Inspiring, encouraging but not living out mission
Nathan Brown
Master of Arts (Research) student
Avondale College of Higher Education
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
The One Project gathering in Seattle last month may have been the second most inspiring and encouraging event for which I have been privileged to attend. I applaud and support the impulse—Jesus. All.—behind this movement.
The need to refocus on Jesus is a perpetual task—He can so easily be obscured by our arguments, our busyness, our stuff, even our “churchness,” and the day-to-day mechanics of all of these. So, it’s inspiring to be reminded Jesus has been our focus in the past, even amid disappointments and frustrations, and to recognise He’s transforming people’s lives and communities today. And it’s encouraging to gather, to share and to worship with others of like mind.
Two weeks later, in Portland, I and 4500 academics, activists, artists, ministers and students from the US, Canada and 18 other countries attended the Justice Conference. Its focus: the Bible’s call to “do justice” and what this tells us about the nature of God and who we are called to be in His world. The conference may have been the most inspiring, encouraging and challenging event for which I have been privileged to attend. I didn’t just go home changed; I went home to change the world (if you’ll forgive me for being a little grandiose).
The One Project is a step—and a vital, positive, healthy one—but it isn’t the journey. The Justice Conference is a further step and a worthwhile one beyond that of The One Project, but it isn’t the journey either. The journey begins after I leave the hotel ballroom or the convention centre. The journey is me living out the mission of Jesus by working for justice in my community on the other side of the world. And you in yours.
The One Project Sydney, July 28-29, 2012.
Early registration closes March 28.
www.the1project.org
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