FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS A Theological Approach to Mission in The United Methodist Church

Why are we involved in mission?

WHO

WHY

WHOWHY

WHOWHY

Do good intentions always translate into theological practice? The Homecoming

How was this attempt at outreach ministry portrayed both positively and negatively?

WHO

Matthew 25:40 Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.

WHO are the “least of these” in our world today?

How does mission affect the Receiver? GIVERRECEIVER

Patronizing Partnering or

Our View of Mission Giving & Receiving Each of us develops, consciously or unconsciously, our own perspective of missions. Each of us develops, consciously or unconsciously, our own perspective of missions. It is very difficult to see things from another person’s perspective. It is very difficult to see things from another person’s perspective.

Mission involves and impacts both the Giver and Receiver.

What does the Receiver offer the Giver? GIVERRECEIVER

Who are we as the family of God? Created in the image of God Created in the image of God All in need of God’s grace All in need of God’s grace All equal in the sight of God All equal in the sight of God God’s grace available to all God’s grace available to all Capacity to love Capacity to love

The Gospel Perspective GIVER RECEIVER

ImagoDei ImagoDei

Giving and receiving is a cycle of love and relationships! ImagoDeiImagoDei

PREVENIENT MISSION God is already there and at work before we get there!

FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS A Theological Approach to Mission in The United Methodist Church

WHY

The Great Commission Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:18-20

The Greatest Commandments You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength… You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:30-31

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What we are called to be determines what we are to do.

We are… Redeemed and restored people of God Redeemed and restored people of God The Body of Christ The Body of Christ Obedient Servants Obedient Servants Humble Servants Humble Servants Agents of Transformation Agents of Transformation

We are called to… Preach, teach and witness Preach, teach and witness Glorify God Glorify God Feed and care for others Feed and care for others Love Love Reconcile and forgive Reconcile and forgive Do justice Do justice

Keeping Motivations in Check Self-Gratification Self-Gratification “Vacation” “Vacation” Santa Claus Syndrome Santa Claus Syndrome Cultural Manipulation Cultural Manipulation The Patriarchal Approach The Patriarchal Approach Control Control Failure to value others as self Failure to value others as self

Blessed to be a Blessing to Others

Mission is central to Christian Discipleship

Good News

Good News Community (Support Structure)

Good News Community (Support Structure)

Good News Community (Support Structure)

Mission is Good Stewardship

Mission in the Wesleyan Tradition

Biblical Theological Foundation Mission Education Biblical Theological Foundation Mission Education Spiritual Formation Spiritual Disciplines Spiritual Formation Spiritual Disciplines Partnerships Hospitality Partnerships Hospitality Action Creative Energy Action Creative Energy Christ over All Christ over All Being Doing Open Minds Open Hearts Open Doors Open Hands

HOW

Some Basic Principles Mission Understanding & Theology Mission Understanding & Theology Prevenient Mission Prevenient Mission Spiritual Discernment Spiritual Discernment Love in Action Love in Action Understand Other Cultures Understand Other Cultures Humility Humility

Planning: A Crucial Step Ascertain Gifts Ascertain Gifts Need Assessment Need Assessment Match Gifts and Needs Match Gifts and Needs Prioritize Prioritize Action Plan Action Plan Evaluation Evaluation

Use and Support the Connection

District Mission Secretaries District Mission Secretaries Conference Mission Secretaries Conference Mission Secretaries VIM Coordinators VIM Coordinators Jurisdictional Personnel Jurisdictional Personnel General Board of Global Ministries General Board of Global Ministries UMCOR UMCOR Women’s Division Women’s Division Mission Personnel Mission Personnel Mission Context & Relationships Mission Context & Relationships Evangelism & Church Growth Evangelism & Church Growth Partnership with other organizations Partnership with other organizations

Training & Resources

For All The Right Reasons was developed by Mark Barden, Larry Rankin and Ruth Wiertzema on behalf of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference Mission Secretaries for the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church

Send your stories, suggestions and ideas to: Mark Barden PO Box Charlotte, NC

FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS A Theological Approach to Mission in The United Methodist Church