Christian Opportunism

Christian Opportunism

We are so fortunate to have a conference full of people who empower and enrich each other in Christ’s name. Leaders in our conference urged me to go to the Global Leadership Summit in August. It was my first time at the Summit, and it was better than I imagined. The speakers had so much to say about so many things. Their passion could be felt not only in the way they spoke about their work and ministry settings but in their need to inspire others to do the same. I got a strong feeling that if I am present with God and willing to work, the directions will manifest.

If no one has already coined this term, I am officially doing it now—Christian opportunism. Definition: Always present and always willing to work when called. Opportunistic Christians can be found in all kinds of awful places: soup kitchens, shelters, and even the red light district in Kolkata, India. The Christian opportunist is the one buying the extra sandwich at lunch to give to the guy with the sign, or the one who traveled to another country to offer medical services to those without. How are these people opportunists? There was a call, and they answered, but it did not stop there. Somehow the answer got bigger. Once God sees that you can handle the small tasks, it’s pretty much a guarantee that the tasks are not going to stay small.

Part of Christian opportunism is being present or listening. The Greater NW Episcopal Area has made that pretty easy in some instances. The General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) has numerous webinars available every month. These are a few upcoming ones that called to me:
http://www.gbod.org/resources/whats-a-methodist
http://www.gbod.org/resources/stewardship-show-me-the-mission
http://www.gbod.org/resources/missional-advent-living-advent-outside-the-church

Pacific North West Conference has some great upcoming events. Are you called to Certified Lay Ministry? Your answer could grow exponentially.
http://www.pnwumc.org/event/introductory-clm-course/
http://www.pnwumc.org/event/creating-congregational-cultures-of-generosity-4/

Check the Oregon/Idaho Conference September calendar for important dates. Certified Lay Ministry classes are offered on the 13th, 20th, and the 26-28th. You won’t want to miss these opportunities to receive instruction from an all-star educational staff including big names like Bishop Grant Hagiya and Assistant to the Bishop Kim Fields.

Gracious Lord, you speak to us constantly throughout our lives, yet we only hear you through ears clogged with fear, doubt, and desire. Open us to receive the small task you have that we might multiply your blessings on Earth—through Jesus Christ, Amen.

Joshua Bynum
Associate Lay Leader
Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference
whoselogic@gmail.com