The world is getting smaller both in its limited resources and also in its interconnectedness through technology. These too are the natural effects of the Enlightenment paradigm we are leaving behind us. An optimist would say there has never been as much potential for church growth as there is now. Indeed, with accessible fast air travel, and with the advent of the 'internet', people can almost reach anyone they want to. If only things were that simple. Like the ecology of our biosphere, we are learning that there are always more unseen, unanticipated factors at play than we can measure. As sentient beings we are still very limited in our attempts to see into the future. But we do have two thousand years of history, carefully assessed and debated. And, as Christians we also have a sure faith in God's ability to provide for His Church and Creation.
The mission field is altering with long-term missionaries being replaced by transient missionaries in the West, which is a direct result of a stifled cash-flow as many countries battle with debt and push the tolerance of the people in taxes. In addition, there are missionaries being sent by the Two-thirds World,[22] so-called because it was traditionally the place Western missionaries were sent to.
More importantly perhaps are the impatient people worldwide now looking for hope. Their hope we know can only be found in Jesus. However, the message needs to be related to them in their own communities - if anyone is going to be able to reach out it will be the laity. High costs now inherent in study are reducing the hope of trained professionals. But, perhaps this is a good thing.
We are so hopelessly passionate about our habits that only God can lodge us free to act responsively in this world.[23] We already have before us the proven techniques of small groups ministry, of multiple lay-leaders, and an increasing desire to serve. These need to be balanced against our priorities as the laos of God.
We need to embrace God as Francis of Assisi did, perhaps not in poverty but certainly in a willingness to serve Him. But, before we can do this we need to honestly confront God with our lives. He is the giver. We have done nothing more than receive. We can place His will first in our lives, or we can ignore His will. The Kingdom is not so much a social reality as it is a mental one. Our battle is in our minds, but He has given us the right to take captive all thoughts for Jesus Christ, and if God be for us, who can be against us?
The brotherhood and sisterhood of Jesus Christ is all around us. Our family is bigger and better and more wonderful than we can ever fully experience now. It includes the clergy and the laity, the rich and the poor, men and women, adults and children, all races. It is universal. The Ecumenical paradigm fulfilled will be its mental realization. It is waiting for us.[24]
