The gift of engagement
Be invitational
by Vic Thiessen

Hippolyto Tshimanga and Tim Froese with Vic and Kathy Thiessen at the London Mennonite Center. Photo: Provided

A few months after hearing noted Christian writer Stuart Murray-Williams speak, a college student remarked: "I was very dissatisfied with my Christian faith and my church at the time. Then I heard Stuart speak and thought, 'Wow! This is what I have always believed but never accepted because no one else said these things. It has completely changed my attitude toward the church, and because of hearing Stuart, I am now doing a project with Stuart's church-planting agency.'"

Living in Europe, where the vast majority of people are disillusioned with Christianity, viewing it as irrelevant and lacking integrity has been important in helping me to identify the key elements of my faith that could have a real impact on the world and on how people live their lives. These elements include such things as humanization (so wonderfully exemplified by Jesus) and exploring Christian responses to war, poverty and environmental concerns. Knowing how to communicate these elements to people who are searching for 'something' but have lost interest in Jesus is one of the most important gifts needed in the UK church today.

Help out

$100 covers the costs of a Bridge Builders’ Network Day, a day at the London Mennonite Centre for clergy from many denominations to refresh the mediation skills to be used in their churches. Donate to project #0830

Murray-Williams, who founded the Anabaptist Network in 1991, is a popular speaker and writer known for his approachable manner and sense of humor. His easygoing conversational style and sharp intelligence make him an engaging speaker and is very much in line with his theology — invitational, not pushy.

Through his writing, teaching and example, he has explored new ways of being church while sharing a Christ-centered gospel that emphasizes discipleship and takes seriously the need for Christians to engage with the issues facing humanity in the 21st century. Many British people have embraced Christianity again through his work, and his example is something North American Christians should be looking at very closely.

Vic Thiessen is director of the London Mennonite Centre.

Highlights

Viewpoints

Return to Beyond Ourselves—Summer 2007