Today I finished the second and final week of the Fuller MAGL intensive. Over our two very full weeks, I was able to experience some one-of-a-kind fellowship, and I learned a lot. Here’s a few of my gleanings.
- Organizations succeed in accomplishing their vision and mission when their leaders are aware of themselves, their team, their setting, and their Lord. This is the thesis statement for a capstone paper that will synthesize two years of study and reflection. These courses have helped me have grace for some of the flaws of the organizations I’ve been around. It’s also made me aware that I, as an individual, am in desperate need of clarifying my own hopes, dreams, values and mission.
- There are huge, worldwide changes that will shape how we live our lives and full our ministries in the years to come. Most people now live in cities. The church is now strongest in the global south. Technology makes things possible but society are not necessarily prepared. Pluralism is normal. What does it mean to follow Christ in this reality?
- The fall of Christendom will usher in a new understanding of ecumenicism. I remember the first time I met a missionary and found out that in their context, they were much more willing and ready to partner with other denominations than we were back home. I came to understand that when Christ-followers are a minority, and they view their life as a mission from God, they find fewer things to fight about. My cohort represented a diversity of denominations and mission agencies. While we might not necessarily believe all the same things, it was incredible to learn from each other, and imagine how we could partner together. As the West becomes even more of a mission field, learning to get along will be necessary.
- Missional theology is for everyone. I was surprised to hear that missionaries who have devoted their lives to serving in places like the rural Senegal and urban Indonesia were greatly moved by studying the concept of the Missio Dei and the missional church. I heard one of them say “I moved across the world to be a missionary. But now I realize all of life is a mission, and that everything I do is missional.” The church does not have missionaries, The Mission has a Church made up of Missionaries.
- The Church is in good hands. I’ve had the privilege of spending two years with men and women who desperately love God and have a posture of life-long learning. With the church being lead by such servants, it is exciting to imagine what God will do.
Tweets