Just finished reading Missio Dei by Fred Peatross and found myself bored to tears by another conversation about being missional and moving out of old paradigms to embrace a more sophisticated approach to reaching the people Jesus misses the most. At the rate implied by such relational, missional approaches we will continue to fall seriously behind the rate of population growth for the next 250 years as we have for the past 250.
Once again I find myself thinking that a New Testament Book of Acts kind of expression of Christian faith is what we desperately need today to stem the tide of paganism in our world and especially in North America. Power evangelism as opposed to friendship evangelism is what I see in the NT narrative.
Peatross, in his Appendix says:
Jesus lives in you and me. The Holy Spirit leads us to others as the Father calls them. I’ve seen him work in AA meeting, restaurants, city streets.... God shows up everywhere if you look for him. He’s made his home in me and he wants me to create safe environments everywhere I go. I do it with a smile. I engage people, smile at them, brag on them, praise them, and when the Holy Spirit opens their heart I put in a good word for Jesus.. It is just that simple. No matter where you go or where you are Jesus is with you. He wants to connect, not only with you; he especially wants to make his home in the hearts of those who do not know him. So create warm safe environments in small groups, homes, coffee shops, schools, AA meetings, hospitals, jails – wherever you go love people and keep it simple, easy to understand. Go about doing things for people and put Jesus Christ in the center and watch the Holy Spirit work. He will connect you with Jesus and people. Connecting - Loving - Healing – Encouraging. That’s what Jesus wants us to do. Don’t ruin the environment with a bad attitude or critical spirit. Target pain. Pay attention to the hurt in people and meet their felt needs. Divorce – Depression - Anxiety - Addiction - Guilt – Grief. Find where they hurt and show them you care. Create the environment by being completely humble, patient , loving , and empathic – then – once they know you care and understand – ask Jesus to make the connection.” pp 90-92 Missio Dei by Fred PeatrossI like all of the above. I just think it takes too long. People are going to hell every second. I am praying for such power from God to break out in the life and ministry of his followers that the miracles, signs, wonders, and healings will demand a response from people. Either they will hate him or love him but they won’t be able to be indifferent. Indifference is the attitude we have allowed to grow in this culture by our unbelief and prayerlessness. And I definitely include myself in that last indictment.
Oh, for those who were wondering what on earth miasma means...
miasma - an unhealthy atmosphere or unhealthy vapors rising from the ground or other sources
