Mission Work

When I was in college I really felt led to do mission work. Yes, the overseas, living in mud huts type of mission work. That's what led me to take a 'cross-cultural ministry' minor as well as spend a summer in Shanghai, China. I discovered two things 1) I was still passionate about missions, and 2) God was not calling me to do it overseas right now.

I also felt very affirmed in my call to be a parish pastor here in the US. And in a country where, at best, only 50% of folks are engaged in the life of a church on a regular basis, I believe that qualifies as mission work.

I fully support the PC(USA)'s stance that education, justice, and healthcare as a means to the end of furthering the Kingdom of God, however, I think we have neglected the saving of souls as part of the mission given to the Church.

Perhaps all of us need to reconsider what it means to be a missionary. Maybe it doesn't mean being called to a mud hut overseas, but to the job you currently hold; to the relationships you are currently in; and to your very own community. There are men and women and children out there who have never heard the good news of Jesus Christ. These are the ones for whom Christ died, to ensure that they could live to the fullest extent God intended. They need forgiveness, they need purpose, they need love.

And you are the one called to show them that.