Theognome
Burrito Bill
I have noticed that in my denomination, mission works to non-Christian lands seem very uncommon, while mission works in places where it is tolerated if not accepted are in high focus. This betrays a significant attitude towards mission work, that being of focus to convert existing Christians to reformed thinking as opposed to bringing people to Christ who have never been a part of the visible Church. While I am not opposed to teaching the Reformed faith to non-Reformed believers, should the weight of our evangelical efforts be placed there? Is that truly being faithful to the Great Commission?
It is also notable that, although URC missionaries do exist and work amongst pagan nations sharing the Gospel, the denomination is adamantly against such missionaries working with non-reformed Christians who are also laboring in such lands. Is this the right attitude? If we are to be united in Christ even with those who love the Lord Jesus and yet do not hold to the long list of confessions that we do, doesn't such isolationism deny our missionaries not only the shared resources but more importantly the fellowship so desperately needed in such environments? Does it send the right message to the Churches and to the newly converted?
Theognome
It is also notable that, although URC missionaries do exist and work amongst pagan nations sharing the Gospel, the denomination is adamantly against such missionaries working with non-reformed Christians who are also laboring in such lands. Is this the right attitude? If we are to be united in Christ even with those who love the Lord Jesus and yet do not hold to the long list of confessions that we do, doesn't such isolationism deny our missionaries not only the shared resources but more importantly the fellowship so desperately needed in such environments? Does it send the right message to the Churches and to the newly converted?
Theognome