January 01, 1992 by Daniel Henderson

One Pastor's Perspective

When my friend first explained to me his excitement about this movement called "AD 2000 and Beyond" I was grateful for his enthusiasm and hopeful that God would bless this ambitious and noble effort. It definitely seemed a worthy work for a para-church missions executive like him. Certainly, it appeared that the Lord was at work bringing about an unparalleled cooperation toward world evangelization.

Yet, as a pastor, already over my head in the responsibilities of overseeing a large congregation in a time of transition, the best I felt I could do is congratulate his enthusiasm and pray for the effort when it came to mind.

After all, how could I afford to give any serious attention to the "global thing" when my hands were already overflowing with the grinding responsibilities of preaching multiple times each week, working with staff, meeting with elders and tending the needs of the flock? Even if I did buy into it, how would I even begin to bring this conceptual, catalytic and lofty vision down to a point where it grabs "Silicon Valley" baby-boomers in my church with meaningful force? Could the average church member really even feel compelled about this?

In the weeks ahead, however, I couldn't seem to shake the thought of what God was doing in the AD 2000 Movement. I really cannot afford to be involved, I told myself. But could I afford not to be involved? After all, to what ultimate end was I really pastoring? What about my responsibility to the vision that people from every "tribe and tongue and people and nation" will some day surround the throne of the Lamb, giving praise for the extension of the Kingdom to them? What responsibility might our already missions-minded church have to seize this unusual opportunity? "Yes, I concluded, this could be essential to our local church and even to my ministry as a pastor."

So, here I am, in diligent prayer and concerted pursuit of the AD 2000 and Beyond vision. But why? Allow me to list a few reasons.

1. It is essential to the revitalization of the lethargic North American church

The more I understand what God is doing in world missions, and the more I travel internationally, the more I realize that we are losing our sense of urgency in the U.S. about the prospects of world evangelization. I have begun to think of us as the "gold plated caboose" so full of abundance, but in danger of being left behind by the rapid advance of the gospel in the two-thirds world. Yet, our resources of prayer, personnel, finances, information and technology are vital to the cause.

We need to be infused with a clearer-than-ever vision of the unfinished task with a more urgent-than-ever call to participate. I'll never forget the comment of Dr. Bong Rin Ro, of the World Evangelical Fellowship Theological Commission, noting the deep desire of the Korean church to host the 1994 GCOWE gathering in their country, even putting out $2,000,000 for the cause. He stated that the Korean church had plateaued in recent years and needed a vision bigger than, and outside themselves, to revitalize their commitment. Certainly, the need of the North American church in this regard is even greater.

2. It instills informed, yet inspiring hope in the hearts of church leaders.

We all tend to grovel around in the trenches of church work to the point that we forget the big picture of what God is doing. This ministerial myopia can so easily extinguish our vision and demoralize our motivation.

I recall speaking at a recent annual ACMC national conference and having the occasion to meet and speak with John Quam, Executive Director of Concerts of Prayer International. Over the years I have maintained a special burden for a faith-driven and sustained movement of prayer among church leaders. I asked John about his observations regarding the hindrances to a united prayer movement in the United States. He stated that the primary hurdle was the complacency of pastors. æ"Why are they complacent?" I asked. His response: "They've lost hope!"

AD 2000 and Beyond is a radiant, well-researched and realistic ray of hope for every one of us. God is at work and we can be a part of it, right now.

3. It will either greatly enhance or significantly expand your already-existing missions efforts

The Lord has orchestrated some unparalleled cooperation between missions researchers through the AD 2000 Movement, enabling every one of us to put our hands on some of the most current and accurate information on the unreached of the World. Whether your interests are focused on the 10/40 window or the unreached of your community, your efforts can now be more informed than ever. You may realize that some of your already existing missionaries and ministry efforts are right on the forefront of missions advancement, enabling you to accelerate your interest and prayer-support on their behalf. Or, you may want to focus more clearly your future commitments to participate in what God is doing these days. You can advance the vision of "a church for every people and the gospel for every person by 2000" in a significant and intelligent way.

So, where can the average pastor begin? Here are several practical suggestions:

1. Become informed by writing to

AD 2000 and BEYOND MOVEMENT 1580 PUERTO VALLARTA DR. San Jose, CA 95120 408-268-4411

for the AD 2000 and Beyond Handbook, which will explain the various facets of the movement and the possible role your church could play.

2. Get on the list for the AD 2000 and Beyond "Introductory Video" to be distributed soon. This captivating presentation can be used for your church leadership and congregation, giving the vision and the steps to participation.

3. Begin at the foundational level of prayer. Find out about "A Day to Change the World," perhaps the most massive prayer meeting in the history of Christianity slated for June 25, 1994 and focusing entirely on the unreached peoples of the world. The prayer ministry of your church just might be revitalized as you join millions of Christians from around the world in anticipation of and participation in that pivotal day.

These are unprecedented days of opportunity for the advancement of the Gospel. My prayer is that God will arrest the attention and secure the participation of the pastors and local churches of the United States. We have a vital role. We must keep our "gold plated caboose" connected to the rapidly advancing train and with renewed zeal rush our resources forward to reach the world for Christ!

You may contact Pastor Henderson or Los Gatos Christian Church at 16845 Hicks Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 or call 408/268-1411