Mission as Pilgrimage

Today we welcomed the Rt. Rev. James Tengatenga, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Malawi, as our Bicentennial Preacher and Forum Speaker. In her introductory words at the start of the forum, the Rev. Brenda Husson, Rector, reminded us that it was five years ago that with the generous gifts from two parishioners, our Partners in Mission programs were formed. These programs are about establishing and developing long-term partnerships involving people coming together in worship and fellowship, and in mission projects. In Bishop Tengatenga, we found an inspiring church leader who shared this vision and believed that the congregations in his Diocese would embrace such a partnership with St. James’ parishioners.

The Bishop mentioned in his presentation that, while he was invited to St. James’ as part of its Bicentennial celebration, the Anglican Church in Malawi was celebrating its own anniversary this year. 150 years ago, in 1860, Charles Mackenzie left England as head of the Universities' Mission to Central Africa. He was consecrated bishop on January 1, 1861 and, following Dr. David Livingstone's request, Bishop Mackenzie took on the position of being the first missionary bishop in Nyasaland (now Malawi). Bishop Tengatenga reflected on the change that has occurred since then. Mission in the 19th century was about bringing the Gospel to people of the world, while in the 21st century, mission, as the title of the forum states, is pilgrimage—Christians undertaking faith journeys and finding God in the places they visit.

Bishop Tengatenga then posed the question “How are your relationships?” Using today’s Gospel reading from Luke 16:1-13 about the manager of the rich man’s wealth who, when accused of mismanagement and frightened that he was having his position taken away from him, decides what he can do to ensure that he would be welcomed into people’s homes, Bishop Tengatenga felt that the underlying message was the fact that without relationships, the man felt that he had nothing. Bishop Tengatenga stressed the fact that for this reason, he does not see a long-term benefit of simply being presented with a check to fund mission projects. He believes that in Christians coming together, there is a longer-lasting legacy in the relationships formed. Since 2005, nearly ninety parishioners, clergy and staff have traveled from New York City to visit the Diocese of Southern Malawi, three Malawian priests have joined the clergy team at St. James’, and Bishop Tengatenga, his wife Josie and their children are cherished visitors to our church and in our homes, as we are in theirs.

Following the worship services, a pot-luck lunch was prepared and enjoyed. As bread was broken and gifts given and received, stories were shared from the first five years of this relationship. Bishop Tengatenga had during his presentation reminded us that the source of the word enthusiasm is the Greek enthousiasmos, which ultimately comes from the adjective entheos, "having the god within," formed from en, "in, within," and theos, "god". Bishop James is not only a Bishop, but also chairs the Anglican Consultative Council. The enthusiasm he displays for these roles is evident: God is truly in him. Looking around the room today, I experienced the enthusiasm we collectively feel, from teenagers to older parishioners, for our partnership with the Diocese of Southern Malawi—God in us.

Patrick Kidd
Partners In Mission—Malawi