Global Missions Workshop with Shane Bennett

Last night I got the opportunity to attend a workshop at GCC regarding Global Missions. It specifically discussed how we can respond to the state of the world with Jesus in mind, in order to understand where we fit in God's Plan. The Speaker, Shane Bennett, provided 5 solid tips, and below are the notes I took from his talk:

1. Look Out
Look at what is God getting out of you.
Story of Daniel in the pit with lions --> we use this story for personal comfort to show us that God is always with us, and this is absolutely true. But we forget what God got from this amazing feat, and that was that he established to many that he was the true and only God of the universe.
Look like Jesus
Look to the margins of life.
Set up patterns in life so that you die holy.
Look to the least
Reached World: True Christians, Nominal Christians, Non-Christians within reach.
Unreached World: Tribals (animists), Hindus (immense capacity for worship), Unreligious, Muslims, Buddhists.
Acronym: THUMB
Most effort goes toward the reached parts of the world. If your slate is clean, look the least.
Look at the last page
People of EVERY tribe, nation, and language will be together in the end.
Revelation brings a sense of hope for the future.

2. Fear Will Kill Us
Awareness
“Perfect love cast out all fear” –John
Perfect fear can cast out all love
The Muslim world is not to be feared. Stereotypes plague this people group and falsify who they are.
Dealing with Fear: Let’s God’s grace take care of it.
Fear leads to doubt in God, which leads to sin

3. The World Rocks
There is a lot to learn from the DIFFERENT people around the world. Every culture carries new stories and views on life.

4. Jesus’ Plans are Bigger than Ours
John 12:19 – The world is flocking towards Jesus
We can’t be alarmed by current numbers in the world saying Christianity is declining. God has a plan and he is still winning.
Colossians 1:19-20 – Jesus’ death on the cross has more impact than we realize.
Remember when Communism collapsed? Answer to many prayers
We can pray for the Muslim world to find life in Jesus
God strategically sends out his followers ALL over the world.

5. Your Gear Is Essential
Genesis 12:1-4, Motion Picture The Visitor
Most of us don’t live with purpose
God gives us a life that MATTERS
How has your life been blessed on an Abrahamic scale? Family, friends, etc.
God uses us according to the blessings he bestows on us. How can we be good stewards of these blessing?
G - gifts
E - experiences
A - abilities
R – resources
Zones:
Praying – turn the headlines of the news into prayers
Sending – God puts people in positions where they have the capacity to send
Welcoming – being warmly welcomed can positively change a prior perspective
Mobilizing – Find ways to pass on the vision
Going – someone has to do the work. Who you go with is just as important as where you go.

God’s Capacity is Not Limited