Missio Dei A Latin theological term that can be translated as ‘the mission of God’. The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine states: ‘Our mission is God’s mission. God in love reaches out through his people to a suffering and needy world, a world that he loves. In mission we express in word and deed and through the totality of our lives the compassion of God for the lost.’
Castle play area
Westfield flats
Easter Messy Church
‘When our playground finally opened, it was a moment of real celebration for the community, and it has been great to see the park being used as a place for kids to play and parents to meet.’ In similar ways, Ryan has become involved with all sorts of programmes in the community, including the Sheffield Futures Youth Club, the South East Sheffield People Keeping Well project, the S20 Food Bank and so much more. In partnership with a nearby Anglican church, the Army also runs a regular Messy Church at a primary school and hosts similar faith-based activities in the community centre. The beauty of missio Dei is that anyone can get involved and this has inevitably led to Ryan working hand-in-
hand with organisations and individuals from all walks of life. His wife, Kathryn, has played an important role in forging a link with Shortbrook Primary School, where she works within the business and administration team. ‘Over the years,’ she says, ‘we have had a lot of behaviour issues in the school, which have been really tough on the mental health of children and staff. Throughout this, I was able to ask our church support network to pray for the school, obviously without breaking any confidences with specific details. I have also been journeying with a colleague who is starting on a Christian journey. ‘Where I am is a great resource for God. I am able to sit and talk to parents who are having a hard time and, where
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necessary, through links that we have in the community, I have been able to refer or signpost them to relevant services for additional support.’ A recent survey in the area highlighted the fact that, through this missio Dei approach, members of the fellowship – as representatives of God and The Salvation Army – have become a valuable part of the community, coming to understand the complex needs of individuals and groups. One resident said: ‘The Salvation Army knows of the depth of deprivation and need in Westfield. I find it reassuring that a Christian group is addressing the real need.’ ‘I believe that we are here to help build the Kingdom of God in Westfield,’ Ryan affirms, ‘to help the community become more like Heaven, to help people fulfil their God-given potential and to point out that God is already in them. ‘There are still many unresolved questions related to what God is doing in Westfield and how we fit into his purpose. But I believe that, if we are faithful and keep listening to what he is saying to us through his people already here, one day we will live our way to the answer.’
SIMON HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist
Next time Bethany and Jonathan Munn introduce Faversham Fresh Expression
Salvationist 18 June 2022
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