| Once upon a time in seminary, I learned a couple of too-big theological words about God’s mission in the world. Despite their size, they are words I have not forgotten, and these two words are a pair of contrasts: Centripetal and centrifugal. Each describes a way of doing mission in the Bible. Centripetal means, roughly, “toward the center,” or “center-seeking.” Israel, in the Old Testament, had a “centripetal mission,” they were to be a light to the rest of the world, based on God’s unique covenant with them. The Gentile nations would hopefully “come and see” the laws and culture God had given them. This idea can be seen in passages like Psalm 147: 19-20: He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. The Psalmist writes these verses both to celebrate God’s working in the Jewish people, as well as to remind them that the rest of the world was “looking in” to their nation, as God’s chosen people. But in the New Testament, the direction of mission is inverted with the sending of Jesus into our world. Now, God’s people are called to express “centrifugal mission.” “Centrifugal” means, by contrast, “towards the edge.” You can see centrifugal force in a washing machine–as clothes are spun outward, towards the edge, the water is forced out of them. The Christian church, in the New Testament, is called to model this opposite direction of “force.” We are called to be an outward-facing people, who move out into the public square, and “spin out” new works. Certainly people will “come and see” in our midst, but we are most directed to “go and tell.” We are called to move out from the center towards the edge, towards the margin of society. Why do I share this? As a reminder that Mosaic’s mission (and yours) is firstly, to “go and tell.” This is why we take global mission trips (we will have 5 this year), serve those living in poverty and on the streets, mentor students in local schools, and are intentionally multiethnic. Our ethnic diversity proclaims Jesus in a way that almost nothing else can match. And, I share this to remind you that really, an outward-facing church is the kind of church we all want to be a part of. Churches that grow inward-facing, which are constantly consumed with their own needs and preferences can grow sick if and when they forget their true north star of missional direction. I’m thankful to say Mosaic largely avoids this trap (at least, it’s my opinion that we do!). One of the best ways, then, that you can express New Testament directionality is simply to consider those around you who are not connected to Jesus or his church: what conversation could you have, what invitation could you make that could close the gap? My prayer is that, as you read this, there is someone or some place that bubbles up within you, some person or people whose need for Christ and his Gospel would compel you to move towards them in friendship and relationship. Allow me to close with a short prayer: God, would you help us to remember our missional calling: to go into all the world? In Christ’s name we pray, Amen. Morgan Stephens, DMin Lead Pastor |
