Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Mission as serve and go – go and serve

It’s been my custom since the early 90’s to read emails early in the morning. Mind you they now download quicker than those times. Their range has broadened from notice boards to blogs. Among my “blogs followed” range is Seth Godlin’s daily offering – here’s today’s offering . . . 


Sold or bought?

Some things are bought--like bottled water, airplane tickets and chewing gum. The vendor sets up shop and then waits, patiently, for someone to come along and decide to buy.

Other things are sold--like cars, placement of advertising in magazines and life insurance. If no salesperson is present, if no pitch is made, nothing happens.

Both are important. Both require a budget and a schedule and a commitment.

Confusion sets in when you're not sure if your product or service is bought or sold, or worse, if you are a salesperson just waiting for people to buy.

Seth, you’ve got me ruminating; being a churchperson and all (used to be a churchman) . . . 

I’m resonating on your third paragraph; I’m hearing you say, “it’s not either or, it’s both and.”

And this fourth paragraph;not sure if your product or service is bought or sold” . . . now I think I hear Jesus resonating to “my churchperson” . . . missional thinking is “kicking in” . . . now I’m picking up on Matthew’s blog . . .
  • “Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you:  Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." – Matt. 28:18-20 (Message Bible)
Thanks Matt, that helps my “sure.”

Yes, it’s both and for us churchpersons – it’s mission all the way.

It isn’t a “be available with the Goodnews product, or go with it by communicating to others quandary.” It’s both and. No confusion needed.

Mission is “serve and go – go and serve.”

Oh, by the way if you’re not sure if you are a churchperson, check this reality out; “if you are a Christian you is” – It’s both and.

Now back to ruminating over Seth’s third paragraph.
  • Both are important. Both require a budget and a schedule and a commitment.”