Friday, June 8, 2018*

                                            _____________Matthew 14:25-27

Early 
in the 
morn- 

ing, he came walking toward them on the sea…  they were terrified and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke 

to them  and  said  “Take heart, it is I; 

                                       do not be afraid.”

*Roland Allen, 1868-1947

English priest and mission strategist who believed that “the mission work of the western churches was paternalistic and deeply rooted in colonist values, 

that were incompatible      

                                        with the Gospel.” 

He argues for Paul’s  example, which was  to build a community, and raise up leaders so that the sacraments could be administered. The community could be left alone  to do the work of converting others to Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  He emphasized the need for indigenous leadership as opposed to bishops and other leaders coming from foreign territories. In many situations, Alalen  favored clergy who 
were “tentmakers “– engaged in secular employ-ment while serving their congregation, after the example of St. Paul.