February 1988 |
The Challenge of Mobilization Wes Tullis The mission movement has highlighted foreign and exotic places, the jungle and swamp tribes much more often than it has spoken impellingly about the crucial work of mission mobilization on the home front. Fortunately, mobilizing organizations like ACMC (Association of Church Missions Committees), and AIMS (Association of International Mission Services) have come into being to help bring things into focus. But now, gradually, a veritable network of would-be mobilizers is coming into being all across the country. We hope to see 35 local Vision Network offices in this country by the end of this yearoffices focused on promoting the whole mission cause. Immediate means to that end are the ten Mobilization Workshops described on page 6. What you will find in the following drawings and commentary by Wes Tullis is a graphic picture of the crucial mobilization scene here at home! Will you be part of it? Read Wess article with care! Ralph D. Winter Lets look together at the overall task of mobilization as it relates to seeing a mission renewal movement sweep our country. First of all, what does mobilization refer to? Mobilizationrefers to any event by which Gods people are awakened and kept moving and growing until they find their place for strategic involvement in the task of completing world evangelization. Key words in this sentence help us focus on what we are about as mobilizers. Any event Awakened Kept moving and growing Until . . . strategic involvement Finds their place The diagram on the next page portrays the major GAP between the CHURCH and the WORLD to be reached. Between these two things are the forces in the overall process of mobilization. The Forces in the Gap 2. Sent Ones and Senders 3. Closure Mental fortitude is needed to press us forward through trials and obstacles in finishing the task of world evangelization. I have glorified You down here on the earth by completing the work that You gave Me to do, Jesus said in John l7:4. I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Mt. l6:l8). Jesus leads us on to complete the task of world evangelization. 4. Seven Years The Four Phases of Mobilization Or it could be the result of a quiet moment in the hushed crowd at an Urbana Convention. Either way, our budding World Christian disciple is on his way. 2. Preparation Normally these further steps of obedienceare facilitated by organized growth experiences such as a short term abroad, efforts to befriend international students, the development of a wartime lifestyle, time in a Bible college or seminary program, participation in a local mission fellowship, etc. 3. Training For those who will be sent out as missionaries, this phase may take place in a general candidate training program like Wycliffes Summer Institute of Linguistics, the Toronto Institute of Linguistics, or the Missionary Intership program, or, more likely, in actual candidate training set up or prescribed by the mission agency under which the person will serve. For those who are to be Senders, very little exists right now to adequately prepare them for their role in mobilization. An internship on the staff of the U.S. Center for World Mission is one way a person can become alert as a Sender. 4. Mission Three Vital Issues A key factor to make sure the motivational/inspirational phase does not lose its impact on someone's life is serious World Christian Bible Study and Discipleship. In the miracle of germination a creative explosion takes place which generates new life within the womb that moves on and grows until death. In the same way a person needs time to pursue God in depth in order to see deep convictions germinate in their being to enable them to make the long haul as a World Christian. 2. Abortion is Possible Even Probable If realistic evaluation and practical World Christian discipleship is not incorporated into peoples lives on a daily basis, the abortion of their vision and passion for a world with Christ will very probably take place. 3. Accountability is Key Absolutely Essential To make it in the long haul it is absolutely essential to link with others of like mind and heart to stay true to counter-cultural or cross-cultural avenues of service. Looking over the overall Process of Mobilization helps us to evaluate a) where we are in this process b) who we can link up with who may labor in another phase of mobilization and would make our joint efforts more fruitful, and c) whether our strategy of mobilization should change. [ FRONT PAGE ] [ MEET OUR STAFF ] [ USCWM ] [ SEARCH ] |
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