Mutuality is important

I’m currently reading The Meeting of the Waters: 7 Global Currents that will Propel the Future Church. It’s a good book for those engaged in missions. It’s particularly a good book for those of us who have been in missions for many years and can benefit from seeing with another’s eyes.

I’ve read the chapters on mercy, mutuality and migration. I strongly agree with the author that mutuality is crucial to the meeting of the waters of traditional and current, of the north and the south, of what the Lord has done and what he is doing today. Read the author’s explanation of mutuality below…

Q: What are the seven trends that are having an impact on Christianity?

A: Mercy. Mutuality. Migration. Monoculture. Machines. Mediation. Memory.

Q: What is the single biggest shift in ministry that today’s churches are facing?

A: I’m not comfortable choosing just one, because various ones or others loom prominent in different countries or cities at different times. That is, after all, one of the most important lessons of The Meeting of the Waters-that Christians in all countries should become adept at recognizing how their country’s Body, and its witness, is being differently affected by global trends. But, since you asked, I will say that the most important Global Current is Mutuality, because it is the necessary foundation for all global ministry work. Mutuality means that believers from traditionally powerful countries (that means Americans and Europeans, for starters) must include and look to Christians from traditionally weaker countries. People from less-developed countries (think India and China) increasingly have education, technology, ability to travel, trained and plentiful workforces…and confidence. Those brothers and sisters also have spiritual experiences and depth that come from generations of suffering and wanting, and as an American I know I need to learn about that. Not only is Mutuality the right choice for Christians, it is increasingly the only choice in our flattening world. And the great news is that it is also fun, for I have found Mutuality to be one of the most thrilling and expanding journeys in my Christian life.

The blending of those who can offer the power of organization, funding, program management, a we-can-make-a-difference-perspective and the power of deep spiritual experience and lifestyle flowing from want and need and suffering and having little materially. Exciting stuff!