First post... Upstream Collective repost

I will post a blog about what is coming up for us, Lindsey and I, here in the next few days (I will probably write it on the plane on the way to Geneva, Saturday). We are nervous but looking forward to it!

So my first post is going to be an article from what is called the UpStream Collective. Larry McCrary leads up this organization that is turning the attention of church plants around the country to European Missions. This is not, what most would call, normal missions work but a life transplant. It is essentially, deciding to move to a different country like you would a different state in the US. You still work a normal job, live in a normal neighborhood, go to a church, etc (minus some of the obvious culture barriers). It is missional living overseas. This type of missions is working a job which will force you into people's lives and in touch with the culture. While this is a watered down explanation, it gives you a small glimpse of their vision. If you want to investigate The Upstream Collective a little more, click on the link below.

This particular article is about Europe and the need for the gospel there. Hope you enjoy it:

http://blog.theupstreamcollective.org/

Sojourn Jet Set: Three Observations

As we near the end of Sojourn’s Europe Jet Set trip, a few key observations have come to the surface for me. I’ve already written about our initial experience of God’s presence here, along with the importance of doing Business as Mission, so I’ll highlight three other important points.

The need in Europe is very real. The sacred/secular divide is firmly in place among the vast majority of Europeans. Even if the facade of Christianity exists in beautiful old churches and remnants of religious ritual in the lives of Europeans, these things have no real connection to their daily lives in most cases. Most see these things as remnants of a bygone age. Even in Serbia, where, “to be Serbian is to be Orthodox,” the rituals mean nothing of consequence. There, as well as in utterly secular France, evangelical Protestants are viewed as a bizarre cult.

Those who minister here simply don’t have the same common ground from which to start as we often do in America. They may struggle for a long time to get a person to even considerthinking about spiritual things. Bridging this gap will require a commitment to long-term, patient ministry. We must not ignore this place simply because the people “look like us” in a superficial sense. Wealth and material prosperity often blind us to the real spiritual needs that are present. Many Europeans struggle with profound hopelessness and despair in light of their secularized view of the world, and growing numbers are turning to Islam to fill this void. The same destiny awaits all who do not know Christ, regardless of their social status or success in this life.

Europe is a strategic place for missions. History has shown us that culture usually flows from Europe toward the rest of the world. As Protestant liberalism once spread from Germany to America, so now the post-Christian culture of Western Europe is already growing in the United States. Ideas flow from here because Europe is in many ways a gathering place for the world. Paris and London are two of the most internationally diverse cities in the world. Marseilles is filled with people all over North Africa who come to work for a season before eventually returning home.

In terms of mission, this means that Europe could potentially again become a sending place for the Gospel. Many of the people on the continent are from countries that are politically closed to Gospel ministry. Most of Europe, however, is open––even though secular states oppress Gospel work, there is still much more room for it. Imagine disciples made, churches planted, and people retuning to their home countries with a passion for spreading the Gospel of Christ.

Despite these facts, the workers are few here. Although this continent is full of of post-Christian unbelievers and a growing Islamic population, they represent a “forgotten” people group because this was once the heartland of Christendom. In Belgrade, a city of 2.5 million, there is one missionary team with a specific international sending agency, and very little local evangelical activity. The numbers in Paris and Marseilles are equally startling.

We must not neglect to pray, send and be sent into this field. God has not forgotten this place. Let us turn our hearts toward him and see how he wants us to participate in this work. But let us also remember that God is mighty to save, and “nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few” (1 Sam 14:6). He is in the business of bringing himself glory by doing great things through weak, outnumbered people. Even now, the spirit of unity and partnership across denominational and organizational lines throughout Europe is incredibly encouraging, and a testimony to God’s Spirit moving to do a new thing here. We should approach these new opportunities eagerly and openly.

Yes, Europe is a challenging and perplexing place to do ministry right now. Yes, the need is also undeniable in places like Africa and the 10/40 window. And yes, it’s incredibly expensive to do anything in Europe. But these people have been forgotten for too long. Pray God would give his church a great love for them, so that we would be willing to embrace these challenges for the sake of their salvation and the spread of Jesus Christ’s fame and glory.

Written by Luke Daugherty, Sojourn Community Church. Luke is a participant in his church’s Jet Set to Paris, Marseille and Belgrade.