"Why am I training for the ministry?"
In some respects my "mission statement' is that I want people to know the redemptive power of God in their lives through a meeting with the Risen Lord.
That begs the question as to why I'm not an evangelist.
I think that it's because redemptive and regenerative power goes beyond salvation. It's not just a matter of conversion, but the development of witnesses, of
followers, of believers where faith shapes life: discipleship perhaps.
Am I in this to make disciples? or is there more?
In John 10, while Jesus is referring to himself as the Good Shepherd he speaks of his raison d'etre: "I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly."
Maybe that's a better indication of my ideas - the life offered though Jesus is rooted in his sacrificial death, bringing redemption and regeneration to all who will
receive- But it doesn't stop there. Abundant life isn't just about life eternal: it's about life now - a life to be soaked in the power and fullness of God. A life, for all
the imperfection of the world and fallibilities of humanity, that is to be lived and enjoyed. Thus it's not just about bringing in the new life of faith but about the
fullness of life before death - a liberation of joy, and an imparting ot comfort and strength to those who as yet have no joy. And it's more than happy-clappy froth
and bubble - but life in all its fullness involves the fullness of the human nature - not just smiles, not just laughter, but in the fullness of thought and imagination. The
fullness of the Incarnation was revealed in all things: the depth of the parables belies the depth of thought; the vividness of the description. the fullness of the
imagination; the lessons, the practicality.
The good news has to be conveyed, and words are a part of it - but it's for the whole of life. My teaching must engage both the brain and inform the whole. My
pastoral care should be more than just the palliative pain-killer but point to the one who has defeated and transformed the pains of the world. I want people to
come to know Jesus and all the fullness he offers - and yet I have to recognise that I'm not a gifted evangelist. But if I can help and teach and encourage those who
tell others, or the others who come in, then I am contributing to that fullness and fulfilling my mission."
This is not a considered, clearly formulated statement. It omits issues, such as thoughts concerning sacraments, details of worship and so on. It is
grammatically suspect. What it is is where l am, or where I'm coming from at the moment arid see as the way in the future.
This page last updated May 2002. All material unless otherwise stated is ©:1998 Dr. S.N.Mousir-Harrison.