Mission Encounter: Joe Johns Interview
Notes
Transcript
We are currently in the middle of our Mission Encounter—this is an annual thing we do—it has 2 purposes:
one we want to encounter some of our missionaries—get to know them, learn about them, partner and pray for them—both here on a Sunday morning, and usually with a follow-up event of some kind
encounter how is God calling you to be on a mission...
if you look at our core values—at the center, behind it is all is the cross of Jesus Christ…that motivates us to:
worship wholeheartedly
connect authentically
grow intentionally
serve creatively
reach compassionately....
how is God calling you—with the cross at the center to especially reach compassionately...
and so far, we have had the chance to meet and interview James and Jennifer Wolheter, and their son Cade, missionaries to Bolivia
and they also made us wonderful Bolivian food this past Wednesday evening
and today we have a chance to hear from Joe Johns from World Partners—more on him a second.
a couple of our theme verses to go along with that slide of plant, feed, water, grow, harvest
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
God wants us to ask Him to raise up harvest workers — people like Joe Johns, our speaker today—and people like you and me.
here is another one:
5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.
6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.
7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
We all have a part to play—while depending on God who does the heart work
and this is local and global...
and Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
so to help us today—I want to invite Joe Johns here.
Joe Johns works for an organization called World Partners. World Partners is the global disciple making arm of the Missionary Church denomination that we are a part of.
and Joe works as the Director of Strategic Partnerships. It says online that Joe assists churches and individuals in finding ways to fulfill the call God has placed on them for involvement in international ministry.
We recently saw this in action—Nate, Connor, and Jackson, along with myself and Logan had the chance to meet with Joe and one of his co-workers at Berne Dining—to talk with those 3 young men about missions. It was great.
so greetings, Joe!
Tell us what World Partners is…and why is an organization like World Partners needed?
You get to think about, see in action, hear about the global church. it’s easy for any of us to be focused on our local context only—What are some exciting stories of what God is doing around the world?
Show 3 photos
At the same time, what are some of the challenges that World Partners sees (suffering, persecution, etc.)
Show 2 Photos
What are some of the challenges/sufferings that missionaries face that we don’t normally think about? In other words, how are missionaries normal people with normal problems?
You and your wife are engaged in intentional mission (reaching compassionately) and making disciples of Jesus.
what has that looked like in your life (South Side high school, sending kids there)
tell us about a weekly dinner you host for South Side staff and how that is making a difference
what are some practical or intentional ways that the average person here can get engaged in everyday disciple making and mission?
sometimes we feel under-equipped for this, or under-qualified, and we feel afraid (what will people think of me?) How do we address these issues in our lives?
what are some ways we can get involved with World Partners? Why it is good for us as a church (both individually and corporately) to be involved in global missions?
Play Video (WP Next)
staying in touch...
internships...
planning a missions trip with World Partners to visit and partner with missionaries
We have a follow-up event planned on Sunday Nov. 19
show photo on screen
meet and leave here around 2pm
arrive at World Partners - have you or a staff member give us a tour of the office
prayer walk
eat together, Q & A time
head back around 5pm
We will pray for Joe (on the floor)
I will mention in closing:
talk with Joe Johns out front
sign-up for Nov. 19 - ride with us or drive yourself
promote Acting Up (Photo on Screen)