Missions in a Sceptical World

(Synopsis of sermon by Rome Chew)

On 1^st October, we were blessed to have Rome Chew from Cru Singapore with us and preach on doing missions, facing opposition and overcoming challenges, particularly in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world.

Chew begins by sharing his own experience of facing opposition and persecution while serving in East Asia. He then introduces the concept of BANI people, which an American anthropologist defined as people who are Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible. He argues that these types of people are becoming increasingly common in the world today. He then discusses how we can interact with BANI people in a positive way.

Chew concludes by discussing how we can share the gospel in a VUCA and BANI world.

You may listen to the full sermon on YouTube (starting at 33:05). The following is a synopsis of the key points.

In a VUCA world

We are living in a VUCA world. This VUCA world has the following undesirable characteristics:

1. Volatile – Things can change quickly and unexpectedly. It is difficult to know what to expect, and there are often multiple factors that affect outcomes. For example, the war in Ukraine and Russia has caused a volatile situation in many parts of the world. The prices of goods are going up, shipping is disrupted, and inflation is rising.
2. Uncertainty – The pandemic also created a lot of uncertainty. We didn’t know what to expect from day to day, and things like shopping mall closures were frustrating.
3. Complexity – Circumstances of missions are not as straightforward as they used to be. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and things can often go wrong in unexpected ways.
4. Ambiguous situations – These are even more difficult to deal with. We don’t know what is going to happen, and there are multiple possible outcomes.

Yet, as Christians, we can see hope. The acronym VUCA also reminds us to focus on positivity:

• Victory over volatility (2 Cor 2:14)

Volatility can be challenging for missionaries, who often face opposition and persecution.

However, we can trust that God is victorious. Even amid chaos, He is still in control. We can stand firm on Him and still face a volatile world.

• Unshakeable despite uncertainty (Heb 12:28; Jer 29:11)

Uncertainty can be scary for missionaries, who often must make difficult decisions with limited information.

However, we can trust that the kingdom of God is unshakable. We have a future and a hope in Christ. We can strive to stay rooted in Him, even though the future is uncertain.

• Compassionate God amidst complex circumstances (Mt 9:36)

Complexity can be frustrating and discouraging.  We often face challenges that are difficult to understand.

However, we can trust that God is compassionate. He understands our struggles and He cares for us. We can rely on His help as we navigate the complexities of missions.

• A for Able (Philippians 1:6; 4:13)

We don’t have clear answers or solutions for ambiguous situations. This can be confusing and disorienting.

However, God is able and enabling. We can trust that God is with us. He will guide us and help us make the right decisions. We can rely on His wisdom and guidance as we face ambiguous situations.

Pray for BANI people

BANI people are becoming increasingly common in the world today. They are emotionally fragile, anxious, unpredictable, and difficult to understand. They may react to situations in unexpected ways, and it can be difficult to know what they are thinking or feeling. We see many examples of BANI people who melt down in public.

However, we can still trust God to help. He can give us the patience, understanding, and wisdom we need to interact with the BANI people in a positive way. As they can be draining and frustrating to deal with, we need to protect our own well-being and be resilient, be able to go with the flow and adapt to changing circumstances. God knows BANI people better than we do, and He can give us the guidance we need to interact with them in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Perseverance in Missions

In Acts 14:1-7 and 19-20, we read about Paul and Barnabas’ missionary journey. They went to Iconium and spoke in the synagogue, and many Jews and Greeks believed. However, the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles against them.

Even though Paul and Barnabas faced opposition and physical violence, they continued to preach the gospel. This is an example for us today. We may face scepticism and opposition when we share our faith, but we must never give up. We must continue to speak boldly for the Lord and trust that He will confirm his message through us.

Even though it is challenging to share the gospel in a VUCA and BANI world, God is able to give us the resources we need to be successful. We can trust Him to protect us, give us perseverance, and open doors for us to share the good news.

John Lee