When we think of “missionaries” we think of people who have sold their worldly possessions to live in a hut deep in the Amazonian rainforest to reach a lost people. Or, perhaps its a temporary title we give ourselves when we participate in, so called, “short term” missions. These definitions are true, but too narrow. The Bible paints a radically different picture – all of life is mission.

We find it easy to be radical in our thinking when considering moving to a foreign continent or strange land for the sake of the gospel. But, we are as much missionaries here as we are anywhere else. In fact, I would argue that if you’re not living as a missionary here you shouldn’t consider being a missionary elsewhere. If you or I were going to depart as missionaries to a foreign country, we’d likely consider the following questions.*

• What criteria would you use to decide where to live?
• How would you approach secular employment?
• What standard of living would you expect as a pioneer missionaries?
• What would you spend your time doing?
• What opportunities would you be looking for?
• What would your prayers be like?
• What would you be trying to do with your new friends?
• What kind of team would you want around you?
• How would you conduct your meetings together?

What if you considered answering these questions to determine how to live your life here in Seattle, West Seattle, White Center, Burien, Ranier Valley, Kent or Federal Way? Where would you live? What would your priorities be? How would this change your use money, treatment of people, and dependency on God? This is how we’re called to live. We are all missionaries and all of life is mission. When we (note: this is done in community) live like this, everything changes, beginning with us. More to come.

Inviting you to follow Jesus on mission in Seattle,
-Pastor Adam

*Questions from Total Church, by Steve Timmis and Tim Chester. p33