When Bill Clinton ran for President in 1992 it was reported that he kept a sign on his desk that helped him keep on track. That sign read “Its the economy, stupid!” For us today in the church the sign needs to read, “Its the missiology, stupid!” It is so easy to think that the main work of the church is to put more people in the pews. Really, it is to be on mission in the way that God is on mission. Wayne Schwab, retired evangelism officer for the Episcopal Church, says, “The Lord’s mission is to bring love and justice wherever they are blocked, and to increase them where they are already present.” God is at work in the world right now. Missiology is finding out what He is already doing and joining in with it. Schwab also says that the church does not have a mission which God suports, but that God has a mission which is carried out by the church.
This was one of the main themes dealt with by a new group in the Episcopal Church called “The Gathering of Innovators.” We met for the first time this past week in New Orleans. About thirty-five of us met, shared our minsitries, and found ways to support one another. The whole idea was to share how we are joininig in with what God is already doing in our communities. It was a great time. Even greater than that, the meeting was called, planned and financially supported by the Episcopal Church!
