Some overall reflections of the two weeks
“We are all hired!” – this was part of the message that Gillian Francis shared with a group of women when we were in Kolkata, and is fundamental principle for Disciple Making Movements. What we often refer to as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is in reality the everyday commission for everybody . The tendency towards professional clergy/pastors too often mitigates against this, with ministry being the preserve of the few rather than of everyone. During our time in West Bengal, it has been challenging to see everyday people equipped and inspired to be disciple makers. This, in itself, leads to multiplication of growth rather than simple addition. The momentum is outwards in dispersion rather than inwards in attraction. The centrality of God’s word was another principle that shone through, and the way in which this was for everyone and not just a leader to share. Everyone can feed themselves – “Man cannot live by bread alone, bu...