:: greatness is a life well-lived ::

If you wondered...

"On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ...I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." ~1 Corinthians 9:12, 22-23

The Origins of WTGM

Based in the roots of 1 Corinthinans 9, WTGM is a fun little catch phrase for a certain philosophy of ministry, a lifestyle-ministry practiced by The Crowded House church. I have known this community of believers for just over two years now, and have spent a total of 10 months with them in Sheffield, England.

"All of life is Gospel Ministry" and "Do all things for the sake of the Gospel" are not cutesie church phrases, but represent a way of living that incorporates every area of life...your eating, sleeping, walking around, shopping, having fun, meeting with friends....whatever...that is where Gospel Ministry happens. It's not just a "Sunday morning church" happening...it's all-day, everyday, wherever, whenever and whoever. Nothing else matters more than the Gospel of Christ Jesus. It touches every area of life--no compartmentalization between sacred and secular (who ever started that anyway?!) because God is above it all and fills all things in every way. Our lives are to be lived out as Gospel Ministry -- with intentionality, purpose and a focus on building the Kingdom of God in the normal happenings of life and relationships.

Okay, so you say, "You still haven't told me what 'WTGM' stands for"...here you are, a story to verify my point. :-)

About two years ago, I was eating dinner with some other Christians at the home of an Afghani friend who we'd be developing a relationship with. He had made a wonderful Afghani meal (VERY good food) and he piled our plates high with food. My eyes widened at the amount of food on my plate, and though it was good, I didn't think there was a chance I'd be able to eat it all. I looked helplessly at my friends and said, "I can't eat all this," to which Sam responded, "Hey, WTGM." I sighed and dug in (or "tucked in" as the British say) to the meal, eating as much as possible for the sake of the Gospel. The guys I was with easily cleaned their plates, but when I was near bursting and still had quite a bit on my plate, I again looked helplessly for aid. (Our Afghani host was out of the room) and so Sam graciously took some of mine and finished it off. Soon, our host came back in the room and seeing the empty plates of the guys, before they could object, dished out more food onto their plates. At this time, Sam was very full indeed, and then turned helplessly to me. To which I responded, "WTGM-Welcome to Gospel Ministry."

posted by FaithChristine @ 08:53