Every organization has a purpose; an answer to the deceptively simple question, “Why?” At Mennonite Mission Network, that “why?” is to lead, mobilize and equip the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ — across the street, all through the marketplaces and around the world.
In this Q&A series, Mission Network asks staff members to think about the role they play in the agency, and how they see their daily work joining into what God is doing around the world.
In this installment, Chris Scott reflects on his role as Facilitator for Emerging Faith Communities.
What brought you to your role with Mennonite Mission Network?
A love for the Mennonite Church and our Anabaptist theology, along with a persistent belief that followers of Jesus can be brave, brought me here to Mission Network. I have spent years pastoring, planting and walking with people in messy faith. Mission Network felt like a place where that experience could serve something larger. I want to be part of what comes next.
What is your favorite part of your role with Mission Network?
The conversations. Sitting with pastors and planters who are exhausted but haven’t given up. There’s something sacred about that. Talking with conference ministers, hearing their ideas, their doubts, their prayers. It never gets old. Hearing all of the ideas, doubts, and prayers feels holy. I get to encourage risk, imagination and faithfulness in real time. Watching small communities take root is deeply satisfying work.
How has your perspective on your role with Mission Network changed over your time with the agency?
Having only been on board with Mission Network for a little over eight months, I don’t know that my perspective has changed all that much. But I am increasingly aware of the importance of simply listening. Certainly, my role is about strategy and structure. But I’m realizing it is just as much about listening. Churches are not projects to manage. They are people carrying stories, wounds and courage. That may slow us down in good ways.
How do you view your role with Mission Network fitting into God’s mission for the church?
The image I keep coming back to is tending soil. Because God is already out there doing things. I see it wherever small pockets of people are figuring out what church can look like. I’m not the one making that happen. I get to walk alongside the folks who are paying attention to it. I believe our Anabaptist tradition has something real to offer right now. So, mostly, I’m trying to stay close enough to where God is moving that I don’t miss it. I want to help us find ways to express it.
What is something that has surprised you about your role with Mission Network?
Honestly, I never saw myself going to work for an organization with the word “Mission” in the name. I am amazed by my new co-workers here at Mission Network. Their faithfulness and dedication are deeply inspiring. I have been surprised by how much hope still lives in our Mennonite ecosystem. Even with the challenges we all face, people are dreaming. I have found quiet hope, deep faith, and a willingness to try again when something fails.
