The Diocese of Central Newfoundland A Pastoral Power Point From Bishop David Torraville
The following has to do with some practical suggestions relating to Mission coming from the Anglican Consultative Council, Lambeth and the Canadian House of Bishops.
Recently I attended the semi annual House of Bishops meeting at which the “Five Marks of Mission” were stressed by the Primate.
As well, I am a member of the National Church Partners in Mission and Eco Justice Committee at whose meeting the “Five Marks” were also stressed.
We have not really stressed this international effort in our Diocese and I will take advantage of this opportunity to begin.
All mission is by definition a sending.. From Creation God has been reaching out to the world in love, sharing His life with us.
God’s sending of Jesus is His greatest gift to the world. Mission is not our idea, it is Gods!
“It is not the church of God that has a mission in the world, but the God of Mission who has a Church in the world.” - Tim Dearborn
Church and Mission The Five Marks of Mission were developed by the Anglican Consultative Council and affirmed by the bishops of the Anglican Communion at Lambeth in 1988 and 1998
They have been adopted by other denominations as well. The Marks enable Christians of different countries and cultures to have a common focus as they share in God’s mission in the world.
Five Marks of Mission TELL - TEACH - TEND - TRANSFORM - TREASURE
TELL 1.To proclaim the good news of the Kingdom
TEACH - 2.To teach, baptize and nurture new believers
TEND - 3.To respond to human need by loving service
TRANSFORM - 4.To seek to transform unjust structures in society
TREASURE 5.To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth
How we promote these Marks of Mission in our Diocese and Congregation is up to each of us.
Each of us needs to ask ourselves, how can I proclaim and help others to proclaim?
How can I teach and nurture?
How can I help others teach and nurture?
What loving service can I and my friends offer?
What injustice can I and my friends transform?
How can I and my friends safeguard creation and renew the life of the earth?
Then we need to turn these questions into action We turn prayer and dream into practical reality. We join with God in the building of His kingdom.