Martin Batstone makes a plea for church leaders to look, listen and discern the practical needs of people in their local communities, seeking to serve the lost, damaged and vulnerable as valid work in the Kingdom manifesto of Lk 4:16-21.
A key point made by Martin is that whilst we should certain long for conversion and discipleship, we should serve without expecting or demanding it. As a minister in a charity himself, he prefers to concentrate on individuals one by one rather than trying to play a numbers game.
I think he makes a good point. He is not arguing for a purely social gospel or liberal approach. Surely it is just part of the principle 'seek first the Kingdom, and the rest will be added'?
The problem out there is the sea (ocean) of need - where would one start. How do we balance resources. Thats where discernment is needed as ever, making it most certainly a spiritual exercise rather than a merely practical one or a task of human endeavor.
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Some thoughts and reflections on mission in the UK context in the 21st Century. Enjoy the ride!
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