|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| 섹션 |
 |
AFMI > |
등록일 |
|
2010-07-17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 작성자 |
|
관리자 (admin) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| BIBLICAL MINISTRY OR MY MINISTRY? |
|
| An advice to the trainees from an alumnus of the first batch of AFMI Training Institute |
|
An advice to the trainees from an alumnus of the first batch of
AFMI Training Institute
Kangjin Ha+
The AFMI training that I joined in the later part of 2008 was so precious opportunity to open a new door for my field ministry. It helped me discover something new as I was facing a limitation based on my traditional mission paradigm even though I had already worked in the field for 7 years at that time. The fascinating news on the Muslim ministry advance in SEA was a great encouragement raising a new hope even in the Middle East Asia.
Throughout the whole period of training, I was struggling with the following matter: “What I am thinking is Biblical or not?” Up to now I try to throw the same question so that I can come out of my own box to know what the Bible really says. While I am involved in a research activity with others on the field with the books of Luke and Acts, I continue to ask the same question and thankfully can find new strategies. There exists the power crashing the frame filled with my own biased thoughts in the Word of God. Here a question arises in me: “Is it still possible for me to continue my field ministry even when I break the frame of expectation that my supporters or sending churches in my home country have?”
In fact, many of us are afraid of this. They are so quick to judge us as extremists or pluralists when we attempt to challenge them according to the new findings from the Bible. Many of those who put themselves in such a quick criticism may grasp their own or traditional church’s view as the truth. And thus I feel still thirstier in seeking for God’s will in the Word. I need constant confirmation on what I am doing according to the Word of God whether it is appropriate or not.
What was the purpose of Jesus’ coming into this world? Was it for planting Christian churches so that many people come into them through His mission to preach Christianity? Can we find the same mission through the cases of the apostles?
Most of the field workers may not even raise up this kind of question. However, there is always a danger of losing the ministry focus unless we confirm whether we are on the right track according to the Bible and God’s plan. This doesn’t mean that we should abandon the Christianity but does mean that we should return back to the Biblical principles to check up our ministries. This perhaps means even the self-retrospection on the Christianity itself according to the Bible. We see many Christian dominant countries now struggle with increasing criminals and corruption. This is very serious situation and why we need that self-retrospection.
Thus unless our ministries are solely focused on Jesus, who is the Word of God, then we will get lost. When we build up a rocket for space exploration, it should be done according to the blueprint with complete examination even to a small screw.
If not, it could explode at launching moment. Thus following the blueprint thoroughly should be kept in mind.
We are involved in the work dealing with souls. Thus, if we don’t follow God’s blue print, that is the Bible, we may lead not only a single soul but also a community to be astray. Traditional on-going ministry may look successful as it will be examined by the tradition in existing frame, but when it is examined by His Blueprint, it can be proved to be a false one.
We should humble ourselves thoroughly to be submissive to the Word of God. This is the straight path toward the successful ministry. We need to be ready to follow what the Word of God speaks to us. This sometimes requires boldness and trust so as to deny our own experiences and thoughts when the Word of God directs us. We should remember what the Bible says, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. (Psalms 127:1)” What a scary happening it will be if God says, “what you were doing are not what I wanted you to do”.
In the Bible we can see Jesus’ ministry be totally centralized on God’s will. Whatever God asked him to do, he did. What kind of ministry are you doing? Who asked you to do the ministry? The purpose of what Jesus preached the Kingdom of God was to restore the people who were lost. He didn’t put His purpose in making more people follow him to stretch the boundary of his influence. He didn’t seek for any humanly desire to have more power through his disciples. Rather, he put his desire in developing the Kingdom of God into which many people can come through himself.
What kind of expectation do you have when you join the training of AFMI? I would like to encourage you to check up whether you are on the right track or lost without the original God-given purpose. We need to be ready to throw away any luxurious Christian decorations if they entangle us, and check God’s blueprint in detail so that we can go through readjustment and correction to His purpose. This is not an easy job. It may become a greatly stressful challenge that forces you to go through a mission paradigm shift.
What are you preaching? Is it Christianity or the Gospel?
What do you expect to see? Is it a proselyte or a conversion?
What do you have in your mind as the mission goal? Is it a church growth or the Kingdom development through you with Jesus. (AFMI)
+ Kangjin Ha is working in Middle East Asia through ANN(BTC).
|
|
|
| |
|
 프린트
 메일보내기 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
)
