Reflecting on this provocative article, Brian Jose considers how we in the West should  respond to no longer being at the heart of the Spirit's work in the world.

In the Cold War era, 'mission executives' (the worst term in Christendom?) used to meet in secret conferences and discuss our common work in Communist Europe.

Someone dared ask aloud at one of our meetings, 

"Since most of our churches in in Western Europe and North America are declining, and since the fastest growing church in Europe is in Romania, 
why are we sending people to train them in ministry? 

Shouldn't we be inviting them to teach us?"

There was nervous laughter and a quick return to the discussion 
of what materials could be produced to help 'the suffering church'.

First, the key point is not that God has passed us by, but that we're no longer the key leaders of the global Christian movement.

The nucleus of the global church has moved south, but God uses 'both...and' not 'either...or' in extending His Kingdom. As Tim Chester says, the Holy Spirit is the great mission strategist. He's always been the leader.

It is true and always has been, that I'm created in the image of God, neither more nor less than my brother or sister from the Global South. I have every confidence that the Potter has a use for me, whether noble or otherwise.  Who knows, we might even figure out how to foster renewal in the West if we listen to and invite the men and women of the Global South to teach us.  

And please, can we stop tweeting one another about the upgrades to Business Class we get for our next ministry gig?

It sounds like we're confused about the Source and measure of our significance.

Your ministry gig is, I hope, to be taken seriously.
Your extra-wide seat is not...