. Forster, DA in The Epworth Review - the Journal of Methodist ecclesiology and mission Vol 35, No 2 (2008). This paper was also published in
Forster DA, 'More red than Green', in What are we thinking? Reflections on Church and Society from Southern African Methodists. Forster, DA and Bentley, W. 2008. Methodist Publishing House, Cape Town. ISBN: 978-91988352-6. (2008:117ff. Chapter 7)
(This is not my area of expertise by the way, I am far more interested in justice and economics, but there was not much being written on this topic from our perspective so I took it upon myself to do some research in the area).
If you're interested in reading a chapter that I wrote on the Christian's response to Greed and Economics please see:
Upon the Lord's sermon on the mount - discourse 8 (a contemporary exposition of John Wesley's sermon on stewardship and the use of money from an African Liberation Theology perspective) in Shier Jones, A and Reisman, KD 44 Sermons to serve the present age (2007), London: Methodist Publishing house. ISBN: 97807162063
Oh, and if you're looking for my 'other' post on maps of the world please go here. This is the MOST clicked linked on my blog - isn't that amazing!?
Jon Hirst, who runs the Lausanne Blogger Network, asked me to write a reflection on the closing ceremony of the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization. As soon as he posts it on the Lausanne blog I will put the URL in here.
In the meantime here's what I wrote:
Missionaries from everywhere to everywhere: Reflecting on the closing of the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization
The atmosphere in the plenary hall of the Cape Town International Convention Centre was wonderful as the 4300 delegates from all over the world entered to close the congress in worship, prayer and Holy Communion. After a busy week of sessions, dialogues and parallel meetings, this service of worship made for a fitting conclusion. Dr Michael Cassidy, one of the South African hosts who was a delegate at the first Lausanne Congress in 1974 began by reminded the participants that they were called to be missionaries who have come "from everywhere being sent to everywhere". it was a fitting reminder of that central tenet of the Lausanne Covenant to take the whole Gospel to the whole world through the whole Church.
Trevor Sampson, a resident of Cape Town, lead the congregation and a sizable choir through a version of the Kenyan liturgy for Holy Communion that had been scored to a mixed of traditional hymnody, contemporary worship and African rhythms. The preacher for the evening, Lindsay Brown, had chosen Ex 12.1-3,6-1, 2 Cor 4.1-7, and Jn 1.29-34 as his texts. Dr Brown's message took the form of a clear charge to the participants at this congress to take the Good News of Jesus Christ into all the world by all the varied means that are necessary for it to transform the lives of individuals and communities. He emphasized that the message of God's saving love in Jesus Christ is the most important message in history - it is only in God's gracious love for the world that we shall find any true and lasting hope for humanity and the cosmos. His theme was taken from the Epistle reading, 2 Cor 4.1-7, drawing a strong link between the proclamation of the truth of Christ, and living out the implications of that truth in tangible and practical ways.
One of the most challenging moments of his address was when he challenged the participants of the congress with a direct question: "What will the lasting legacy of the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization be?" It was clear that the intention for bringing together theologians, pastors, missionaries, business people, young people, old people, people from almost every nation on earth was not for the purpose of having a congress, but rather to re-invigorate the Church for mission. It is every delegate's responsibility to return to their town or city in order to bear witness to God's love in Christ in every sphere of life.
Brown's challenge to the participants was filled with honest encouragement; the faithful and courageous acts of each person, no matter how insignificant they may seem, can have immeasurable results for God's Kingdom. It is an unfortunate certainty that some of those in attendance at the congress would face persecution, and even death, for sake of Christ. Others may labour faithfully at great personal cost for their whole lives and never see any tangible results. However, what is certain is that obedience to God's call, matched by courage and creativity, can be used by God to transform individuals and whole communities with God's powerful love. In concluding his address he quoted the worlds of John Wesley who said:
"Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can."
This message was an articulate and passionate call to action - the details of which are contained in 'The Cape Town Commitment - A declaration of belief and a call to action'.
The high point of the service was the celebration of Holy Communion - Archbishop Orombi presided over the table. The symbolism of this sacramental act was truly powerful - participants from all over the globe united by the shed blood and broken body of Christ. Each one being cleansed, strengthened and fed in order to go out into all the world as God's mission partners.
As I reflect on the Congress and its closing I am left with a sense of overwhelming gratitude for the many sacrifices that were made to bring together the body of Christ for this event. At the same time I am mindful of the many sacrifices that will be required in order to take the whole Gospel to the whole world, through the whole Church. What is certain is that God's Church has a renewed passion for mission - sending people from everywhere to everywhere! The task is not complete, and so we must go from Cape Town into the world!
Whether you were a participant in Cape Town, or participated offsite, the work of the Lausanne Movement continues. Your insights, gifts, and encouragement is necessary to continue to support the development of theology and strategy for mission and evangelism across the earth. Please do join tens of thousands of Christians from all across the globe on the Lausanne Global Conversation site http://www.lausanne.org/conversation
I am trawling through reams of emails that I couldn't read during the build up to the Lausanne Congress. I still have such a lingering sense of gratitude and feel so blessed to have been part of this amazing event! I'll post a reflection as soon as I have a few minutes to spare. It was straight into the office at 7am this morning for various meetings...
The Congress has left another lingering memory - I have a Indo-Chinese-African-American-European type flu... Don't feel too good today! Hence this post. I'm siting in a meeting with my iPad writing this quick post... If anybody asks you please tell them I'm taking notes ;-)
A friend sent me a link to this great YouTube video that pokes fun at how we plant Churches! This 'friend' happens to have planted many wonderful Churches in his ministry, and has succesfully helped many others to do the same. I thought it was wonderful that he could laugh about something that he is so passionate about! So, please take this with a pinch of salt. We need to plant Churches, they need to be effective, culturally relevant and attract people! This is just a bit of fun.
How to plant a Church (a complete primer in just 3 minutes).
It kind of reminded me of this new book (that I am still intending to read) - Hipster Christianity (when Church and Cool collide) by Brett Mccracken.
I have read the hilarious book - 'Stuff Christians like' by Jon Acuff which seemed to have a little more of a critical edge to it. I laughed, but I did so in secret (if you know what I mean). So much of what I read in that book reflected a belief I hold, had held, or wished I had not held. Indeed, it was a pretty entertaining book for a Christian like me who is moving beyond denying some of my naivete towards a more honest and open expression of my faith.
What is certain is that I love Jesus, I know that he loves the cosmos and every person in it, and I want to find ways of authentically bringing his love to bear on the world.
So, anyone want to join me in a Church plant? Bring the cash, I'll lead worship!
It is always humbling to have an article published! I am particularly grateful that my article on Business as Mission was published in the September Lausanne World Pulse!
It deals with a subject that I am passionate about!
I'd be grateful if you'd read it here and encourage others to do the same.
I have been a fan of Ron Martoia's work for some time now. I devoured his recent book 'The Bible as Improv' (on my iPad no less!) and found it to be one of the most accessible, and clearly reasoned books on forming a Biblical faith in a world of competing truths. Ron's style is not to skirt around thorny issues, but to approach them head on, thoughtfully and meticulously deconstructing the facts from the fiction. His work is well researched, extremely well written, but what sets it apart from other such excellent texts are his ideas!
Ron has a passion for authentic faith and an authentic expression and experience of being in community with Jesus Christ. I find a great personal resonance in his passionate approach to knowing Christ and making him known. When I read Ron's books, and the posts on his blog, I get an image of someone who is not willing to live with a lie, or a half truth, or a denial of the difficulty of being in relationship with God in Christ in real world situations! There are far too many Christian authors and theologians who skim over the tough questions and real challenges for the sake of comfort; placing a higher value on appeasing the masses than on discovering and sharing expressions of truth.
Today Ron released his 'Transformational Trek Tribe Manifesto' - it is a challenging series of invitations for authentic Christian living. As I read it my perceptions of the Christian faith and Christian living were challenged and reshaped. It is only 12 pages long, but perhaps these are among the best 12 pages I've read this year. There are some points that I am still digesting, considering, and praying through. I guess that is the way it should be with challenging thoughts! You may not agree with everything that Ron writes in the ttTribe Manifesto, but it will certainly challenge you to seek a deeper, more sincere, and more authentic faith life in Christ and the world. I invite you to read it!
I will be making this required reading for my students! Once you've read it I would love to hear your feedback and comments!
In one of the early George Otis DVD's on Transformation (simply called Transformation) there is a challenging statement made by a pastor in one of the segments. The pastor says something along the lines of 'One day when I stand before God at my life's end God is not going to ask me how I pastored my Church. No, God is going to ask me how I pastored my community'.
Of course that is entirely true! Christians have responsibility not only for the Church and for other Christians, we are sent as salt and light into the world!
Our responsibility is to bring the love and blessing of Christ to bear on every situation, particularly those most difficult situations of all - bringing Jesus into your work place! I frequently hear Christians saying that they are afraid, embarrassed, or ill equipped to bring Jesus into their work life and their workplace in a creative and effective manner. This is not surprising! So much of what we model about ministry is pointed towards ministry in the Church or through the Church (and of course that has to do with the Church building, its structures and groups). However, one day when you stand before the Lord He will ask you how you loved, cared for and transformed the people and structures that you faced for most of your waking hours each day!
If you're looking for some fresh and creative ideas with which to carefully and sensitively engage difficult people, challenging situations, or uninterested colleauges then chapter 8 of our book 'Transform your work life: Turn your ordinary day into an extraordinary calling' is just what you're looking for! In that chapter Graham and I share a practical, effective, means of reaching your colleagues, clients, and of course the company and structures of your work life for Christ and His Kingdom. The method that we share is simple enough for any person to apply (without needing to have an incredible knowledge of the Bible, Christian theology, or being able to counsel others!) We share a few testimonies about how people have applied this method to reach individuals and even a whole industry!
Copies of 'Transform your work life: Turn your ordinary day into an extraordinary calling' are now available online at www.christianrepublic.co.za
Order you copy today and discover how you can transform your ordinary day into an extraordinary calling!
Once you've ordered your copy of 'Transform your work life' pleasevisit our facebook page and share your testimony of how God is using you in your work life. Your story could encourage others to discover the joy and blessing of being used by God in the 9-5 window! Also feel free to share any requests for prayer or help, or interact with the authors.
I’m sure that you may have heard about the ‘least reached’ portion of the world called the 10/40 window? This is a geographical region where there are no Christians, or very few Christians. For many years churches and Christian ministries have focussed their energy and attention on getting missionaries into those areas to spread the Gospel of Christ.
You may be surprised to discover that there is a region much closer to where you are every day that is also classified as an ‘unreached’ group for the Gospel! I call it the 9 to 5 window! Of course I am referring to the place where you work each day – the reality is that the work place is one of the least reached and transformed regions of the world.
Of course there are many reasons for this. Some people have come to believe that Christianity is something that belongs to a particular building (your church) or a particular time (Sunday morning). However, what do you think Jesus meant when he prayed ‘…let your Kingdom come, let your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven’ (Matthew 6:10)? Of course Jesus wasn’t just praying that God’s Kingdom would be established in a particular place, or at particular times! Jesus longs to be Lord of both the Church and the Marketplace!
So, the question is, who takes responsibility for the establishment of God’s Kingdom where you spend most of your day? Who is God calling to transform your work place to reflect the values of His Kingdom?
Part of the answer can be found in the following verse: ‘go and make disciples of all nations…’ (Matthew 28:20). Being a disciple of Jesus means that one is disciplined in the ways of Jesus. Believing in Jesus as saviour is only the beginning (sure it is the most important start that any person could ever make, however it is just the beginning of what God longs for!) You know I read this verse for many years and never realised that Jesus commands his disciples, and also commands you and me, to go and make disciples of all nations.
I was a Pastor of various Churches for almost 17 years. As I think back on the teaching, preaching, and courses that I ran in those churches I came to realise that we spent quite a lot of time trying to help people to become disciples of Jesus. However, we spent very little time trying to disciple those elements that make up a nation!
Have you ever considered that God may be calling you to be a minister in the marketplace? It may just be that God has placed you in the office where you work, among the people that you encounter (co-workers, clients etc.) in order to disciple them, and the systems within which you work, in order to establish His Kingdom on that little bit of earth!
If you were to think about the people and things that you face regularly during your work week, what would God want to change? Perhaps there is a particular policy in your company that is unethical. Maybe there is some relationship between your boss and another co-worker that does not reflect Christ’s love. Maybe there are some decisions that are being made that are unlawful, or hurtful, to your community. I think God may be calling you to take responsibility for establishing His Kingdom in that place!
Doing this may not be as difficult as you imagine. In the company where I serve, the Power Group of Companies, transformation began when one employee (a lady named Eleanor) decided to start praying for her bosses and her co-workers. That was all she did! Then eventually she got some others to join her in prayer, and from there some key influences and decision makers started changing small little things in the company during meetings and gatherings. They prayed that God would bless and use their company to transform the industry and reach the nation. This simple act, by a secretary, eventually led to the conversion of the CEO, Graham Power, who went on the start the largest prayer movement in all recorded history – the Global Day of Prayer.
Eleanor took responsibility for her work life and her work place, and through her God was able to reach into and transform one of the least reached places on earth, the 9 to 5 window! Where is God calling you to take responsibility?
I have only a few hours left in Hong Kong. Had an incredible meeting about energy technologies to help to heal the earth at Hong Kong City University!
Christians have a responsibility to use their gifts, talents and ability to see that God's will for the earth is done! The Professor of Electrical Engineering we met today is such a great example of someone who takes Col 3.23 seriously! He uses his position and talents to 'redeem' the earth, making life better for people and stewarding the resources of the earth more carefully.
This is the kind of person that I meet from time to time who truly inspires me. He is so creative about using what he is already doing in order to honour God! I think too many of us are waiting for a different place or time, or environment to serve God. Perhaps we miss many opportunities when we stop asking God to show us what we can do to encounter both people and structures with God's transforming love during our working hours.
Yesterday I sat in another meeting where a prominent business person asked 'how can I transform my worklife into something more than just a job?' It is a common question! Some people ask this question because their job is not satisfying, others ask it because they know that life is about more than just waking up, working, going to bed, and starting all over again!
Gretchen Rubin's quote continues to live in my mind:
While the days are long, the years are short! (Gretchen Rubin)
So true! There must be more to life than just working for a salary (as important as that is). Most of us grow up longing to do something significant, something that brings great joy, blessing and fulfillment.
This friend shared his frustration about his local church with me - he is a top business analyst with years of training, a wealth of experience, and the kind of skill that most businesses would pay thousands to have access to!
When he asked his pastor to help him to find some ministry through which he could express his love for Christ, and also use his gifts, he was encouraged to join the men's group that does 'parking duty' on a Sunday morning before and after the services. Sure, he may find some companionship and friendship there, but he would not find expression for his gifts and abilities in that setting. When Graham Power, one of the more prominent business persons in South Africa, came to Christ and was a member of my congregation I was faced with a similar dilemma! What do you do with someone like this? My temptation was to get Graham to join my leaders meeting - however, I know now that he may have joined out of a desire to honour Christ. But, the challenge of helping to run a suburban Church would never have been enough for him! The small mindedness of members, the unrealistic budgets, and the limited staff would soon have left him frustrated. Thankfully Graham discovered that his ministry was in his work place; his work life was the time that God wanted to use to transform his business, tranform his industry, touch the nation and eventually the world.
It was clear that my friend's church didn't think that he could have a ministry on Monday! His pastor suffered from the same problem I had - my members should use their gifts within the ministry of our Church! If only his minister could realise that he is already gifted, has a network of relationships, significant influence, and great passion and commitment to Christ. All that he needs is some encouragement, a few good ideas, a few basic tools, and he could impact hundreds, even thousands of people through his work life!
He could certainly help ministries to understand how to manage their finances, or perhaps where they could invest some of their income to generate additional funds to grow their work. He certainly has a keen understanding of economics, policy and working with teams in complex situations. Moreover, he could be taught to pray, share the Gospel of Christ, understand the basic principles of justice, economics and the values of God's Kingdom. Through these basic things he could influence choices, help to transform systems and see that God's will is done IN the Church AND in the broader community! Everybody wins!
How I wished that our new book, 'Transform your work life: Turn your ordinary day into an extraordinary calling' was already in print!
I would gladly have given him two copies - one for his pastor to read to get some understanding of the theology of ministry in the marketplace, and a few ideas for helping his business people to discover and work towards their calling. He could also have read some stories of other business people who have undertaken the journey of seeking to serve Jesus every day of the week, not only on a Sunday! In doing so they have found joy, blessing and peace through serving Christ where they are every day - in their work place.
I'd love to hear some of what you do as a minister in your work life or your work place. How do you find ways to establish God's Kingdom, to express His love, and to work for healing and transformation from Monday to Saturday? I'd also like to hear from some pastors and ministers who are doing creative things in their Churches that help business people to find and live out their calling.
So here's what I'd like to ask you:
What do you think God's plan is for yourworking life?
What do you think God would want a working Christian to do (other than do their job well!) in the hours that they're are work?
Pastors, have you got any insights on a 'theology of work' that you would be willing to share?
I am often in situations where I get asked to help business people to integrate their faith life and work life - I am fortunate to be part of a Church that takes this form of ministry serioulsy. But, I'd love to get some creative ideas, theological insights, and practical advice to share. So please add a comment below! I'd love to hear from you!!!
Lastly, please keep an eye open for our book (I have included a copy of the cover image below). It will be in stores on the 10th of May 2010. I met with the marketting team from Struik Christian Media today - they have some incredible stuff planned for the book! Radio, Video, and Print interviews and marketting. A great launch (I'll let you know about that - drop me a line if you'd like to be invited. It will be in May in Cape Town). If you'd like to pre-order a copy please drop me a line and I'll make sure that we get a copy to you as soon as they are in the stores.
Here are a few endorsements for the book from some friends:
Graham Power and Dion Forster have finally brought the role of the marketplace into the prominence it deserves! When you read the Bible, it soon becomes obvious that the focus of the ministry and outreach of Christ was nearly exclusively on the marketplace. If you are looking for the secrets of how to succeed with your faith in your workplace, then ‘Transform your Work Life’ is for you.
– Dr Bruce Wilkinson, author of The Prayer of Jabez
We can never pay enough pastors and missionaries to evangelise the world! It will happen when the rest of us realise the church is not a building to go to, but a vast multitude of people called and commis- sioned by God to take the good news where we ‘spend most of our time and energy’. This book will turn your world upside down and inspire you to believe God for church to happen where you are! You are about to go on a great adventure!
– Floyd McClung, All Nations (Cape Town)
At long last we have a book that affirms our daily workplace as a primary place for us to live out our faith. Few people are better placed and more equipped to show us the way than Dion Forster and Graham Power. I pray that this book will enable many individuals the world over to see their work as a means of dignity, love and provision, both for themselves and their neighbour.
– Rev Trevor Hudson, South African Pastor and Author.
People often ask, “What is my calling?”. The answer is partly simple: the majority of us are called to the marketplace. The interwoven stories of Graham and Dion will encourage you to make your occupation your vocation, your job a ‘beroep’, in the true sense of the word. I highly commend these good friends to you; read their story so that your heart will be en- couraged, your mind renewed, and your spirit emboldened. God, being a lawyer, understands legal precedent, so what he has done for them he can do for you and me if we walk in similar obedience. Make their story a springboard for your story. ‘But, he is successful and if I had his money I could also serve God,’ you may say. Don’t ask for money like Graham – ask for humility like Graham. Don’t ask for a ministry like Dion’s, but minister with all that you have, right where you are. Don’t wait for one great thing to do, but take the next step of obedience. I am delighted that Graham and Dion are challenging us to integrate our work and faith so that we can be a part of the extraordinary company of ordinary marketplace people who are extending the kingdom through daily business.
– Brett Johnson – President, The Institute for Innovation, Integration & Impact, Saratoga, California
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 10:47AM 
