What does it mean to be led by the Spirit on mission?
At The Upstream Collective, we often talk about the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit. We believe this is how God administers the church’s efforts as missionaries. But how does the Spirit lead?
For starters, the missionary impulse is of God. All Christians are missionaries (some of us just aren’t very good at it). As you come to recognize opportunities to translate the Gospel into the cultures of those around you, that is God speaking to you.
Begin the process of discerning God’s direction for you in mission with prayer. Pray for wisdom as you explore options, and protection from those opportunities that aren’t where God wants you. Finding your place in mission isn’t like deciding what to buy your mom for Christmas; Romans 8:14 says, “all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” This is demonstrated through Paul’s experience, as we read in Acts 16, when the Spirit prevented and forbade the apostle from entering into Asia. Don’t put God in a box. The Spirit has a history of leading His messengers to unexpected peoples and places.
God will make it clear to you. Jonah was swallowed up by his calling to Nineveh. Paul was blinded by his. Daniel was abducted by the people to whom he was sent. Peter’s call came through a dream that challenged his prejudice. Your calling may not be quite so dramatic, but in any case, you will know it’s God calling because when He speaks to you, it leaves a mark. You don’t “get over” a calling to your place in mission.
Secondly, God uses the church to organize us on mission. If you feel “called” to a people or place, confirm it with your church. If they’re not in agreement, prayerfully wait and do your best to prove your calling to them. Without the church’s confirmation (the Bible refers to it as “unity”), you go dangerously alone.
Thirdly, be aware of the welcome. In Luke 10, Jesus sends the disciples to the places He was about to go. He tells them they’ll know they’re in the right place when they are welcomed in. This isn’t to say everyone is going to be happy to see you, and it’s likely your “welcome” may look more like indifference, but be sure to pay attention to where you see evidence that God has prepared the way for you.
Finally, look for fruit. Now we need to be clear here–fruit isn’t the same as numbers, results, success, baptisms or conversions. The truth is, you may never see any of these things. Nevertheless, the Scriptures make it clear that the Holy Spirit leaves evidence of His presence and activity; the result is always love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control. You may see it developed in others. It may be produced in you.
Discerning the Spirit’s direction for your place in His global mission is not science. It’s a product of walking with Him and seeing things through His eyes. When we’re intentional about following His leadership and committed to radical obedience, we can be sure our plans and strategies are guided by Him.
Written by Caleb Crider. Caleb is co-founder of The Upstream Collective. He lives in Portland, Ore., where he is a part of the Evergreen Community.
Excellent post and some good handles on an often intangible issue.
What happens when you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to go one place but the church’s strategy is already in play and they do not feel led to engage that area or people? Any thoughts on that?
He is called the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation.” He tells us what we should do and opens our eyes to the possibilities if we respond by faith.
I think that if true leadership has a chance to engage a person who has truly heard from the Spirit of God about a mission that is different from the church’s strategy, they will have the opportunity to make an exception. I say, hear from God and be the exception!
If you have done all that you can do and prayed it over, then obey Him rather than man.