Hearing the Heart of our Heritage

Delegates at the AWF Quadrennial conference in Guayaquil, Ecuador were able to attend workshops about issues related to the heart of our heritage. Over three successive days, topics such as the deeper life, history of mission, and engaging the future in the light of our past were eagerly discussed.

The Guayaquil Manifesto brought together key elements of our heritage in a conversation about the mission task that faces us all. In the first workshop, Rev. Dr. Tite Tienou, Research Professor, Theology of Mission, shared some reflections on the manifesto and encouraged us to consider its strengths and improve some of its language to ensure that the correct perspectives are communicated. Small groups discussed how to implement the manifesto emphases, and then each group presented its findings to the assembly. Key points included:

1. Better connecting Justice with Compassion in mission.
2. Ensuring that the kingdom of God is central to the preaching of the gospel.
3. Identifying training as the key to effective mission work, particularly around areas of practice that limit the ability of people to serve.
4. Agreeing that innovation, strategy and partnerships are of most practical importance. Maintaining fidelity to Scripture is a non-negotiable starting point.

A paper on the dangers of over-emphasizing the Holy Spirit in contrast to Christ led to much discussion about the work and role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The paper, the Christological Pneumatology of Simpson, by Rev. Chris Smith, one of the AWF Theology Award winners, led to further discussion about the early charismatic history of the Alliance and the gifts of the Spirit in the Alliance today. Small group discussions were held on practical ways to implement a deeper emphasis on life in the local church.

The final workshop was spent discussing the historical connection between deeper life and missions. Rev. David Jones, author of the recent biography on Simpson, A.B.: The Unlikely Founder of a Global Movement, presented the history of the Alliance and talked about Simpson’s journey to missions. He reminded us of the strong connection that Simpson made between our sanctification journey and our desire for and commitment to mission. Delegates talked about the development of the Alliance toward a denomination and the historical work of the Alliance in Vietnam as an example of Alliance mission work.

It was encouraging to see such a high level of interest in the heritage of the Alliance and what the Alliance legacy can bring to us in our own time. It is clear that we have a strong foundation for ministry, and much was gained from reflecting on these topics together.