Let's talk DISCIPLED UNTO MISSION This is part three in a six-part dialogue on the subject of discipleship. We invite and encourage you to submit your thoughts and opinions by email at mbherald@mbchurches.ca.
s we continue to talk about discipleship from an MB theological and practical perspective, we move into the subject of mission. My observation is that in essence and practice, our view of discipleship leads the disciple towards tangible acts of mission. Discipleship for us is not simply “Jesus and me on the mountain top” but it is actually “Jesus and me leading others to know him and his kingdom principles.” The MB story is one of mission. Not mission conducted only by professional clergy but mission initiated by lay people. Our view of discipleship is not simply “Grow,” but also “Go.” Like the New testament Church, Mennonoite Brethren s have been engaged in gospel proclamation everywhere they have migrated to. It is essential to note the MBs have a holistic approach to mission. It encompasses both gospel proclamation and incarnational acts of mercy and justice (I will explore more on this subject in the following article). To this end, we invest significantly in preparation, collaboration and activation for mission.
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We prepare for mission The MBs have been diligent over the years, establishing schools and programs that instruct and equip disciples for mission work. Bible colleges, university and Seminary, have been, and are still essential components of the strategic goals of this denomination. Informal mission-focused programs such as SOAR, TREK and ACTION are foundational to the MB discipleship ecosystem. Several of our larger churches have initiated and maintained unique equipping programs, and some provinces now invest in a grassroots program called Leaders Collective. The annual financial commitment from
Mennonite Brethren mission efforts in Canada during the 2nd half of the 20th century often involved week-long vacation Bible schools (VBS) or day camps staffed by college students during the summer break. Mission administrators scheduled these camps in communities where there was prospect of planting an MB church. Sometimes small group Bible studies emerged through the winter among the parents of those children that attended the summer VBS. Over time some developed into MB churches. Evidence of this missional strategy can be found in each province where MBs established themselves.
Campers and staff at the week-long Christian day camps in Snow Lake, Manitoba, 1979. Photo: Centre for MB Studies
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APRIL 2021
M B H E R A L D.C O M
