Recently Keith has felt the need to write about the times we are in and how Christians should think and prepare for these times.
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By Keith Smith
June 2005
As our work expands, I Keith have felt called to a particular way of ministry. This short article gives a little background into this style of working.
Celtic Saints
Were wholly given to missions and yet seeking constantly a closeness with the Lord in periods of quiet prayer and study. At these times, they often received those who needed ministry which they freely gave in the power of the Holy Spirit.
During the times of mission, they kept focused, preaching to all they met on the
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Their work was marked out by prayer, the Word, works of Power and humility.
Both men and women joined in this work. Their communities were often mixed, and include both celibate and married members. They often congregated in large communities, which sometimes had women among their leadership.
Franciscan Friars
These were started as a consecrated community of men. Very quickly a separate community of women was formed.
The friars were clearly marked out by humility. They never sought position in the church. They constantly moved in evangelistic zeal.
Their mission was primarily evangelistic, yet as time went on married people and others were added to their number (known as The 3rd Order). These worked alongside the friars. They often lived in communities alongside the friars and sisters. Supporting and adding a pastoral aspect to their work as these people were not as free to go on missions.
The friars, and especially the sisters, were dedicated to prayer and particularly contemplative prayer. This was the powerhouse for a ministry that transformed the medieval world.
Anchorites
These were different from the previous two groups. They were more settled in one place, being "anchored" in a church or hermitage.
Their primary call was to prayer and contemplation, much like Anna and Simeon in the temple. However, this did not cut them off from society, society came to them seeking counsel and instruction. Some of them, like Dame Julian of Norwich, exercised an enormous influence over the whole area in which they lived.
Each of these ministries were supported both by the offerings of the saints and by the work of their own hands. This work could include extended times of prayer, mission, ministry etc.
In more modern times we see Wesley and Mueller living a very similar life of prayer, contemplation and mission.
I believe that the Lord is calling me to share in this mixture of prayer, contemplation and study alongside powerful times of mission, following the good lead of those who have gone before.
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