In their recent book Mission Drift, Peter Grist and Chris Horst make the following prediction: “Without careful attention, faith-based organizations will inevitably drift from their founding purpose and mission.”1 They cite several examples, including Harvard University, which began as a faith-based institution of higher learning but today is described as “godless.”2 How can we avoid mission drift, both personally and as a Christian community?
We can learn from the example of Jesus. He had a clear sense of identity. When He was challenged by the religious leaders of His day, He responded, “‘I know where I came from and where I am going’” (John 8:14).3 This clear sense of identity gave purpose and direction to His life and ministry: “ ‘I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me’ ” (John 6:38). His mission was clear: “ ‘The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost’ ” (Luke 19:10).
A clear sense of identity is also vitally important for every follower of Jesus, and particularly for every Christian leader. We should know where we came from. We are not here as the result of a cosmic accident. The testimony of Scripture is clear: “God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Gen. 1:27). The psalmist confirmed this precious truth in his inspired song of praise: “O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker” (Ps. 95:6).
As we study the Scriptures, we discover not only where we came from but also where we are going. As followers of Jesus, we believe His promise that He will return to earth and take us to heaven (John 14:2, 3). When Jesus returns as King of kings and Lord of lords, the prayer of Jesus will be fulfilled for each one of us: “ ‘Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me’ ” (John 17:24). This is the glorious destiny of all who trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Our lives are filled with meaning and hope.
Not only do we need a clear sense of identity as individuals, but we also need to know who we are as a community of believers. Early Adventist pioneers recognized God’s providential leading in their midst. They were more than just another Christian community—they were a prophetic movement, called to boldly proclaim the everlasting gospel in the context of the three angels’ messages. They believed that God was calling a remnant in the last days of earth’s history that was clearly identified in the book of Revelation: “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 12:17). Early Adventists had a clear sense of identity. We desperately need that same clear sense of identity today.
In the lead article in this issue of Ministry, Reinder Bruinsma addresses the important question of Adventist identity. He reminds us that we always need to remember where we came from and where we are going.
Some years ago, my wife and I had the opportunity to take a cruise up the Inside Passage from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska. The scenery was spectacular; the meals were delicious—but we were not on board for the views and the food. Approximately 500 other Christians were with us, seeking a closer relationship with Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Before we left the port of Vancouver, my friend Dwight Nelson summarized our assignment in one sentence: “We’re on a mission!” I never forgot those words. They were true for the next seven days at sea, but those words are also true for every day that we’re on planet Earth. We are a people who know where we came from, who know where we’re going, and we’re on a mission.
References:
1 Peter Grist and Chris Horst, Mission Drift (Bloomington, MN: Bethany House, 2014), 16.
2 Ibid., 17.
3 All quotations are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.