CONCRETE FAITH

DISCUSSION
In the closing chapter of John’s Gospel Jesus says to his disciples: ‘As the
Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ John 20:21
WHAT IMPLICATIONS DOES THIS STATEMENT HAVE FOR US TODAY?
3 approaches to ministry
1. TO: this approach treats the gospel as a one-size-fits-all product. Our job is to shift as
much of the product as possible.
2. FOR: this approach recognizes that people are different and pays attention to their
unique needs. However, in the name of ‘servanthood’ it is easy to become patronising.
There is also a danger of developing ‘provider/client’ dependencies.
3. WITH: this approach is the most authentic but the hardest to achieve, for it requires
us to embrace true humility and vulnerability. We come alongside people and journey
with them, constantly looking for ways to enable them to experience God’s goodness
for themselves.
Incarnational Ministry adopts the WITH approach drawing inspiration from
1 Thessalonians 2:8, ‘We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God
but our lives as well.’
SECTION 1 – 3 APPROACHES TO MINISTRY
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