Missions conference expresses hope; asks, ‘Which gospel?’

ST. LOUIS - An enthusiastic crowd of more than 500 Presbyterians gathered in St. Louis, Mo., November 8-11 for Congregations in Global Mission: New Models for a New Century, a conference sponsored by the Worldwide Ministries Division (WMD). The conference clearly demonstrated a fervor in the PCUSA for mission. It also gave rise to concerns about just what gospel is being promoted.

By Michael Johnston

 According to WMD Director Marian McClure, the conference was "designed as a way for staff and GAC [General Assembly Council] members to listen—truly listen—to what congregations are doing, what is going well and what needs more support, and what ... various governing bodies ... can do to be more effective partners."

Toward that end, there were a number of forums, table groups and other opportunities that allowed denominational staff and GAC members to hear how congregations are conducting mission and learn how the denominational offices can help.

It was apparent from the very beginning that organizers were concerned that divisions in the PCUSA would frustrate the goals of the conference. Conferees were greeted by the planning committee with these words: "We are Presbyterians with lots of different experiences and perspectives but with a common commitment to Jesus Christ. Some of us might be labeled ‘liberal’ or ‘progressive.’ Others of us might be considered ‘evangelical’ or ‘conservative.’"

General Assembly Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick, delivering the keynote address on the opening night, was asked to speak about the unity of the church through mission. Asserting that unity and mission are "at the center of our Christian faith," and that diversity is a gift of God, Kirkpatrick encouraged attendees to reclaim the calling to be a missionary people. He explained his hope that the PCUSA would once again be a denomination that "is centered first and foremost in Jesus Christ ... committed in all that we do to live out the great ends of the church that all the world might know about our Lord and our savior, Jesus Christ."

Paradigm shift

A constant conference theme was that a "paradigm shift" is taking place within the world of missionary endeavors. The old mission paradigm, called the modern or enlightenment paradigm by speaker Sherron George, professor of mission and evangelism at Austin Seminary, was one of "western imperial outreach" characterized by "benevolent paternalism."

The new post-modern-emerging-ecumenical paradigm began early this century. Admitting that it is difficult to define, she argued that mission is no longer conducted by the nations in the North Atlantic region, but by the global church, especially churches in the southern hemisphere.

This new paradigm requires Western churches to learn and receive from mission partners as opposed to sending and giving to mission partners. Rather than providing other countries with Western leadership, it requires that mission partnerships be established with local Christians.

Maitland Evans, general secretary of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, continuing the theme of the paradigm shift claimed, "The era of misconception, of mission as simply preaching the gospel to the pagan and the poor, is not finally over, but is less credible in the world of today."

 "Which gospel?"

A panel discussion gave five conference participants the chance to articulate their experience at the conference. Among the five was Union (New York) Seminary student, Yoon-Jae Chang, a native of South Korea. While acknowledging the enthusiasm of the conferees and applauding efforts to embrace new ways of doing mission, he wondered aloud "Do we all have one Gospel? Do we all share the same good news?" Expressing surprise at the crucially different understandings of Gospel expressed at the conference, Chang challenged the crowd, "Which Gospel are you bringing to the world?"

WMD director Marian McClure, the closing speaker, talked about the need for mutuality in mission. Beginning her remarks with prayer, McClure described five dichotomies that stand in the way of mission: 1. evangelism vs. social justice; 2. short term vs. long term missionaries; 3. serving congregations vs. serving partners overseas; 4. equality vs. stewardship of power; 5. local vs. global mission. She then suggested that participants begin to visualize mission not as a set of dichotomies, but as complimentarities and opportunities.

Former General Assembly moderator Marj Carpenter was very enthusiastic about the conference, as were most participants, which was described by many as a new beginning for the missionary efforts of the PCUSA.

However, the questions and concerns that quietly surfaced still remain. Perhaps the most important is: Which gospel will the PCUSA bring to the world?