Relating the Mission of God to Collaboratively Developing Standard Practices

Introduction

Collaborative standards development lies at the heart of effective leadership, fostering unity, shared purpose, and accountability. For the missional leader, this process reflects God’s desire for His people to work together in harmony for His glory and the well-being of His creation. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals and groups coming together under God’s guidance to establish frameworks for action, whether in worship, governance, or community care. These efforts are marked by prayer, wisdom, and intentionality, embodying the principle found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.” This document explores how missional leaders in various fields can develop and implement collaborative standards rooted in biblical principles. Each section includes an approach, a biblical illustration, and practical applications that demonstrate how this competency can be lived out in service to God and others.

1. Shepherding Consensus

In pastoral care and chaplaincy, the mission of God calls for a holistic approach to compassion, guidance, and unity within the body of Christ. Collaborative standards in this field ensure that care is deeply rooted in biblical principles such as love, reconciliation, and the bearing of burdens for one another (Galatians 6:2). These standards help provide a structured yet flexible framework to meet the spiritual, emotional, and relational needs of those being served while fostering trust and unity among caregivers.

Biblical Illustration
Jesus’ teaching on the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-15) exemplifies the role of leadership in guiding and protecting the flock. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep by name, provides for their well-being, and sacrifices Himself for their safety. In the cultural and societal context of first-century Palestine, shepherding was a vital and communal occupation, requiring collaboration among shepherds to ensure the safety of the flocks from predators and thieves. Jesus’ imagery resonated deeply with His audience, reflecting a shared understanding of the shepherd’s care and responsibility. His intentionality, as seen in His willingness to leave the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7), highlights the value of each person and the need for a collaborative approach that ensures no one is neglected. His care extends beyond physical well-being, as He nourishes spiritually, offering eternal security and abundant life.

Applications to Missional Careers in Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy:

1. Hospital Chaplaincy Protocol
   In a hospital chaplaincy team, leaders can collaboratively design a protocol for spiritual care that integrates biblical themes of hope and peace while accommodating diverse cultural and religious contexts. This could include creating structured prayer rotations, developing multi-faith sensitivity training, and sharing resources for effective crisis intervention.
2. Grief Counseling Curriculum
   A pastoral team can develop a grief counseling curriculum that not only provides emotional support but also includes scripture-based encouragement, such as the assurance of eternal life in Christ (John 14:1-3). This curriculum might involve seminars, group counseling sessions, and training modules for volunteers to better support grieving families.

2. Building Together

The mission of God in community development is centered on fostering unity, justice, and mutual responsibility among all stakeholders. Collaborative standards promote equitable partnerships that mirror God’s heart for justice and mercy (Micah 6:8). These efforts aim to address systemic issues while cultivating thriving communities where everyone’s contributions are valued and celebrated.

Biblical Illustration
Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 4:6-20) provides a vivid example of collective effort in the face of challenges. Nehemiah’s leadership emphasized prayer, strategic planning, and unity, inspiring the people to rebuild despite external opposition. In the post-exilic context of ancient Jerusalem, the walls symbolized security, identity, and the restoration of the community’s dignity. Each family’s involvement in rebuilding emphasized shared ownership and collaboration, which were crucial in a time when external threats and internal despair could have easily derailed the project. The workers’ commitment to the mission, with tools in one hand and weapons in the other, demonstrates resilience and faith in God’s protection. This account highlights the power of a unified vision guided by divine purpose, where collaborative standards create a cohesive and effective approach to community restoration.

Applications to Missonal Careers in Community Development:

1. Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative
   A church and local leaders can co-create a neighborhood revitalization initiative, developing shared criteria for affordable housing projects that reflect the principles of justice and stewardship (Proverbs 31:8-9). This could involve town hall meetings, engaging architects and planners, and ensuring community feedback is incorporated into designs.
2. Food Distribution Program
   A community group can establish standards for a food distribution program, ensuring it prioritizes the needs of the marginalized, as exemplified in Isaiah 58:6-7—feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. Practical steps might include setting up equitable registration systems, engaging local businesses for sponsorship, and scheduling regular evaluations to improve services.

3. Restoring Wholeness

The mission of God in behavioral health and rehabilitation focuses on the holistic restoration of individuals made in His image (Genesis 1:27). Collaborative criteria and standards help integrate evidence-based practices with biblical ethics, promoting dignity, accountability, and grace. Such an approach ensures that interventions address spiritual, emotional, and physical dimensions, aligning with God’s desire for healing and renewal.

Biblical Illustration
The story of the paralytic healed by Jesus (Mark 2:1-12) illustrates the importance of comprehensive care. The man’s friends demonstrated collaborative effort by lowering him through the roof to reach Jesus, overcoming obstacles to ensure his healing. In the societal context of first-century Judea, where physical disability often led to marginalization and poverty, the efforts of the man’s friends reflect a deep sense of communal responsibility and faith. Jesus’ response addressed both the man’s spiritual need for forgiveness and his physical need for mobility, showcasing a holistic approach to restoration. This dual focus serves as a model for integrating faith and evidence-based standards in behavioral health, emphasizing that true healing encompasses the whole person.

Applications to Missional Careers in Behavioral Health & Rehabilitation

1. Ethical Counseling Guidelines
   A Christian counseling team can develop a set of practice guidelines that emphasize ethical care, including client confidentiality, prayerful support, and the application of scripture for encouragement and healing. Examples might include offering trauma-informed training for staff and creating a resource library for clients with relevant biblical materials.
2. Faith-Based Rehabilitation Program
   A rehabilitation center can partner with local churches to create a program that integrates faith-based mentorship, vocational training, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote lasting transformation. For instance, the program might include scripture-based workshops, job fairs, and mentorship pairings for sustained support.

4. Advocating Shalom

In community health and advocacy, the mission of God calls for the promotion of shalom—a holistic sense of peace, justice, and well-being for all people. Collaborative processes to establish health standards ensure that initiatives are equitable, inclusive, and reflective of God’s compassion for the vulnerable and marginalized. Such efforts align with Jesus’ ministry of healing and provision, addressing both immediate needs and systemic disparities.

Biblical Illustration
The feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21) demonstrates Jesus’ deep compassion for the physical and spiritual needs of the people. When faced with a hungry crowd, Jesus involved His disciples in the miracle, asking them to distribute the food. In the societal context of first-century Galilee, access to food was limited, especially in remote areas, making Jesus’ act of provision deeply impactful. This collaboration emphasized resource stewardship, organization, and the miraculous provision of God. Moreover, by instructing the disciples to gather the leftovers, Jesus modeled sustainability and care for resources, aligning with the principles of thoughtful planning and equitable distribution in community health initiatives.

Applications to Missional Careers in Community Health & Advocacy

1. Health Screenings for the Underserved
   A faith-based health initiative can partner with local clinics and organizations to create standards for free health screenings that prioritize access for underserved populations. Examples might include mobile health units, translation services for diverse communities, and partnerships with medical schools for volunteer support.
2. Public Health Crisis Guidelines
   An advocacy group can work with community leaders to develop guidelines for addressing public health crises, such as promoting mental health awareness and providing scriptural encouragement for resilience (Psalm 46:1-3). This might include creating awareness campaigns, offering counseling support lines, and organizing prayer and support groups during emergencies.

5. Inclusive Compassion

The mission of God in social work and faith community service emphasizes love, justice, and the dignity of all individuals, reflecting the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom. Collaborative ethical standards ensure practices honor cultural diversity while upholding biblical values of integrity, mercy, and humility (Colossians 3:12-14). These standards provide a foundation for delivering compassionate and effective care to people of all backgrounds.

Biblical Illustration
The story of Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48) offers a profound example of collaborative standards rooted in God’s mission of inclusion. Cornelius, a Gentile centurion respected for his faith and generosity, received a vision instructing him to seek Peter. Simultaneously, Peter received a vision challenging his preconceived notions about dietary laws and cultural divisions. When they met, Peter declared, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34-35). Their interaction broke significant societal and cultural barriers in a time when Jewish-Gentile relations were marked by deep-seated mistrust and segregation. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and his household affirmed God’s inclusive plan for salvation and demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration guided by divine revelation.

Applications to Missional Careers in Social Work & Faith Community Service

1. Culturally Sensitive Case Management
   A church-based social service program can partner with diverse community stakeholders to create standards for case management that address cultural sensitivities and respect the inherent dignity of each person. Examples might include incorporating multicultural training, hiring multilingual staff, and adapting services to local needs.
2. Support for Refugees and Immigrants
   A faith community can collaborate with local agencies to establish ethical guidelines for assisting refugees and immigrants, ensuring their practices reflect the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger (Leviticus 19:33-34). This could include creating mentorship programs, providing language and skills training, and hosting community integration events.

Conclusion

Collaborative standards development is more than a professional competency; it is a reflection of God’s desire for His people to work together in unity for His purposes. The examples drawn from Scripture—whether Peter and Cornelius breaking cultural barriers, Nehemiah uniting the people of Jerusalem, or the Good Shepherd caring for His flock—underscore the power of collaboration rooted in biblical principles. These stories remind us that God’s mission is inclusive, holistic, and transformative, calling us to approach every task with humility, intentionality, and a commitment to justice and mercy. By integrating these values into our efforts, we not only build stronger communities but also bear witness to the love and truth of Christ in a divided world. As we engage in this sacred work, may we be guided by the words of Paul in Ephesians 4:3: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Curt Watke, PhD

Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-plus-decade-long career has significantly impacted Christian mission work in North America, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Missions, Dr. Watke has focused on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities by developing innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges like globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission work is reflected in his collaborative writings, including notable works such as “Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures” and “Starting Reproducing Congregations.” Beyond his writing, Dr. Watke is a sought-after speaker and educator, lecturing at seminaries and conferences worldwide, and his teachings continue to inspire and equip new generations of missional leaders. His enduring legacy is marked by unwavering dedication to the mission of God and a profound influence on missional thought and practice.  Dr. Watke serves as President and Professor of Evangelism & Missiology at Missional University.