Mission and Compassion by Noel Moules

The word ‘mission’ is an awkward word. On one hand it can evoke an image of 19th Century missionaries in pith helmets preaching to indigenous peoples in some impenetrable rainforest, or a revivalist meeting full of sound and fury; while in contrast contemporary uses of ‘mission’ suggest business executive boardrooms planning marketing strategies, or perhaps a clandestine military operation behind enemy lines to achieve decisive goals that will turn the conflict into victory.

‘Compassion’, on the other hand, begins with ‘suffering’, from the Latin word passivus – ‘to suffer’. At first glance it appears to suggest the passive acceptance of suffering, but how meanings change! Passion is about strong feelings, even indignant rage, or perhaps outbursts of fervent love, desire and surging enthusiasm. But of course the word is ‘compassion’, which is about identification, ‘suffering with’, standing in solidarity in either anger or love, or both.

In Leeds and London (on 16-17, 30-31 May respectively) there will be Workshop weekends exploring this theme of ‘Mission & Compassion’. Discovering how a Christ-centred faith shapes a passion to communicate, with eloquent actions, a message of life-giving hope. With an instinct that drives it to seek out those fertile spaces within the cracks and liminal areas at the margins of a society emerging from the rubble of crumbling Christendom. At the same time relishing the opportunity to engage with the ideas of contemporary post-modern thinking and join in the conversation from a Jesus perspective. Throughout the weekend we will endeavour to work together to develop practical principles that are not only local, but also global and holistic. Our mission is to share good news (and only good news) with everyone, but first and foremost with the poor; that is with those who are physically, economically and emotionally vulnerable or actually overwhelmed by their circumstances already. Leaning how to listen, how to hear the stories of hurting people and make supportive, loving and empowering responses that enables them to take practical steps towards key life-changes and wholeness with dignity. We also engage in the hard questions surrounding physical healing, with regard to medicine, miracles and sickness. In the light of this, the word ‘mission’ will give you focus and put a spring in our step, which along with the ‘shared passion’ of ‘compassion’ it cannot fail to get you fired-up about issues that really matter and the creative possibilities of actually doing something for change. Why not come and find out?

If you want to find out more about the Workshop ‘Mission & Compassion’ weekends go to www.workshop.org.uk/programme/missionandcompassion and then follow the links for more information