Ongoing.
In this series of posts we have explored a number of aspects of Christ’s mission to change the world and parallel ways we are seeking to follow his example in Empowering Subjects. It is good when we choose to focus on this mission through doing good deeds, telling good news, and providing good teaching, as well as all the other aspects of the mission we have discussed.
One danger that remains, though, especially when we take a step into the mission after being distracted from it previously, is the temptation to feel good about ourselves! More specifically, I’m referring to feeling so good that we have finally done something related to the mission that we may then be susceptible to relaxing and not continuing in the new direction we have established.
Christ provided for the continuance of his mission in several ways. One was giving an enduring final commission to his disciples (see series on this commission beginning here). Though he spoke those words directly to the apostles, I do not believe he intended for his dream to die with them. To this day he still cares about making disciples of all nations and repentance for forgiveness of sins being proclaimed in his name to the whole world. One of the simplest ways of recognizing that his final commission is still in effect is that he told his apostles that, as a part of making new disciples, they should be “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). That teaching would include what he just taught the apostles in the immediately preceding lines, namely, to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
By his final commission, his example of equipping, and his gift of the Holy Spirit, Christ provided for the continuance of his mission. The mission is ongoing.
The model Jesus gave of equipping the twelve, and to a lesser degree, equipping the seventy-two, also ensures the continuance of his mission. If his disciples throughout the ages follow his example of equipping others, the mission will continue.
In addition, as Jesus was preparing his followers for his departure, he told them he would not leave them as orphans but would send a “helper,” “counselor” or “advocate” to be with them and help them, including help with the mission (John 15:26-27). The Holy Spirit did indeed empower and move the early believers to act on the mission of Christ (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 4:31). The Spirit is still here and still inspiring faithful followers of Christ to continue in the mission today.
By his final commission, his example of equipping, and his gift of the Holy Spirit, Christ provided for the continuance of his mission. The mission is ongoing.
Empowering Subjects likewise seeks to draw people into the mission of Christ for the long haul. The ministry is not intended to be a big splash that will get people pumped up only to lose their zeal after the seminar weekend is over. Instead, it seeks to be a tool that the Lord can use to equip believers to work in the Lord’s harvest field indefinitely.
One way Empowering Subjects does this is to invite participants into the lifestyle of ongoing submission to Christ the King. As we seek to show and tell others the kingdom, it is imperative that we ourselves are submissive subjects of the King. We will not live the kingdom lifestyle perfectly, of course, but the teaching and material of Empowering Subjects seeks to draw us into a way of life with the King where he will continue to transform us and work through us.
Empowering Subjects follows Christ in equipping workers and also encourages them to equip others. One of the focal points is for us to Equip/Explain the Subjects of the Kingdom. This wordplay is intended to say we should be explaining the subjects (topics) of the kingdom to other believers and also equipping the subjects (servants) of the kingdom for obedience and service. A whole lesson is devoted to what that means and various ways we can do so. We must never again be satisfied with bringing people to Christ but not giving adequate attention to their growth and training.
Other things will be needed, to be sure, but hopefully the tangible steps into God’s mission that took place will continue in effect for the long term. God’s mission is ongoing.
Finally, Empowering Subjects seeks to continue the mission of Christ by the twofold challenge presented in the final lesson. One part of the challenge is a capstone project where participants are invited to put together all they have learned and live for several days as Empowered Subjects of the King. It is hoped that this exercise will show them ways they have indeed grown as workers but also reveal areas in which additional growth is needed. They are then invited to determine how they might address those growth areas going forward.
The other aspect of the final challenge is to determine what they believe needs to be done to continue in their own church the focus on the mission they have gained by working through the follow-up materials over several weeks. The individuals are asked to consider this on their own, first of all, then discuss it with their partners, and finally to discuss it with the whole group of others who have been working through the material. Perhaps they will settle on a way to continue their training, include additional members into what they have been doing, or organize some way of acting together on the mission. Whatever they decide, it is hoped that this will prevent Empowering Subjects from being simply another program that comes and goes. Other things will be needed, to be sure, but hopefully the tangible steps into God’s mission that took place will continue in effect for the long term. God’s mission is ongoing.
Empowering Subjects 