unreachable people and a missional community

One of the books I come back to from time to time is The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George G. Hunter III. It is a book that resonates with postmoderns in its hands-on relationality and the implication of a space for feeling and for mystery. In contemporary Christian terms it describes a faith that is thoroughly missional.

Several points struck me in this week's reading. First, the Irish were considered to be unreachable people by many when Patrick set out on his mission. Obviously, there are cities and subcultures that people today have their doubts about if they do not explicitly consider them to be unreachable. For those who long to desire that all creation is redeemed Patrick's mission to the Irish is a encouraging narrative.
Second, Patrick's missionaries worked in a community and as a community. Their missional groups were not just made up of pastors but craftsmen, artists, teachers, scholars, farmers, and children. They welcomed others into their community life. Their community came in alongside an existing pagan community and they simply lived out "life in Christ" in front of and next to that community. They lived with anticipation of paradise..."The privileges of Adam and Eve in Eden, received from God but lost by the Fall, were reclaimed." (Hunter, 29)

"The visitor would first pass beyond a circular outer wall and through a gate that signified one was entering hallowed ground. The wall did not signify an enclosure to keep out the world; the area signified the 'alternative' way of life, free of aggression and violence and devoted to God's purposes that the community modeled for the world." (Hunter, 2)

Finally, they redeemed the cultures they invaded. They did not simply impose a different culture. And profoundly, "There is no shortcut to understanding the people...When the people know that the Christians understand them, they infer that maybe the High God understands them too." Here the Body of Christ realizes its potential to convey the concern, love, and redeeming activity of God.

the aim

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! Psalm 119:1-8 NLT

The Psalmist is energized by God’s intended purposes, guidelines, and boundaries for life. He is sure that these will result in a full life—it is a joyful life. He speaks of living life according to God’s statutes as livable and yet he earns “Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees.” He does not regard a full life as unattainable and yet he recognizes his own distance from it. There is no question of his being arrogant about his own moral achievements but he does not dismiss God’s commands as unlivable. He sees them as the aim of a life well lived and the aim of a joyful life. He falls short but never abandons his aim in favor of a lesser one. He does not give up on God’s intent. He fully pursues the full life. He experiences shame but it does not derail him from this attitude and pursuit. He does not try to go it alone, to achieve it in order to be acceptable to God, but he cries out “please don’t give up on me!” “Never abandon me!” Life is right when we find ourselves in the place where we are desperately dependant on God, dizzy with excitement about the full life God offers us, and determined to live that life through the presence and provision of God.