The Misson

MANDY MOLE our “intrepid reporter” wanted to find out what the idea of mission was all about. She asked Ian Leese, who is involved with campus “mission”, for an explanation of this fast growing phenomena.

Mandy : What does “Mission” involve at York University?

Ian : The Mission is a week of organised meetings and events planned for next February, through which Christians will be able to tell others about their faith.

M : What part does the Christian Union play in the mission, is it just a CU mission?

I : The CU plans the event, but all Christian involvement is welcome, especially in terms of prayer.

M : Who is it aimed at?

I : Generally, those who do not know God in a personal way. Specifically it is for those of our friends who have shown an interest in God.

M : What success has it had in the past?

I : I’m not too sure, but people have come to know God for themselves.

M : Have you done any “Mission” yourself?

I : Yes, praying. Committees are still in charge of all the planning at this stage. There does seem to be a growing desire among campus Christians to spread the gospel through different means. (Here Ian modestly omits to mention his own involvement in Street Theatre). After all, if we really believe that God’s good news is the answer to every person in whatever situation, then telling people that is a full time thing, not just a week long mission. Before now I have worked in “Youth With A Mission”, working in the cities and red light areas. I suppose that makes me a missionary.

M : What do you think of mission in terms of TV preachers?

I : I think TV is a great opportunity to tell many people about what Jesus’ death means for them. But those American TV churches are something else. They have too much to do with junk food and fast cars.

M : Do you see the Mission boom as a good or a bad thing?

I : I think it’s good that more people are having their “ticket to heaven” misconceptions about God and heaven blown away. But we need to evangelise not because the church tells us too, but because God is aching to get through.

M : What do you think of recent scandals involving Swaggart and Bakker and their attempts to claim a high moral ground?

I : The Bible says that a Christian in a position of leadership needs to be accountable to God and to others about everything he or she does.

M : Do you worry about the image of mission, which is white, middle-class and male. Where does someone like Desmond Tutu fit in, in a world of Billy Graham’s?

I : Many evangelical churches are far too comfortable and unwilling to face the more gritty implications of Christ’s commission to make disciples of all men and women. Tutu’s particular mix of politics and Christianity makes people uncomfortable. But when it comes to telling people about God’s relevance today, he does a fine job.

M : What would you say to the accusation that most evangelism has no relevance to the poor and oppressed Christ spent the vast majority of his life with? Most of the “working class” do not go to these rallies in the first place?

I : Again, this tends to be true. It is often too easy to emphasise the personal gospel at the expense of the social gospel. But the other danger is to emphasise it the other way. God wants whole men and women-physically, mentally and spiritually.

M : What do you think of Liberation Theology, which emphasises collective action with the poor and oppressed, based on the Gospels.

I : I like the way “Liberation Theology” emphasises the self-esteem and the equal worth of the poor and oppressed. Many of these groups have suffered from a lot of patronising hand-outs from well fed Christians. I have trouble with the concept of identifying with the oppressed to the extent of hating the oppressors. I really believe God has a much better plan than ours for overcoming inequality. Our best plans will hurt somebody, somewhere unless we are listening to God.

M : So many evangelists concentrate on the “damnation” idea which suppresses so many people. Is it not all too easy to condemn those who cannot avoid their situations. Surely we should be living and working with, for example, single mothers and letting them show US how to put Christianity into action?

I : Firstly, I don’t believe in scare tactics. I don’t even believe someone should become a Christian because someone else convinced him or her that it was a good idea. I just want to convince people to give God a chance. As for identifying with the needy, yes, that is a neglected part of the Gospel. But it doesn’t discredit evangelism and mission. Every one needs Christ.

M : Lastly, do you believe evangelism results in permanent changes in people’s lives?

I : Evangelism leads to new relationships with God. And when a lot of people start getting closer to God, anything can happen. There is no limit to what prayer and faith can do. Someone once said “the heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.” God wants to change society from the inside out.

Although I may not agree with all that Ian says, I do believe there is a need for more discussion about the links between evangelism and “liberal” Christianity.

“CHRISTIS” will be considering this subject in greater detail in future issues, as well as covering the mission and its impact on campus.