Relating the Mission of God to Changes Necessary for Holistic Well-Being

Introduction

The mission of God encompasses the restoration and flourishing of all creation, calling individuals and communities to partner in His transformative work. Change design empowerment plays a pivotal role in this mission, as it equips people to take ownership of the changes necessary for their holistic well-being, spiritual growth, and societal renewal. Through the behaviors of pastoral care, community development, behavioral health, community health promotion, and social work, missional leaders act as catalysts for transformation. By drawing upon biblical stories that reveal God’s heart for renewal, justice, and collaboration, these leaders inspire individuals and communities to co-create solutions that align with God’s redemptive plan. This document explores how each departmental behavior connects to the mission of God, offering an approach for engagement, a biblical illustration enriched by cultural and societal context, and practical applications to missional careers. Through these efforts, the church and its leaders become agents of change, embodying the love of Christ and extending His kingdom on earth.

1. Guiding Spiritual Renewal

This approach centers on fostering a deeper understanding of personal and communal spiritual needs, empowering individuals to take ownership of their spiritual journeys. It involves creating spaces for introspection, dialogue, and collaborative planning to identify spiritual barriers and design paths toward renewal. By building trust and accountability within the community, leaders guide participants to see their roles as active contributors to spiritual well-being. This process not only helps individuals grow closer to God but also strengthens the collective faith identity of the community, fostering unity and resilience.

Biblical Illustration
In the time of Gideon, the Israelites faced severe oppression from the Midianites, who raided their lands and left them impoverished. This oppression was a consequence of Israel’s idolatry and disobedience to God. The societal structure had deteriorated, with people living in fear and scarcity. Gideon, a seemingly insignificant figure from the smallest clan in Manasseh, was called by God (Judges 6:1-40) to lead Israel into spiritual and physical renewal. His initial response—expressing doubt and seeking multiple signs—reflected the fractured faith and fear within the community. However, God’s affirmation enabled Gideon to take bold steps, starting with tearing down the altar of Baal. This act was not only a personal decision of obedience but also a public declaration against the cultural and spiritual decay of Israel. By calling the people to repentance and trust in God, Gideon began a movement of spiritual renewal, restoring hope and courage to his community. This story demonstrates that leadership rooted in obedience to God can empower communities to reclaim their faith and identity, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Applications for Missional Careers in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy

• Facilitating Community Repentance
  A chaplain in a correctional facility can organize faith-based programs that encourage inmates to confront their past actions and embrace personal and spiritual growth. Through consistent mentoring and communal worship, they can guide participants toward envisioning a future rooted in redemption and hope.
• Promoting Spiritual Healing in Hospitals
  Pastoral caregivers can work with hospital staff to create spaces for spiritual reflection and emotional support for patients and their families. By integrating prayer, scripture, and empathetic listening into the care process, they help individuals design a pathway to spiritual renewal and wholeness, even during challenging times.

2. Building Sustainable Futures

This approach emphasizes the power of shared vision and collaboration in transforming communities. By engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds, it empowers them to contribute their unique perspectives to the process of change. Leaders act as facilitators, ensuring that all voices are heard, and the community feels collective ownership of the outcomes. This approach fosters a sense of agency and purpose, enabling communities to tackle systemic issues such as poverty, education, and infrastructure with innovative and sustainable solutions. It recognizes that transformation is most impactful when rooted in the values, needs, and strengths of the people involved.

Biblical Illustration
During the period of the Judges, Israel existed as a loose confederation of tribes, often plagued by internal division and external oppression. The Canaanite king Jabin and his general Sisera wielded immense power, symbolized by their 900 iron chariots—advanced military technology for the time. Deborah, a prophetess and judge, stood out in a patriarchal society as a beacon of wisdom and leadership (Judges 4:1-24). She rallied Barak, a hesitant military leader, to confront Sisera’s army, emphasizing trust in God’s promise of victory. The collaboration between Deborah and Barak demonstrated the importance of unity and shared responsibility in overcoming societal challenges. Jael, another unlikely hero, completed the victory by killing Sisera, further illustrating that God uses diverse individuals to fulfill His purposes. The societal context of this story highlights the need for communities to rise above divisions and work collectively toward transformation. Deborah’s leadership catalyzed a movement that inspired the tribes of Israel to reclaim their autonomy and spiritual integrity, setting an example of how empowered communities can achieve remarkable change.

Applications for Missional Careers in Community Development

• Developing Faith-Based Housing Initiatives
  A missional leader can work with churches and local organizations to develop affordable housing projects, ensuring community members have stable living conditions. By involving residents in the design and management, they foster ownership and long-term sustainability within the community.
• Launching Community Learning Centers
  Leaders can establish education and skill-building programs that empower individuals to address systemic poverty and unemployment. These centers can serve as hubs for collective transformation, offering practical resources while fostering unity and hope in underserved areas.

3. Restorative Paths

This approach recognizes the importance of individual and community agency in the healing process. By equipping individuals with the tools and support to actively participate in their recovery journey, it fosters resilience and long-term well-being. Leaders cultivate an environment where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to define their goals and solutions. The approach also integrates community networks to provide a support system that uplifts and sustains individuals throughout their recovery. It champions the idea that true healing requires collaboration between individuals, professionals, and the broader community.

Biblical Illustration
The Israelites had again fallen into a cycle of disobedience, leading to their subjugation by King Eglon of Moab. This period was marked by exploitation and humiliation, with the Israelites forced to deliver tribute to their oppressors. Ehud, a left-handed man—a characteristic often stigmatized or dismissed in his culture—was chosen by God to deliver Israel (Judges 3:12-30). Using his perceived weakness to his advantage, Ehud crafted a double-edged dagger, concealed it, and assassinated Eglon. This act led to a rallying of Israelite forces, who defeated the Moabites and secured peace for 80 years. Ehud’s leadership demonstrates how God empowers individuals to challenge oppression and bring about healing and restoration for their communities. The societal backdrop of exploitation and despair underscores the need for creative and courageous leadership that addresses both personal and collective well-being. By stepping into his God-given role, Ehud restored dignity and hope to a broken people, paving the way for their recovery.

Applications for Missional Careers in Behavioral Health and Rehabilitation

• Leading Faith-Based Recovery Programs
  A missional leader in a rehabilitation center can design faith-integrated recovery plans that address addiction and mental health challenges. By involving clients in shaping their recovery goals, they inspire lasting change rooted in spiritual and personal empowerment.
• Supporting Trauma-Informed Care Initiatives
  Leaders in behavioral health can train community members and caregivers to recognize and respond to trauma in ways that promote healing and resilience. This approach encourages collective accountability and empowers participants to rebuild their lives with renewed purpose.

4. Bridging Health Gaps

This approach focuses on addressing health disparities through community empowerment and participatory planning. By identifying barriers to healthcare access, such as affordability, discrimination, or geographic constraints, missional leaders help communities design solutions tailored to their needs. This method values inclusivity, ensuring marginalized groups have a voice in the process. Missional leaders foster collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents, creating a unified effort to promote health equity. The approach underscores the belief that health is a shared responsibility and a fundamental aspect of human dignity.

Biblical Illustration
Samson’s story unfolds during a time of Philistine dominance over Israel, a period characterized by cultural assimilation and loss of identity among God’s people. Samson, set apart as a Nazirite from birth, was called to begin Israel’s deliverance from the Philistines. His immense physical strength symbolized divine empowerment, but his impulsive actions often reflected the spiritual and moral decline of his time. When the Philistines wronged him by taking his wife, Samson retaliated by burning their crops, a significant economic blow in an agrarian society (Judges 15:1-20). This act of vengeance initiated a chain reaction, culminating in his victory over a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. While the story highlights Samson’s flaws, it also reveals God’s ability to use imperfect individuals to challenge systemic oppression and restore hope. The cultural context of Philistine oppression illuminates the need for bold, transformative action to address societal inequities, much like the ongoing efforts to bridge some gaps in community health today.

Applications for Missional Careers in Community Health Advocacy

• Advocating for Equitable Healthcare Access
  A missional health professional can organize outreach programs to connect underserved populations with essential medical services. By collaborating with local leaders, they ensure that communities take an active role in identifying and addressing their specific health needs.
• Promoting Preventive Health Education
  Missional community health leaders can develop workshops that teach healthy living practices, such as nutrition and disease prevention, tailored to culturally specific needs. By involving participants in the planning, they inspire a collective commitment to improving long-term community well-being.

5. Advocating for Holistic Well-Being

This approach integrates faith principles with social work to empower communities in addressing systemic injustices. By fostering a culture of collaboration and empathy, leaders encourage individuals to identify social challenges and co-create solutions. The process involves educating communities about their rights, equipping them with resources, and inspiring action to achieve equitable outcomes. Through a focus on holistic well-being, this approach ensures that spiritual, emotional, and physical needs are addressed. It emphasizes the transformative power of unity and faith in overcoming societal obstacles.

Biblical Illustration
Jephthah, born to a marginalized family as the son of a prostitute, was ostracized by his community and forced to live as an outcast. Despite his rejection, he gained a reputation as a skilled warrior. When the Ammonites threatened Israel, the elders turned to Jephthah for leadership, acknowledging his abilities and promising to restore his place in the community. Jephthah accepted the role and led Israel to victory, securing peace and reclaiming land (Judges 11:29-33). However, his story is also marked by a tragic vow, reflecting the complexities of human leadership and the consequences of rash decisions. The cultural backdrop of Jephthah’s story reveals a fragmented society grappling with issues of inclusion, justice, and leadership. His rise from outcast to leader illustrates the potential for transformation when individuals are empowered to contribute to societal well-being. The story underscores the importance of addressing systemic injustices and creating inclusive opportunities for all members of a community.

Applications for Missional Careers in Social Work and Faith Community Services

• Creating Advocacy Networks for Vulnerable Populations
  A social worker in a faith-based nonprofit can organize coalitions that address systemic injustices, such as homelessness or human trafficking. Through shared leadership, they empower individuals and communities to champion their own rights and advocate for transformative policies.
• Launching Holistic Support Programs in Churches
  Missional leaders can initiate programs that combine spiritual guidance, counseling, and practical assistance to address the diverse needs of congregants. By engaging church members in designing these initiatives, they foster a sense of shared mission and responsibility.

Conclusion

The mission of God calls His people to actively participate in the restoration and renewal of individuals, communities, and creation. By empowering others to design and implement meaningful changes, missional leaders embody the transformative power of the gospel, fostering collective responsibility and shared ownership. The biblical illustrations explored within each approach reveal timeless truths about God’s redemptive work through diverse leaders and communities. These stories, coupled with practical applications to missional careers, demonstrate how faith-driven initiatives can create lasting impact by addressing spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.

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.