Written by Janak BC
The great commission has to be understood in terms of the kingdom purpose. Patrick Johnston refers to it as Church+ Mission= Kingdom. The Church plays a vital role in bringing the gospel to the people. It is not possible to estimate the data of Nepali migrants; however, the flow of immigration is growing day by day due to the political and economic instability in Nepal. There is an increasing trend of immigration to the gulf countries and also some of the Asian countries where Nepalese have opportunities for jobs. In this article, I would like to draw some of the key obstacles, which hinders the work of the Christian mission in the present day context.
Last month I visited Kathmandu, to my surprise the Church and mission centre have fixed their destination. Why can't we relate our strategy with the needs of the contemporary? This is not to neglect the ultimate purpose of the Kingdom. Some of my friends asked me to come back to Nepal and work there. I do appreciate for the concerns of my people towards Nepal but what really made me puzzled is the exclusiveness thought of our leaders who tried to confine their territories within themselves. Churches of Nepal have drifted from their mission roots. The zeal and passion to share the gospel has been changed into mission agencies' round table conferences.
Migration has become the leading agenda both in secular as well as Christian field. Millions of people have been migrated across the nation borders in search of better life or to flee from the war or toward the religious freedom. I appreciate the contribution of Union Biblical Seminary which invested a lot in maintaining the Christian dignity as well as transforming people's lives from the grass root level. Let me bring some of the key elements that can help us in drafting our strategy in future.
1. Nepali church should concern for mission to the Nepalese in and around the world. Church always has wider aspects and always inclusive in nature. Christ didn't come to establish Christianity but humanity. A humanity where a true sense of living has been found. Christ is not the private property of Christians only. I would like to appreciate some of the churches in Nepal which have taken initiative to reach out the Nepalese who are in abroad. If Nepalese do not consider for their own people then who will consider? This has to become the challenge for the Nepalese leaders.
2. Serving LORD is not a JOB; it's an OPPORTUNITY: Whenever I visit Nepal, I keep hearing from some of the senior leaders saying, “Let us start one project for the poor people”; “I am waiting for vacancy from so and so Christian organization”; “This Christian organization pays me this much of amount;” etc, which makes me so sad. The Nepalese Christianity has forgotten its momentum and has become so much secularized in thinking and action at the moment. The mission and zeal has been stuck in getting high position in the Christian organization. Why can't we send the missionaries outside? If Nehemiah and Ezra, being in exile could attain the favour from the Lord to restore the spiritual sanctity of Israel then the same Lord will surely give favour to those who cry for the salvation of the their near and dear ones. Let us start building!
3. A solid theology and authentic education is needed: Theology and mission are two inseparable parts of the Kingdom. However, our churches are lacking in one or the other. Mostly, “Just go and preach” pattern has been emphasized in Nepal during the couple of decades. Why wasting time in going to colleges and seminaries? Even I was questioned by my seniors when I stepped into seminary. This is one of the drawbacks of our country that we do not encourage our youngsters to go for higher theological studies. Do we have any Christian institution in Nepal, to train up our future generation other than mushroom Christian training centres which provides couple of degrees? Do we have research centre where Nepali students can spend time to do their dissertation work? Nepal is still dependent on neighbouring countries for theological study. It is not because we don't have manpower to start institution but we are contented with what we have. Moreover, we are lacking in developing our infrastructure. Our world view doesn't want to accept that we need solid theological and missiological scholars. "We don't need qualification to do God's work." This is the mode of preaching in Nepal. The Church needs to be aware of their strategy for the better tomorrow.
2. Serving LORD is not a JOB; it's an OPPORTUNITY: Whenever I visit Nepal, I keep hearing from some of the senior leaders saying, “Let us start one project for the poor people”; “I am waiting for vacancy from so and so Christian organization”; “This Christian organization pays me this much of amount;” etc, which makes me so sad. The Nepalese Christianity has forgotten its momentum and has become so much secularized in thinking and action at the moment. The mission and zeal has been stuck in getting high position in the Christian organization. Why can't we send the missionaries outside? If Nehemiah and Ezra, being in exile could attain the favour from the Lord to restore the spiritual sanctity of Israel then the same Lord will surely give favour to those who cry for the salvation of the their near and dear ones. Let us start building!
3. A solid theology and authentic education is needed: Theology and mission are two inseparable parts of the Kingdom. However, our churches are lacking in one or the other. Mostly, “Just go and preach” pattern has been emphasized in Nepal during the couple of decades. Why wasting time in going to colleges and seminaries? Even I was questioned by my seniors when I stepped into seminary. This is one of the drawbacks of our country that we do not encourage our youngsters to go for higher theological studies. Do we have any Christian institution in Nepal, to train up our future generation other than mushroom Christian training centres which provides couple of degrees? Do we have research centre where Nepali students can spend time to do their dissertation work? Nepal is still dependent on neighbouring countries for theological study. It is not because we don't have manpower to start institution but we are contented with what we have. Moreover, we are lacking in developing our infrastructure. Our world view doesn't want to accept that we need solid theological and missiological scholars. "We don't need qualification to do God's work." This is the mode of preaching in Nepal. The Church needs to be aware of their strategy for the better tomorrow.
The whole perspective is to strengthen our focus for the glory of God. No matter what denominations or groups do we belong, we have to have a common agenda which is to reach out the unreached friends, who have been scattered all over the world. For that purpose, we need to check ourselves first to find our missing marks which may be helpful to correct our ways for the salvation of our people.
(The writer is currently pursuing M.Div( Missiology) in Union Biblical Seminary Pune.)
