In our scripture reading this week (Mark 6:1-13), Jesus sends his disciples off on a mission trip and gives them pretty clear instructions on how they are to go out and interact. There's something in his instructions that I think can be very helpful to us today.
Jesus essentially says, "Go light, be nimble, accept hospitality, and don't go alone". He concludes his instructions saying, "If the place you are in doesn't want to hear what you have to say, don't waste your time, pick up and leave"
His words really stand in contrast with the infrastructure we have built for ministry, doesn't it? Our buildings certainly prevent us from being nimble in their unmoving locations, unbending layouts, and unending overhead costs. Our denominational structures, in some cases, add to the burden we carry into ministry, setting direction and adding costs from far away. Our hesitancy to end programs, and even close churches when they no longer appear to meet the needs of our communities and the goals of our ministries, hinders our effectiveness in truly bringing the gospel, bringing healing to our world.
This Sunday, we'll think about Jesus charge to his disciples as he sends them out, as well as his own reaction when his words and ministry don't yield fruit.
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