GlocalNet

I just got in from a meeting with diplomats, politicians, economists, religious leaders of various religions, businessmen - etc., in Switzerland.  I was asked to address the group as one of the speakers and so I did.  I didn’t realize it but they were planning on me opening one of the sessions in prayer - the people from the different faiths that had done so previously were very deliberate in what they said.  Being called on the spot to pray is fine with me - but when you pray publicly to a mixed group you must think clearly about what you say.  I prayed very slowly (the translator thanked me later for going slow enough so they could translate clearly) little did the translator know my going slow was because I was thinking about each phrase.  I can’t remember all I prayed but some of it was.  “Heavenly Father, we are all here.  We all say we represent you.  We are representatives of the truth that we believe to be so.  Help us speak in such a way that is honest, clear, and brings honor to your name - not agendas and hate.  Help us not forget that we are accountable to you, for all we say and all we do.  We know that some of our countries in this room do not get along.  But we also know that your will is that men live in peace.  God, you are in this room today.  Father, you are calling us to act with transparency and integrity - may we bring great joy to you today by what we say and do.” 

If you are going to make a difference in the world as a pastor - beyond the normal things you get from other pastors, seminaries, and religious leaders - let me give you some things from a global perspective.  First, realize that God is present and when you are in places like that, you are not there for your agenda, your tribe, or your self - you are there on God’s behalf - which means you must speak with love, truth, clarity, kindness, and a willingness to engage.

Second, leave your tribalism at home.  If you don’t, then you will miss divine opportunities to connect with people, build relationships, and show God’s love.  Too often, we show up speaking our party line.  I was with one religious leader of another religion from another country and we spoke at length about our countries, our beliefs, etc., - and he was very open with me - he left his tribalism at home, and I left mine.  We disagree on theology - we don’t disagree on the need to see the world healthy. 

Third, serve cities and people globally.  You can go ANYWHERE in the world if you do that.  This is what gives you permission and what will open the doors for you to connect with the world. 
Doing “mission” work does not open those same doors.  Serving the city in the name of Jesus actually leads to mission - it’s counter intuitive, I stumbled on it - and it’s true.  I can’t respond to all the opportunities I get for our church to go and serve and work globally. 

Fourth, try to see the world from their perspective.  Be honest about your own shortcomings and failures in your tribe, and in your nation - I assure you, they will be the same with reference to theirs.  They want to know if there safety in sharing, or is it a party line.  Often as Americans we come across as the party line.  Don’t ignore or try to dismiss stupid statements by your own politicians - history will always refute stupid statements be it “there was no holocaust” or “the Palestinian people are an invented people” - to defend ludicrous statements only makes you seem ludicrous and not credible.  You don’t have to trash anyone, just say you wouldn’t agree when you hear things that are obviously wrong.

I think I’ll write more on this later . . . . .