Today I leave behind a city I’ve spent 2 weeks  (mostl) learning from and (some what) giving to.

I had the opportunity to share some of my spiritual journey in large settings and in personal one-on-one conversations. I was able to teach from the Holy Scriptures in a youth group setting, which was a joy. I shared my political/cultural perspective on a thorny social ill with a group of women seeking to bring the Kingdom into this part of Lutsk. And I was able to talk about ministry with church leaders from a few churches in Lutsk. I’d say I had a pretty good two weeks of sharing and giving!

The best part, though, was what I learned from all of the contexts and people. I was reminded how the rest of the world lives outside West Michigan, USA, and recommitted myself to living simply and cutting out wasteful spending and living.

I learned that the world does not need America, politically, economically, and especially ecclesiastically. While we USAmerican christians and pastors can come along side Liberian, Peruvian, and Ukrainian Christians and pastors in their ministries to encourage them in their work, they do not need us. They do not need our models and methods and books and programs and music. They need THEIR models and methods and books and programs and music for THEIR culture for THEIR people. I think it’s time we stop exporting our American Church and start encouraging these Christians and churches to be THEIR OWN Church.

Because of this learning experience, my hope in the church was restored! Because I am in seminary and because I live in West Michigan (not to mention America) I can get pretty cynical about the Church. Seeing how these brothers and sisters are owning their Ukrainian Church for their culture and their generation, though, has restored my confidence in moving of the Holy Spirit to renew Christ’s body and organic potential of the Church to be the continuing presence of Christ in 2009, worldwide. The care and innovation and thought and risk being poured into their communities and church communities has been breathtaking.  They even reminded me that the gospel is useless unless it is hyper-contextualized, unless it is incarnated in such a way that it speaks and confronts particular peoples in particular cultures in particular times.

Last but not least, I was reminded that church growth should always happen through conversion and incarnational ministry. All of these churches grow through other people coming to Christ. These people come to Christ mostly through incarnational ministry, such as prison and recovery ministries. In America, most church growth comes through church transplant, people moving from one church to the next. In Ukraine the idea that church is a buffet, that people have the freedom to shop for what ever suits their gorwling little tummy is unheard of! In fact, Sasha isn’t all that thrilled when others come to his church from other churches. While he certainly welcomes all people to fellowship with their community and encounter God with them in worship and teaching, he wants to understand why they are coming to their community from another. In America, another visiting family through the door is another giving unit and potential helper for the parking lot ministry. In Ukraine, churches grow when people’s lives change through Christ. That’s what I want for my ministry, now and in the future.

I could go on but I have a marshutka (van-bus) to catch to Kiev. Needless to say my time in Ukraine has been amazing. I went to Lutsk to do and learn cross-cultural ministry for my seminary program. Instead I simply learned what it means to be the church, the continuing presence of Christ in the world. Instead of DOING, I was LEARNING…the whole time. Thanks Sasha for an amazing trip. Thanks for all you showed me and taught me, even when you didn’t realize I was taking notes 🙂 Hopefully I will have the opportunity to return to your beautiful city soon. Hopefully that return trip will be 80 degrees warmer!

-jeremy

PS-See you all soon…I head back to America on Thursday for a wonderful 19 hour trip!