In Orthodox and Catholic paradigms, monks played a key role in mission for more than a thousand years. Why is this so, and how can we apply some of the same principles in our own context today?
The monastic movement was in the missional mindset of rather long term missions. Monks would move into cities/communities seeking to live amongst the natives: aiding in land development, building homes, and eventually monasteries that would be a source of educational development and other academics. Monks lived to see growth in communities, they reached out to the poor and broken with Christ compelled hearts seeking redemption and restoration. Today, we have much to learn about long term missions that take years to develop entire cities. We are such a consumer/immediate self satisfaction oriented culture that our ministries only last until they start to go downhill- then we bail and move on to the next popular movement or church plant.
God, give us patience- and remind us that missions belong to you.
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