I have just finished reading Primal Vision which was originally written in 1963 by John Taylor. The blurb on the back states ‘one of the most important books ever published on the subject of African Christianity.’ Taylor reflects theologically on his experiences and conversations and radically, for his time, suggests that as guests in an other culture Christians need to listen and learn and allow that to determine our mission.
I wanted to read because I thought there would be principles to consider for today and trying to be missional in the various cultures we find in the UK today.
I was particularly excited this morning by the last chapter entitled ‘The Practice of Presence’ which I have resonated with and drawn some strength from today. Some quotes of note:
‘The core of Africa’s wisdom is that she knows the difference between existence and presence.’
To exist is to survive wheras to be present is so much more in both a sense of reality and integrity. Taylor writes of how Europeans are viewed as people who do not greet each other in the street because we are always rushing and do not have the time. He quickly follows this with an experience no doubt we have all experienced – of walking down a busy street, making eye contact briefly and exchanging a smile. The experience uplifts because we realise we are being acknowledged not for who we are or what we do or can offer, but simply because we are a fellow human being.
‘The Christian, who stands in that world in the name of Christ, has nothing to offer unless they offer to be present, really and totally present, really and totally in the present. The failure of so many ‘professional’ Christians has been that they are ‘not all there!’
This is the current core of my ministry. I am not seeking to exist as something I am not, I am, however, trying to be present in the locations I am called to be in. I find it interesting that Taylor suggests we have ‘nothing to offer unless we offer to be present’. My current experience suggests to me that all that I can possibly offer is my presence because I have nothing else to offer of any use to those that I am called to be present among.
There is, however, something quite exciting about reading words of a Christian brother written some 45 years ago do not only resonate with me but also ‘get’ what I am called to do and trying to achieve.
Those who have lost the capacity for listening, who cannot be there for others, are unable even to be truly present to themselves.’
That is an amazing gauntlet of challenge thrown down by Taylor onto the threshing floor of mission. It speaks intensely and provocatively to a Christian culture that wants to see results and tends to pedestalise (if that word does not exist, I just made it up – it means ‘to put on a pedestal) attractional mission packages such as Alpha which give ‘results’ based on a set format while it can be, or at least give the impression that it is, often unable or unwilling to have the patience through the minsitry of presence.
Taylor seems to be touching here on an idea that suggests if we do not have time to be present with others then we not only deprive those people but short change ourselves as we can not have a greater understanding of who we are unless we engage in this ministry of presence.
These are some incredibly interesting thoughts and ideas that I need to chat and think through – anyone fancy a beer to help me out?!
The Shiny Headed Prophet 