GMA Gospel Ecosystem
Author: Kevin Elwell, D.Min
Gospel Ecosystem
It is my vision for the GMA to build an ecosystem of faith in Guam. In the beginning God created systems. Think about all the systems that came into new existence in the Genesis account. There is the solar system. There are five main systems of earth that interact with each other that make the planet habitable for life. The human body is a machine of systems - the circulatory system, the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems to name a few. These systems are a set of individual parts that work together with interdependency for life to be whole. If you remove one of the systems the body fails. The smaller systems in the human body exist within the larger interdependent systems of earth, and the universe next. It should not be a surprise that God has built his church in this manner as well. Every church has their own systems of interrelated spiritual gifts working together. Each church is part of a larger ecosystem of faith. Tim Keller used the term Gospel Ecosystem.
How did Keller grow a small conservative Presbyterian Church located in liberal New York into a globally influential brand among evangelicals? He believed that the gospel could not win a city, state or region through the ministry of one church. To do so there needed to be a movement of churches and ministries that “exist in a supportive, mutually stimulating relationship (it) requires a willingness to work with other churches, even churches that hold different beliefs and practices.” The early church was a group of smaller gatherings within cities and regions but was still seen as one church. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians that some smaller gatherings were beginning to independently identify with specific teachers - some Apollos, some Paul and others Cephas. We can also see from Paul’s writings that some local gatherings practiced their faith differently (Romans 14). The balance of having local autonomy in practicing faith with a unification under one headship in Christ and empowered by one Spirit gave the church the strength and integrity to conquer the known world with the gospel message.
The early church was a movement of smaller churches and exhibited these values:
First, there was a shared theological vision about Christ. They focused on defending his Sonship, his resurrection and fulfillment of OT prophecy (Galatians 1:6-9), and salvation by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Despite ethnic and cultural differences they found unity in Christ. Churches who share this unity in Christ and the gospel can find ways to work together in a gospel movement.
Second, Paul was not a competitor with other preachers and teachers. Even though there was some preaching done out of envy and rivalry with Paul - as long as Christ was preached, he rejoiced (Philippians 1:15-18). There can never be a gospel movement in Guam if churches become tribalistic and see each other as competition.
Third, if there is growth then God is the cause of it. We are planters and waterers - But growth comes from God (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). As pastors we may consider better conditions for planting and watering to effect growth in our church, but ultimately God increases. We may also consider how we connect to other local ministries as a way to humanly contribute to a movement of God.
Lastly, the early church was a gospel movement that planted new churches. New churches are often needed to reach new people. Our established churches in Guam need to be supportive, but not wasteful, in lending spiritual and financial capital to new ministries and church plants.
I believe in the importance of local churches to pursue a specific gospel vision for their own ministry outreach. I also believe that a true gospel vision for our island will have a vision for connecting with other churches to cultivate a movement by God that is larger than any one church. This balance between autonomy and networking - no matter the church model or theological tradition - is key to an ecosystem of faith. God made the natural ecosystems of the world to include interdependent organisms and systems to work together for life. Tim Keller’s Gospel Ecosystem is made up of “interdependent organizations, individuals and ideas and spiritual and human forces” where God can give increase. It is my hope that the GMA can be a catalyst for an ecosystem of faith in Guam.
About the author: Kevin Elwell, D.Min, started serving at Bayview Church in 2010. Kevin, Melissa, and their five children love the island culture and have invested a lot of their life into friendships in the island community. Outside of church, you can most likely find them involved in the fitness community, coaching local teams, or playing at a local concert. Pastor Kevin expresses the desire to stay long term in ministry at Bayview to see out the fruition of loving the island culture and its people with a commitment to the Gospel and God’s glory.