This past Sunday’s discussion addressed the rising dangers and suffering involved in cross-cultural missions work. Pastor Daniel Mills who is currently serving as the Associate Pastor at Unionville Alliance Church presented a thoughtful and compassionate lens through which to begin developing a theology of suffering. Pastor Daniel has been active in pastoral ministry for the past 19 years and spent a significant amount of that time pastoring throughout the United States and church planting in Puerto Rico and Mexico.
Suffering is a heartbreaking and complex reality for many people and places. Pastor Daniel provided three main points to begin establishing a Jesus-centric perspective:
At the foundation of grasping a Christian worldview towards suffering, it’s crucial to begin with understanding the sovereignty of God.
The life of Jesus provides the pattern for the Christian life- suffering was an integral part of his life and death.
There is no shortage of risk involved in missionary work. Whether it’s COVID or other global or local issues, to participate in the mission of God is to risk suffering.
From Pastor Daniel’s perspective, these three points provide a starting framework for confronting and addressing danger and suffering in cross-cultural missions.
Make sure to catch the next Luke 10:2 gathering on the second Sunday of the month!
This blog post was written by Caitlin Normore, summer Creative Communications assistant!