"Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, 'Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens, and eat their produce. Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease. And seek the welfare (shalom) of the city (community) where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare (shalom) you will have welfare (shalom)." Jeremiah 29:4-7
I first heard the word "shalominization" at the 2005 World Congress for Urban Missions in Chicago. At first I wasn't sure I liked the idea. But it is one that grows on you - or at least me! What's it mean to seek the welfare (shalom) of the city? Surely it must move us beyond petty paternalism and the all too evident need to be needed. However, according to Scripture if we practice incarnational community ministry then we will find the needs of the church community being met.
Tom Billings is the Director of Missions (Executive Director of Union Baptist Association) for Baptist churches in Houston. He told a group of us about one of his pastor friends back East (not the Piney Woods but the Atlantic Seaboard kind of East) who was struggling with a Pastor Search Committe who wanted him to become their next pastor. Tom tells how his friend sought the advice of several other friends about his going to that church (yes, Baptist believe that one is "called" to a particular church - but, sometimes "God's Will" needs to be verified/validated by trusted college or seminary buddies"). Finally, one was wiser than the average seminary buddy, said, "When God calls you to the city - then go to the church". Wow! Is it possible that God really calls us to a city/community more than to a local congregation?
I think it means that we must really consider the nature of our "flock" and what it means to "shepherd the flock" in I Peter 5:2-3. Is the "flock" just those member of our congregation? Or could it be those within the sphere of influence of the church?
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