Are social justice and evangelism mutually exclusive in the Christian faith?

Among evangelical Christians there seem to be some basic differences, perhaps one could even call them divides.  One of the more common differences relates to what the intention of the Gospel (good news) of Jesus is about.  

Some would suggest that the intention of the Gospel is to 'preach truth' to people so that they are convicted of their personal sin and so make a commitment to Christ that saves them from eternal damnation.  The outcome of that process in this life may be a transformation of behaviour.

Others, such as myself, believe that the thrust of the Gospel has to do with connecting people with the saving power of Christ that not only deals with their personal sin, but also empowers them to engage with structural sins in the world around them.  Why do persons steal?  Frequently it is because they have need, or they have been poorly socialized.

So, are these two approaches mutually exclusive of one another?  Here's a great video from Skye Jethani, the editor of the Leadership Journal and a founder of the 'Out of Ur' blog on this topic.  I'd love to hear your feedback!

Prayer and help required! Lebanese VISA.

I am scheduled to depart for Beirut on Friday morning to participate in the Lausanne Theology Working Group meetings at the Arab Baptist Seminary.

My VISA application was made in December last year, but to date I have had no confirmation of the VISA.  I googled the Lebanese consulate in South Africa and found telephone, fax and email contact details - so I sent an email, sent a fax, and tried to call them.  The phone just rings without any answer, and I have had no response to my email or fax.

I know that there is sensitivity about who they let into Lebanon (see the image in this post which is a screen shot from the Lebanon Travel Guide).  Without mentioning the name of the 'other' country (just in case they google me!), I have been to there twice.  Perhaps that is the problem?

So, please do spare a prayer for me in this regard!  Also, if you have any contacts that I could follow up in order to get this matter sorted out please leave me a comment below, or send me an email via the contact section of my web page.

21 Ways to Pray at Work

A friend on facebook (H-K-R) shared this great link from beliefnet - 21 ways to pray at work.  

There are some wonderful resources here to add a new level of significance and purpose to your daily work life! Remember that Paul admonished the Colossians saying, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Col 3.23).

We spend so much time and energy in our work environment, why not invest that time wisely by taking the hours you spend at work to a deeper level of commitment? 

Here's my input on some of the steps they share:

• The workday doesn’t start when you walk into the office, it starts when you wake up. Start by thanking God for the job you have.
• Ask God to bless the people among whom you work, and the place in which you work.
• Pray that God will make you a good steward of your time and resources of your company.  As Christians at work we should offer a clear witness through our commitment to our work.  Mark Twain once commented that you should "live such a good life that when you die even the undertaker will be sorry!"
• Pray that God will use your communication to communicate God's love and care for the people you interact with (whether that be your manner on the phone, the way you deal with a difficult client, or the tone of an email).
• A simple exercise is to choose to pray through your 'address book' or phone list. I do this - I take just 10 minutes each day and pray for a few persons on our company phone list.  Amazingly I pray for each of our office staff by name every second week. It changes my interaction with them, and I trust that God uses my prayer to bless and help them.
• Be willing to pray for those who lead your organisation.  Pray not only for them, but for their family and home lives.  Executives often face great pressure.  God can use you to transform their lives (James 5:16)
• Before meetings ask God to guide you and give you calm and peace.  Let God guide your thoughts, your words and your interactions.  During the meeting listen for God's guidance through the words and inputs of others.  Be sensitive enough to hear God's voice, and brave enough to speak.  Your voice mayy be the one that God wishes to use to change a situation or bring a solution!
• It is worthwhile praying that your organisation will be a just and good steward of the resources they have been entrusted with.  Ask God to guide your leadership to make wise and generous choices that will help to transform society.
• Practice MBWA during your lunch break.  What is MBWA?  It is different from an MBA (Masters in Business Administration), MBWA stands for 'management by walking around'.  Try to connect with as many people as possible in a sincere and significant way during your free time (remember not to steal time from your employer, so use our time wisely!)  Friendships build trust and allow you to offer care, help and prayer to those in need.  I can bet you there are many people in your sphere of influence who are longing for someone to connect with!
• In God's Kingdom few things happen in isolation - we were made for community.  So, find likeminded colleagues to pray with during the week.
• When you have to travel for work pray that God will protect your family and give them patience.  Pray that God will protect you and keep you from any form of sin or temptation, returning you quickly and safely to your loved ones.

 If you have any ideas or inputs to share I would love to hear from you!  How do you make the most of your workday as a  Christian? 

Welcome to my new blog!

Welcome to my new blog!

After some years of being very well served by my old 'blogger' blog, I have decided to make a move!  You're welcome to ask me why!  I have moved all of my posts and comments from that blog here.

I will still keep the 'old blog' active for a while since it has quite a bit of Google page ranking.  Could I ask that you update your links however? 

The blog:  http://www.dionforster.com

The RSS feed:  http://www.dionforster.com/blog/rss.xml

You can link to all of my social networking sites and feeds on the right of this page.

• Twitter
• www.spirituality.org.za
• LinkedIn
• Youtube
• Flickr
• Friendfeed

Lastly, I will be starting my 'blog roll' from scratch, so if you would like me to add a link to your site please leave a comment below.

I would appreciate any comments, feedback, suggestions, and help to make this site as user friendly and helpful as possible!

I hope you'll visit again!

Rich blessing,

Dion

A blessing for today... May God bless you with discomfort...

I came across this wonderful Franciscan blessing earlier today. It reminded me that I so quickly become comfortable in my life. I very quickly forget that I am saved by Christ to serve others, and in order to do that I need to be able to experience the pain and struggle of those amongst whom God is sending me.

There is a great Church in Pretoria that has the slogan (in Afrikaans) 'Leef iemand raak' The best translation I can give is something along the lines of 'live your life into the lives of others', or 'in your living, make sure you encounter others'.

I too easily get busy, distracted, selfish and when this happens I forget what it means to truly live - to live one's life for others. Here's the blessing - I would love to hear how you remain mindful of the needs, cares, and struggles of others. Please do share some insights that help you to remain connected and intentional about living your life as a gift from God, intended to be given generously for others.

May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God's grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of God the Supreme Majesty and our Creator,
Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Saviour,
and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide,
be with you and remain with you, this day and forevermore.

AMEN

Be intentional about finding joy in life!

I recently read a single line that has left an impression upon me - 'At work, on purpose'!  I think that sometimes we forget that where we are, what we can do, and who is around us are all very important in God's plan for our lives and the lives of those among whom we live and work.

I have met far too many people that live for a different reality - heck I have even fallen prey to escapism myself.

I recently read Gretchen Rubbin's fantastic book The happiness project.  In it she discusses the discipline of cultivating thankfulness and joy for what you already have.  She calls the discipline 'mindfulness' - I have often spoken of 'living with intention'.

It is important to build such simple little disciplines into our lives so that we can make the most of what we have, instead of wishing our lives away!

So, tomorrow I shall return to work, and I pray that I will be there 'on purpose', i.e., fulfilling the purpose for which God has placed me there.  I will have chances to transform both people and systems with Christ's love.  I can model the including love of Christ, make a stand for justice, and gently do my best to make the lives of those around me better.

But, this requires intention!  Here's a sneak preview of my next radio broadcast from my program 'The Ministry and Me' from http://www.radiopulpit.co.za - as always I would love to hear your ideas and feedback!  You can download the MP3 file here (6MB)

Stretching my legs in preparation for the Argus Cycle tour

This morning I woke up and hit the road LLLOOOONGGG before the sun rose!  At a few minutes to 5am (at around 4.50am) I got onto my road bike for a long ride!  It ended up at 83km's with a lot of climbing (Hellshoogte, Klapmuts and then back up to Somerset West).  It was awesome. Although I can't walk all that well this evening!  Ha ha!

Seriously though, as I approach 40 I am finding myself feeling fitter than I have been in more than 20 years.  My weight is at a level that I last weighed when I was in my 20's.  Also, the cycling helps to keep my stress under check.  As I ride I find that the dendrites fire at double speed - not only do I think more clearly, but I often find that the added energy allows me to get more done during the day.   I am also particularly grateful that it has been exceptional therapy to bring back the strength in my leg after a serious motorcycle accident in early 2008.  So, all in all it is a good thing.

Cycling can be time consuming.  So, as a result I make the sacrifice of leaving long before my family are up and about so that I can get back home without 'stealing' family time.

This morning's ride took around 3 hours (not a great time for the distance, but great for me).  At this pace I should be able to do the Argus in about 3 1/2 hours (if the weather is good!)  I managed to get out and be back by 8.30 so that I was ready to help Megie get the kids ready for Church.

Anyway, I'm not sure why anyone would be interested, but just in case you are, here's a picture of the ride route (from Somerset West to Klapmuts, then up Hellshoogte and back to Somerset West).  You can also view it in Google Earth here.  This is a standard KML file.  If it doesn't open google earth automatically when you download it simply right click on the file, save it and then open it from your hard drive.

What do you do for fun?  I know that we're not all 'wired' for activity!  Perhaps it is reading, or maybe cooking?  I'd love to hear what helps you relax and enjoy life!

Are you facing a financial crisis? A resource to help you - Dr Wessel Bentley

Last year (2009) was my second year labouring as a minister in the corporate environment.  It has been an extremely interesting and challenging experience! In many ways I have rediscovered my passion for Jesus and his ways (particularly for encountering people and systems with God's transforming love so that God's justice and mercy may transform individuals and society).

I remember many years ago there was a huge thrust to mobilize prayer and missionaries to go to the 10/40 window to engage in mission and evangelism efforts among some of the 'unreached people groups' of the world (i.e., those regions where the Gospel had not yet been shared in a meaningful manner).

Since then I have come to discover that there is a massive 'unreached people group' right under my nose!  These are the people in the 9 to 5 window!  It has been an incredible awakening to discover just how little intentional ministry there is to support and care for persons during their workday!

I am writing the last two chapters for a book on this subject for Struik Christian Media this week.  So, keep an eye on this space for more!

Well, 2009 was a year where this kind of ministry was more necessary than most other years!  2009 was an incredibly tough year for businesses!

My two primary orientations as a minister in the marketplace are 1) to help persons to understand God's loving purpose for their abilities, their time, and their location, and 2) to ensure that they find creative and practical ways of utilizing these gifts in order to see God's Kingdom established (a Kingdom in which God's loving will is experienced - not just preached!)  I frequently ask my Christian friends - 'when Jesus said that he came to bring "Good News to the Poor", what did he mean?  What IS truly good news to the poor?'  I can tell you, it is not a sermon!  It is work, dignity, security, justice, health care, food, shelter etc.  People need to taste the goodness of God before they will believe propositional statements about His nature, love, and intention.

Last year was a challenging year to get alongside business people.  The recession in the USA spread throughout the world, and it impacted many people in a very negative way.  At times such as these we need encouragement, wisdom, guidance, hope and care.

One of the resources that I found most helpful in my ministry in the marketplace is Wessel Bentley's book 28 Days of Prayer during financial crisis.  Wessel is an incredible pastor and theologian in a large Church in Pretoria.  His devotional book is filled with practical insights that come from personal experience (read his book to find out more about that).

What I liked a lot is that Wessel's theology is so sound - he avoids the temptation to trivialize the struggle that a lack of money can bring by offering 'inspirational quips' or 'quick fixes'.  Moreover, he does not present a 'prosperity' teaching approach to getting through financial crisis (I am yet to see sustainable and lasting results from prosperity teachings - more often than not the only person who benefits is the preacher!  Truly sad! This is not the way of Jesus - it is heresy).  Rather, Wessel's book grapples with the issues of financial need, and offers real, practical, sustainable perspectives that can help a person in financial crisis and carry them through it.

So, Wessel's book has my endorsement!  You can find out more about the book here.

In this regard I want to make you aware of an important event.  If you live in the Gauteng Area please consider visiting the Northfield Methodist Church on the 7th of February.  Wessel will be sharing at the services on this topic.  I am certain that it will be an incredibly meaningful time!  For more information please visit the Northfield website here.

Love and marriage!

1994 was a very important year for South Africans - it was the year in which we voted to end apartheid and establish a free and fair multiparty democracy.

I remember 1994 for another very special reason though!  On the 29th of January 1994 Megan and I were married in the Trinity Methodist Church in Sunward Park.  What a wonderful day that was!  I was so in love with Megan!  Man, oh man!  She is so beautiful, and she has such a bubbly personality and so much energy and love.

I'm pleased to say that none of those qualities have disappeared in the last 16 years.  Rather, they have matched by many other wonderful virtues.  Megan and I were just 21 years of age (well, I was 22 by two weeks) when we got married!  In truth we have grown up together.  We've been through so many joys together (the birth of our children, our first home, our first camping trip, holidays, graduations... the list goes on and on!)  And, we've shared in a fair share of struggle and sorrow (we've been very poor, and quite rich - each one has its own challenges!  As a minister, in the early days, there were many times we went without.  We survived our little Liam's traumatic entry into life, and the joy of journeying with him ever since.  Megan has helped me to survive motorcycle accidents, changes in career - from minister, to academic, to marketplace minister.  She has celebrated my achievements, and I have celebrated hers.  She has survived cancer and a few other health concerns).  All of this has bonded our lives together.

I can truly say that I have been blessed!  Megan remains patient, attentive and caring.  She is extremely capable in her work.  A graduate in Human Resource management, a formidable business woman, a mother and a wife.  She loves Christ - and I am thankful that she loves me.

Please join us in thanking God for the 16 years of marriage we have shared, and for the many blessed years that lie ahead.

Your work as an act of worship

If you read my blog, and if you follow my twitter feed - see http://www.twitter.com/digitaldion - you will know that I am a proponent of the notion that work can be an act of worship.  According to Col 3:23 we can choose to do our work for Christ (both honouring His will for our labour, energy, creativity and time; but also achieving his desired will to encounter people in love and transform systems to reflect the pattern of God's loving Kingdom).

The following quote inspired me today:

Inspiration is not the exclusive privilege of poets or artists generally. There is, has been, and will always be a certain group of people whom inspiration visits. It's made up of all those who've consciously chosen their calling and do their job with love and imagination. It may include doctors, teachers, gardeners -- and I could list a hundred more professions ... A swarm of new questions emerges from every problem they solve. Whatever inspiration is, it's born from a continuous "I don't know." - Wislawa Szymborska,from her lecture upon winning the Nobel Prize for literature in 1996

I would like to encourage you to read the quote above, and the scripture reading below a few times.

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord is the maker of them all. - Proverbs 22:1-2

What is God's intention for your worklife?  If Jesus were 'doing your job' how would he deal with the people and systems you encounter each day?  What commitment can you make in order to use your work as an act of declaring Christ's worth?

May you be richly blessed this week!

In support of a friend - Bishop Paul Verryn

I returned home last night from 3 days of 'media isolation' -  I was on a farm about 70km from Beufort West with our team doing some strategic planning for 2010.

When I got home I noticed scores of emails and messages on facebook and twitter about Paul Verryn.  I fired up my broswer and found that Paul had been suspended by our denomination, the (MCSA) Methodist Church of Southern Africa.  It is a matter of grave concern for me - I worry deeply for Paul and also for the MCSA.

You can read about the suspension in this Sowetan article (the image of Paul at the top of this post comes from the same link).

I have been party to numerous disciplinary hearings in my years as a Methodist Minister - I served on disciplinary committees and have had two occasions to appear before them.  I am not certain of the reasons for the disciplinary action.  I was not able to reach Paul on his cell phone.  Regardless, even if I knew the reasons I would not post them publicly at this stage.

However, from what I have heard from mutual friends and read in the media I have come to understand that Paul is being charged either for approaching the High Court of Johannesburg to have a curator appointed over the refugee children who have sought sanctuary in his Church.  Our Church's polity (the law that regulates the Church) states that only the Presiding Bishop or the General Secretary may initiate any legal action on behalf of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.  As such regardless of whether the action is valid, necessary, or otherwise, any person who acts on behalf of the Church as a whole without sanction is subject to disciplinary action.  If this is the reason for the disciplinary action by the MCSA then I would ask why the Church had not take the action in the first place?

The second 'strand' of rumors also relate to the underage refugees in the Central Methodist church.  What is clear is that the Church has far too many people living there.  This is a problem of inadequate intervention by the national and provincial government!  The state has the primary responsibility to deal with such matters, and since they have not adequately acknowledged the problem in Zimbabwe, they are not willing to deal decisively with the Zimbabwean refugee crisis!  Paul and the central Methodist Church did what any Christian should do - they offered shelter and care to persons who were living on the streets of Johannesburg.  The overcrowding that has since resulted would never have happened if the local government had responded to Paul's calls for just treatment of the refugees, adequate temporary housing, schooling and care.  The Xenophobic attacks of 2008 accentuated the crisis and these seems to have been very little respite in the struggle and controversy at the Central Methodist Church.  Some have suggested that Paul is facing charges (from whom I don't know) that he has not cared properly for the persons living in the Church (and in particular the many unaccompanied minors who have sought refuge there).

The reason for his High Court appeal was precisely to have a curator appointed for the children.

Regardless of the reasons for the disciplinary case (it may be something completely different), I would ask you to please pray for Paul and for the MCSA.  This is not necessarily a combative relationship.  For example, if any person brings charges against any other the Church is duty bound to suspend the minister in question until the matter is resolved.  The disciplinary committee may find that the person is not guilty of any contravention of Church polity.  However, they have a responsibility to investigate the charges in defense of justice.

So, please can I encourage you not to get caught up in rumors and the divise game of blame?  Please do support Paul with your prayers.  I know him to have done his very best for those who are in need!

Let's wait to see what the facts are and then we can offer informed and helpful comment and directed prayer.

I am afraid that I am running at an incredible pace for the next few weeks with lots of travel (national and international), so please do update any information you find in the comments on this page.  If you would like to leave messages of support for Paul here you are also welcome.  I'll make sure that they reach him.

You can find some of my other posts about Paul Verryn here.

God's patience with my 'becoming'

I found the following quote inspiring.  God is indeed patient and gracious in allowing us to become what we think we ought to, while God knows full well what would best suit our gifts, abilities and temperament.

The God who made us what we are knows what we desire to be and waits with infinite patience while we become what we can. We, on the other hand, know that whatever we need to become all that we can be, this same great and loving God will supply. For all of that, we are thankful. From that gratitude grow love and commitment, faith and trust, wonder and worship.  - Joan Chittister, from her book The Liturgical Year.