In the context of Christian missions, the phrase “I’ll go wherever you call me” encapsulates a laudable willingness to follow Christ’s leading to distant lands. However, in today’s digital age, this fervent ambition to “change the world” is often expressed through social media and various online platforms. We have little sense for a specific locality.
While these tools can extend our reach and influence, they also tempt us to prioritize distant or virtual engagements over tangible, local involvement. The allure of influencing thousands online can distract us from the essential call to “be” wherever God has placed us, fully present and invested in our immediate community.
This tension between global ambition and local embodiment calls for a balanced theology that integrates our worldwide mission with a deep commitment to local presence. This tension is the subject of this and the coming articles.
Going wherever… especially online
1. How We See the World
The rise of social media and digital communication has transformed how we perceive and engage with the world. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok enable us to broadcast messages to global audiences instantaneously. While this has immense potential for spreading the gospel and advocating for justice, these options frequently allure us from our true objectives.
Internet-based tools inadvertently lead to a superficial engagement where virtual actions replace tangible presence. Posting an inspirational quote or a mission update can create a sense of accomplishment without the relational depth and accountability found in face-to-face interactions.
2. Distracted from the Real World
Moreover, the constant connectivity of the digital age fosters a culture of distraction. Notifications, updates, and the relentless pace of online life drag our attention away from the people and needs directly around us. We may find ourselves more invested in online personas and distant causes than in the well-being of our local church and community.
This phenomenon not only dilutes our effectiveness in local ministry but also undermines the incarnational aspect of our faith, where being physically present and emotionally available to those around us is paramount.
The ambition to “change the world” from afar (e.g., through digital means) cannot replace a commitment to “be” wherever God has placed us.
This means embracing our current context with intentionality and dedication. It means recognizing the fact that true transformation often begins with small, faithful acts of service in our immediate surroundings. A theology of locality invites us to see the mission field not only as a distant land but also as the neighborhood we live in, the church we attend, and the community we are part of.
A Biblical Call Us to Be, Not Just Go
The biblical mandate for local embodiment is evident in the life of Jesus, who, despite His divine nature, chose to dwell among us in a specific place and time. His ministry was deeply relational and contextually grounded, offering a model for balancing global outreach with local presence. Similarly, the early church’s mission strategy involved planting and nurturing local communities of faith, emphasizing the importance of being rooted and invested in one’s immediate context.
Thus, in our pursuit of global missions, we must also cultivate a theology of locality that values presence, relational depth, and contextual engagement. This balanced approach ensures that our digital and global efforts are grounded in the reality of local, embodied ministry, enriching our witness and deepening our impact.
Next, in Part 2, we’ll consider the biblical foundations for a theology of locality or local embodiment.
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