"Mission" means different things to different people. This would not be a dilemma if we had unlimited finances, personnel or time to deal with every area that individuals and churches deem to be "mission." The purpose of the Global Mission Wheel is to facilitate the churches of the Florida Conference into a focused definition of "mission." Our corporate definition and interpretation of "mission" needs to have common foundations, strategies, and goals.
Mission is expressed and made visible through the Church when it has opportunities to practice its faith in the world. Mission is a ministry by the whole people of God. It is a Christian worldview encompassing faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:12-13). It is the Great Commission of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). Mission is moving the Good News message of the Gospel from a concept written on a page to a living witness. It is Missio Dei (God's Work), in which God has chosen humanity to accomplish His evangelistic purpose in the world.
A vibrant, living Church provides the framework for mission to go forward into the world. Mission occurs when all four quadrants are actively engaged by the whole people of God. The Global Mission Wheel offers not only a visual interpretation but also a catalyst in which God's mission will go forward within our Church. There is one mission. God's mission to God's world and we are privileged to join Him in that mission to the world.
The Four Quadrants
Central to the four-quadrants is "Christ Over All." Mission" originates with God. God is a missionary God who sent His Son into the world. The arrows which bilaterally intersect "Christ Over All" illustrate that mission is not only the movement of God's love toward people, but an attribute of God moving freely between all four quadrants.
The evangelistic outreach of Igniting Ministries has used the phrase, "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors: The People of the United Methodist Church," to coordinate a comprehensive series of efforts offering resources to assist local churches, to help local churches reach out, to increase awareness among non-members of a willingness to visit a United Methodist Church, and to renew a sense of commitment in the United Methodist Church. The strategy of the Global Mission Wheel is to build upon that mission endeavor. The Wheel adds "Open Hands."
The top two-quadrants, "Open Hearts" and "Open Minds," are connected by the word "Being." We experience "Christ Over All" through Open Hearts and Open Minds when we are engaged in Being, experiencing the reign and rule of the Kingdom of God through His Word and Disciplines. "Open Hearts" offers Spiritual Formation as motivation for mission. The methodology is a journey of discovery through the Spiritual Disciplines. Discipline implies instruction and correction, the training that improves, molds, strengths and perfects character. "Open Minds" proposes a Biblical and Theological Foundation as motivation for mission. The methodology of Mission Education is expressed through the mandate for the Christian to teach, preach, witness, proclaim, evangelize, exhort, rebuke, reprove, beseech, warn and persuade. Mission seeks God's will through the study and application of Scripture in our lives.
The bottom two quadrants of "Open Doors" and "Open Hands" are connected by the word "Doing." We experience "Christ Over All" through Open Doors and Open Hands when we are engaged in Doing, experiencing the awareness of God's love and care for His Creation through and with others. "Open Doors" invite Partnerships as motivation for mission. The methodology of Hospitality is expressed and made visible through relationships. It incorporates neighborliness and intentional communication in which mission is witness and dialogue, both local and abroad to all faiths, to all peoples. "Open Hands" presents Action as a motivation for mission. The human element begins where the people are. Mission is never done to people but with people. Creative Energy encompasses a practical application of activities that may incorporate hard work, commitment, time, energy and an attitude of understanding.
The lines that divide the quadrant are not solid. Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors, and Open Hands have the ability to transcend and move beyond limits or obstructions within their individual quadrants.
The Concentric Circle
The four quadrants are encircled with the words "Justice," "Mercy," "Love," "Grace," "Peace," "Compassion," "Forgiveness," and "Empowerment." These words remind us that mission is the movement of God's love toward people.
"Worship" embraces the whole "Global Mission Wheel." God intends that His church will be a worshipping and witnessing community. Worship is our opportunity to come together as a faith community and celebrate the redemptive, transforming power of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
