Over the Pond… Where Mission Work Took Place in My Heart!

My heart was broken by the words Matthew spoke at the 9marks Conference: “It is more likely for a Scottish person to know a Muslim than a Christian.” How could this be? If Scottish people don’t know any Christians, how will they ever hear the good news of the gospel or even want to hear it when it is presented?  These are the exact thoughts of the 20Schemes founders. 20Schemes is a one-year-old Christian Church Planting Organization that is trying to plant 10 churches in 20 years in the schemes of Scotland. Schemes are a European name for government housing, though these communities are like mini cities within a city, with 10,000 plus people living in each scheme. Because of the governmental system, most people do not work and therefore spend all day doing…well… really whatever they want. Children go to school but only have to attend until they are 16. Then, because they are able to live on the system, most never aspire to attend college or university.

With demographics as the ones listed above, it is no wonder most people living in the schemes are single moms with drug and addiction problems with abuse running rampant, whether child abuse or relational abuse. 20 Schemes has recognized that if they can plant churches in the middle of these schemes, where they provide a coffee shop or other form of public service in the church, they can reach the people relationally.

This idea presented by Matthew at the conference caught my attention, and I was hooked: I wanted to see what God was up to in the schemes of Scotland, so I signed up to join the Scotland mission team that traveled over Spring break of 2014.

When I arrived in Scotland, I was pleasantly surprised by the “warm” weather and the lack of rain. I was also surprised by the agenda of the trip. Though we had arrived thinking we were doing mission work, the trip ended up being much more of a vision trip to hear about the purpose and mission of 20Schemes. When I first realized this, I must admit I was discouraged, as I had hoped to get to know native Scottish people and share the gospel with them. God used this trip, though, in a completely different way than I expected. God changed my view of a mission trip and redirected my thinking to remaining missional minded. He pressed me to learn how to be a better missionary in the context I am presently living by observing other believers in their everyday lives.

The team worked with a church in the Nidre Scheme, in Edinburgh, Scotland. We got to meet the church leaders and also many of the native interns that are doing ministry through the church. As I talked with the members of the church, I realized that their entire method of integrating people into the church is through discipleship. In all actuality, they really don’t invite people to church until they have shared the gospel with them and formed a deep-rooted relationship with them. This is such a different way to go about evangelizing, as compared to our “American way”. Discipleship is the key thing in the church. When a person becomes a Christian, they are immediately paired with an “older” person in the church to be discipled weekly. They are to be taught the gospel truths and held accountable in every area of their lives. Because of this, people immediately feel a sense of community and are instantly held accountable for their decision to become a Christian. This was absolutely beautiful to me.

My heart is to disciple women. Having the Women’s Ministry pastor in Scotland ask me what I was doing weekly to disciple girls was humbling. When she asked if I discipled anyone, I answered “yes.” When she pushed me as to what that looked like, she quickly clarified that she didn’t want a “tea and biscuits” answer. As Christians, we can get tea and biscuits (or Starbucks) with anyone anytime. Discipleship should be a spiritually older woman coming alongside a spiritually younger woman teaching her the Bible and asking her the hard questions. Yes, this can be done over tea, but the content of the conversation shouldn’t be trivial things; it must be godly things. If this isn’t happening, it isn’t truly biblical discipleship.

As the week progressed, we visited many sights included Sterling Castle in Glasgow, Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, as well as various places throughout Edinburgh. We even ventured out and tried Haggis (yes, sheep intestines- That will be the one and only time I do that). We stayed at a seminary in Edinburgh where we met students studying from various parts of Europe. Where we have 4,000 enrolled in our seminary, they have about 20 enrolled. This is the stark contrast between Europe and America- one more example of the lostness of Scotland. The team of 12 grew close quickly, and there was never a dull moment with Dr. Eccher leading our team. It was amazing seeing each person on the team come alongside their team members to love and encourage each other, even though most of us had only met one time before.

There are so many things I could tell you about the trip, but I would like to leave you with these thoughts. Though the trip was not a mission trip in the sense I was expecting, we were able to encourage our brothers and sisters in a way they rarely ever receive. We visited two pastors in Glasgow, Pete and Pete (we jokingly called them “Pete and re-Pete”).  While there we were able to go into the high school and meet students as well as meet with teachers in a primary school and talk to them about the gospel. I absolutely loved this more “mission geared” day, but I realized that the people who received the most missional love and support were Pete and Pete. Our brothers and sisters in Scotland are lonely and tired and worn down. They find their strength in the Lord, but there is power in the body of Christ- the joy they expressed because we visited them was humbling; it proved the urgency we need to have, as the body, in not only reaching the lost but supporting out fellow brothers and sisters.

As I come back from my trip to Scotland, I am not only encouraged to rethink my goals as I disciple younger women, but I am challenged to push hard to loving my brothers and sisters where I am at as well as from afar. As I think of the many missionaries overseas (or stateside), I am struck with how little I do to love them from America. A simple card through snail mail or email would not take much time at all, and it would mean the world to my Christian family that doesn't have much family and support close by.

I challenge you, as women of Southeastern: Don’t wait another day to love your spiritual family. Don’t take for granted the incredible gift we have here at Southeastern where we are “surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.” And don’t stop teaching the truth, searching and spurring on new believers to think about the tough questions. Challenge those you are discipling and be intentional in the way you teach, reproof, correct, and train (2 Timothy 3:16) those whom God has placed in your life. Finally, look at every experience as a missional experience. Whether you are personally serving or observing others as they serve, let God teach you more about His character and how He wants you to actively participate in the mission He has called his children to live out.

Catie Thomas is a student at Southeastern working towards her Masters of Divinity in International Church Planting. She is also currently the Administrative Assistant in the Women's Life office. She has a heart for women and is humbled that God allows her to share His truth with them, whether that means mourning with them as they mourn or rejoicing with them as they rejoice. She looks forward to the future as she continues on this journey with the Lord but joyfully rests in the place where God has her here at Southeastern.

The new year is here!  Every January, many of us make resolutions to read the Bible more consistently.  This year, we wanted to help you carry through with that resolution.  Today’s post comes from the Summit Church.  They have given us a few tips for how to get the most out of your Bible reading.  We pray that you will each follow the Lord as He continues to guide your steps this year!

Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1339714

Setting the Stage:

o    Set a time to meet with God each day.

o    Get alone in a quiet place to read and pray.

o    Focus on relationship and interaction with God.

o    Make sure you have a journal and a pen, along with your Bible.

Spending the Time:

o    Begin by praying. Ask God to make you receptive to his Word. Pray for wisdom and understanding.

o    Read the passage for the day. Read it slowly, noting any particular verses that stand out to you

o    Look back over the chapter and consider the following:

o    Is there something specific that you believe God is saying to you in this passage?

o    What is the general theme or central truth in this passage?

o    Write the central truth or re-write the key verse in your own words

o    What do I learn about God from this passage?

o    What can I learn about myself?

o    How does this passage help you have greater understanding of the gospel?

o    Consider how you can pray out of this passage

o    What do learn about the character of God, his purposes, and his deeds from this passage? Use those to adore and praise God.

o    Does this passage expose sin that you need to confess?

o    What promises do you see that you can hold back up to God in prayer? What purposes of God can you ask him to fulfill? What truths can you, by faith, claim as your own?

o    Make a plan for action. What steps do you need to take to put into action whatever God has spoken to you out of this passage?

Sharing the Impact:

o    Commit to this with a few others. Twice a week (Tuesday and Friday), email each other. Share something significant from the Scripture you read and a single prayer request. This will not only help you to be accountable for the reading, you will also strengthen and encourage other.

o    Consider making a weekly "date" with your husband or wife to share what God is teaching you. Share your favorite verse and why it is meaningful to you. Let this be a springboard for deeper conversations.

o    Plan a weekly family time where parents and kids can share favorite verses. If your children are too young to do the reading, you can simply share from the reading each week and have a time of prayer. This is an awesome time for you model with your kids a daily commitment to God’s Word.

o    Choose a verse to memorize each week. This can be an individual or family practice. Write the verse out on several index cards and place them strategically around the house, in the car, or at work. Repeat the verse several times a day. As a family, say the verse together at mealtime.

For some great options for Bible reading plans for this year, check out this incredible list compiled by Collierville First Baptist Church: click here.

What about you? How do you make sure that you get the most out of your Bible reading? What plan do you prefer to use? Let us know if you have any tips in the comments!

Over the next week we are going to hear from some of our graduates.  Our guest contributors will include a seminary graduate, college graduate and a graduate of our BWI program.  You will not want to miss out on these posts! 

Today, we are going to hear from Mary Ann, a seminary graduate.  Take a minute to see what she has to share with us.

It’s interesting to know that a race has just one line. That line serves as both the starting point and the finishing point.  I crossed that line about four years ago to begin seminary.  I thought I had signed up for a 5k only to find that seminary is actually a full fledged marathon! Now, here I am again with my toes on the line. 

Graduation is here and I must say that the feelings are bitter sweet. 

One thing is certain: I am NOT the same person that I was four years ago.  So as I reflect upon my time in seminary, I would like to issue two challenges. (Stay tuned for the challenges; they are intermingled in this post.)

The things that shaped me the most were not books or papers.  I did learn more than I ever thought I would, and I will always be so thankful for my time in the classroom.  BUT, I found that God has changed me through two specific avenues that I would like to share.

Avenue Number 1: God’s Word.  I have learned to LOVE God’s word.  I have found that a true and deep study of Scripture leads to a full and immense love for God’s word, God’s character, and his purposes in the world today.  I have been a Christian for many years but have just recently learned more about the STORY of the Bible.  Challenge 1: Take time. Make time. Steal time (from TV, from extra sleep, whatever) to read and meditate upon God’s word.  It will change your heart. And oh how we need to change. 

Avenue Number 2: Community.  In seminary, I learned what real Christian community looks like.  I was not looking for it.  Sometimes I was not sure I even wanted community.  Yet I formed friendships here where I could finally be honest and vulnerable.  I found that true confession of sin to real human beings that cared for me was life changing.  No one wants to tell others where they have fallen short.  It was terrifying.  But it allowed God to work in my areas of weakness.  No longer could I justify my sin, but rather I was held accountable! It is such a blessing to share with someone the wickedness of your heart and have them continue to love you.  It is a picture of God’s grace.  I would not trade it for the world.  Challenge 2: Find community.  Create community.  Live out the gospel in community!!

Ok, so maybe these two things are not mind blowing for you.  That’s alright.  All I know is that God used his Word and his people to work in my life while I was attending seminary.  Now, as graduation approaches, I can only look toward the next challenge.  The finish line (graduation) will now be the starting line for a new ministry as my husband and I answer the call that God has placed on our lives. 

I mentioned that graduation is bitter sweet. Bitter=leaving the community with which God has blessed me.  Sweet=never writing another paper, taking another final exam, or reading 200+ pages a week. Praise the Lord for He is good!!!

Mary Ann is from Douglasville, Georgia.  She spent four years at SEBTS and earned a Master of Divinity in Christian Ministry.  She and her husband serve at Refuge Church.  Mary Ann works at Building Blocks Learning Center and volunteers at First Choice Pregnancy Solutions in Wake Forest. She loves doing anything outdoors!

*If you are viewing the blog in Internet Explorer, make sure you have the compatibility view on to view the blog correctly. 

Today, we have a special treat for you!  Denise O'Donoghue, the Director of Women's Life is sharing her thoughts on remembering.  
We know you will enjoy it! 

There are popular psychologies that hold to the premise that today’s problems stem from unresolved issues from the past. Psychologists holding to this theory will encourage their patients to remember. They will challenge them to dig deep to uncover repressed memories so they may be dealt with. 

Now I am not a psychologist, but I am an avid Bible reader and I want to share with you why God tells us to remember. In Deuteronomy 8, Moses tells the people of Israel to remember how God had led them the 40 years they were in the wilderness. He wanted them to remember God fed them with manna so they would learn they needed more than bread to live; they needed God’s very words! He wanted them to see that even in the hard times when God was disciplining them for their lack of faith, He took care of them – their shoes didn’t wear out nor did their feet blister. God cared for them as a loving father, even in their discipline.

Remember every road that God led you on for those forty years in the wilderness, pushing you to your limits, testing you so that he would know what you were made of, whether you would keep his commandments or not. He put you through hard times. He made you go hungry. Then he fed you with manna, something neither you nor your parents knew anything about, so you would learn that men and women don’t live by bread only; we live by every word that comes from God’s mouth. Your clothes didn’t wear out and your feet didn’t blister those forty years. You learned deep in your heart that God disciplines you in the same ways a father disciplines his child. ~ Duet. 8:2-5 {The Message}

Moses reminded the Israelites of these things to call their attention to the goodness of the almighty God who had called them to be His people. He did not call them to remember how awful things had been in the wilderness or the injustices leveled against them. Why was it so important they remember? The answer can be found further down in the passage --because they would be tempted to forget and stray from God. They would be tempted to forget God and accept gods of the people whose land they inhabited and they would be tempted to forget that the good life they enjoyed was God’s blessing and not of their own doing.

We are in that same danger. We need to listen to what our older brother Moses is telling us – remember who God is and what He has done for us; elsewise, we will succumb to the alluring of the

people around us and be tempted by their gods (idols). We will forget all that we have comes from His loving hand.

Today, will you and I choose to remember and focus on the hardships and troubles of life OR will we choose to remember and ponder His loving kindness and goodness by remembering all the things He has done for us?

By His Love,

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ 

and the love of God 

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit 

be with you all.

Picture from http://www.sxc.hu/

2 Corinthians 13:14

Be on the lookout for Dr. Liederbach's 

post tomorrow on the original Valentine!

Reblogged from "girltalk" a blog by Carolyn Mahaney
by Nicole Whitacre

“Are you consistently keeping your soul happy in God?” It was an unexpected question. If Mark, our pastor and small group leader had asked, “Are you consistently practicing the spiritual disciplines?” I would have given a simple “yes.” But this question required a more thoughtful response. Do I emerge from my quiet time happy? Hmmmm. “In all honesty, I would have to say ‘no.’"
This question that Mark put to our care group several weeks ago was drawn from the personal reflections of nineteenth-century pastor, George Mueller:

“I saw more clearly than ever, that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not, how much I might serve the Lord, how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished.”

It was easy for my friends to diagnose my lack of joy in God, for it’s a common malady. I had unconsciously “shifted from the gospel of grace” (Col. 1:21-23). My quiet times had become a dreary recounting of all my sins from the previous day, a period of morbid introspection over the cause of those sins, and an anxiety over my lack of progress in mortification. No wonder my soul wasn’t happy!
So I decided to, as my dad says, “restrict my spiritual diet;” to stand squarely on the bedrock of my joy--the glorious truths of the gospel. Because, as our dear friend Mr. Spurgeon writes:

“Here in the cross is where every enemy of joy is overcome: divine wrath, as he becomes a curse for us; real guilt, as he becomes forgiveness for us; lawbreaking, as he becomes righteousness for us; estrangement from God, as he becomes reconciliation for us; slavery to Satan, as he becomes redemption for us; bondage to sin, as he becomes liberation for us; pangs of conscience, as he becomes cleansing for us; death, as he becomes the resurrection for us; hell, as he becomes eternal life for us.”

You know what? Now I come out of my quiet time happier than when I went in! I’m still the greatest sinner I know, but I am a sinner clothed in the righteousness of Christ. And that truth, as it sinks in, permeates my soul with joy.

So how about you, is your soul happy? Is it spin around, laugh out loud, grin ‘till it hurts, happy in God? If not, then come with me to the cross. And gaze awhile.