The Great Commission
What does it mean to "go and make disciples of all nations" in these V.U.C.A. times where conditions everywhere are basically Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous?
'Volatile' mental conditions with people ready to explode, destroy and loot at any given opportunity. 'Uncertain' and unpredictable seasons that the church is undergoing organizationally, spiritually and financially. 'Complex,' multi-layered and complicated social problems in our communities. 'Ambiguous' and unclear religious messages open to multiple interpretations and misinterpretations. What does it mean to "go and make disciples" with the added layer of Covid-19 and its accompanying restrictions, limitations and lockdowns? Surely, this is a time when we can take a break from the Great Commission?
But the Great Commission is not time conditioned, place conditioned or person conditioned. It is an instruction for every follower of Christ, both the ordained and those not ordained. An instruction for every place, every context and every "nation." An instruction for every time and opportunity that is available to us individually or collectively.
When Jesus gave this "Go!" instruction to his disciples they were facing their own V.U.C.A. conditions: governed under a 'volatile' Caesar administration, 'uncertain' about how to move forward as they waited for the promised Holy Spirit, 'complex' relational and internal issues, and 'ambiguous' secular teachings and rumours all around them.
But they obeyed Jesus and went and made disciples. We too are called, not to come up with excuses, but to use what we have to go and make disciples. If we have Covid-19 restrictions, let us use that as an opportunity to be reflecting, recalibrating and resetting so that we do not miss the missional lessons of this unexpected but teachable moment. As restrictions are lifted, let us adapt to the new normal and get on with making disciples using whatever methods are available to us.
Let's get creative and promote Jesus with our walk, equip church members for doing ministry, actively seeking the lost, and not waiting for them to come. Let us attract people to Christ using online methods too, taking advantage of social media, and making intentional efforts to fulfil the call of the Great Commission. And Jesus promises: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
| Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew28:18-20) |
Rev Lydia Neshangwe, our Moderator Elect, is married to Paul, mother to many, and lover of wholeness for all.
