Can We Choose To Whom We Are Called?
In our recent YWAM regional meetings where we discussed our responsibility as a Canadian ministry in relation to the First Nations peoples, many of the ministry leaders raised an interesting point. Our First Nations guests shared various perspectives, but generally believed that as Canada’s first people- the host people of the land- it was critical for all Christian communities to respond to this issue in their region. While some of us are engaged in and relating to the First Nations community, many of our other leaders are not. Because of this many of them questioned if this was really a regional or national issue rather than a context specific issue to those of us it was relevant to.
This raises some serious question, both specifically with this issue, as well as with the broader question of what level of freedom do we have to focus our missional emphasis on specific groups- or lack of focus, for that matter. In respect to the issue of the First Nations people, I deeply believe that as North American Christians we must own our responsibility in both healing the wounds of the past, as well as move forward to a mutual future of relationship and unity. This does not mean we will call the shots in this process (as this is part of the problem in the first place), but rather that we cannot decide it does not apply to our specific context. Almost without exception it is something we must address.
On the broader issue I am less certain. I truly believe that we must be strategic and authentic in our missional engagement with communities, cultures and sub-cultures. It requires an intentional contextualized approach that cannot always works across the spectrum of our diverse society. That being said, we also must acknowledge that we are called to love and serve all people. Too often the church uses specific calling to justify a failure to respond those areas of great need. This can be seen in many areas, including the urban poor and the racially marginalized.
So what is appropriate? How specific can we or should we be in our missional focus? How have you seen this done well? Please share.
In general, we need to know our limits and ‘target’ a demographic where will have a chance of success, and have enough success to keep the hope and momentum alive. But, often, what we aim for and what we hit are slightly different. Our role is to minister to those the Holy Spirit sends us, and not to throw away those who don’t fit our demographic.
The range of any one demographic is limited, often, wealthy Christians are better off enabling “slightly” poor people. Then those can help the severly poor. But the direct connection – wealth to extreme poverty – often fails.
Mike O,
I hear what you are saying, but seeing the poverty in our neighbourhood (for example), few churches would find it within their limits. There needs to be risk taking and Spirit following, as you mentioned.
I have to disagree with your last comment, as it is built on a dangerous premise. First, no community should “enable” another. Second, it will fail if one community comes to “save” another. Rather, if the rich realize that their own salvation is caught up with the poor, they will have the true “success” of seeing the Kingdom built mutually. I am sure you did not mean it, but the ranking of wealthy-slightly poor- severely poor is somewhat offensive.
Peace,
Jamie
“…In respect to the issue of the First Nations people, I deeply believe that as North American Christians we must own our responsibility in both healing the wounds of the past, as well as move forward to a mutual future of relationship and unity. This does not mean we will call the shots in this process (as this is part of the problem in the first place), but rather that we cannot decide it does not apply to our specific context. Almost without exception it is something we must address.”
I can’t answer your questions Jamie, but I really agree with what you have written above. Whilst we lived in Vancouver I learnt a lot about First Nations people, and I really have a heart for them. There are many wounds which need healing. Also, from what I have seen and read, there are many First Nations people who need to feel/be shown their worth. (Not wanting to offend anyone there) I think that Christians in Canada and the US have a vital role in ministering to First Nations. In most communities there are people from the First Nations, so locally they can be engaged with. If you really have a heart for them, then this will also lead you out of your locality at times – maybe forge relations with First Nations in the Northern Provinces, for example, and go up there once or twice a year on mission – or send soemone from your community to be there more permenantly. (When I’m write you and your I’m meaning generally not necessarily meaning you Jamie!) Just my $0.02!
Lyn,
Very true. Let’s take it a step further. We have to realize that their wounding is our wounding, though they have suffered the wound of it. It is largely our own brokenness that has brought their suffering. That is why I love the wisdom of Lilla Watson, an Australian Aboriginal woman who said:
“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time… But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
We have to be careful that out of good intentions we don’t reflect paternalism or condescend to them. Rather, we must humble ourselves before a people whose wisdom and culture offer something to us in our own journey towards the Kingdom.
One of the tough things that my First Nations friends of have shared with me is that, in many respects, the move towards reconciliation and partnership must largely start from within the First Nations community. This does not excuse us from action, but demands that as we seek to build this future, we must start in our own lives and heart, for this is where the bulk of the true challenge resides.
Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie