Getting What We Need

Scripture – Luke 9:1-6: 1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.” 6So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.

Reflection: This is a summary of the missional work of the church today – at least for our church in our setting. We gather people together. We equip them and empower them and give them authority Then we send them out as missionaries in their various settings.

This is a growing edge for us at Bethel. We’re good at the “getting together” part. And we’re pretty good at the “sending out” part. It’s in the middle where we slip up.

As you consider your world – your sphere of influence – the place where you spend most of your time during the week – what training or equipping would be helpful to you in your mission? What authority do you need to have? (We often overlook this. Yet if you’re a missionary, sent out from the church, you need to have the authority to make decisions and commitments on behalf of the church.) How can you get what you need for your church? Don’t be afraid to ask.