Christ's kingdom needs pioneers like the apostle Paul

Recently, on the business networking platform, LinkedIn, I read an article entitled: ‘Are you an Explorer, a Pioneer or a Settler?’ Although the author focused on technology innovation, his insights are equally applicable to churches.

According to the author, pioneers are focused on “relentless pursuit" of growth and are therefore willing to take a calculated risk by venturing into uncharted territory. In contrast, settlers are more risk-averse and prefer to build on what’s already been established.

The apostle Paul epitomised the pioneer. He wrote: “And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, but as it is written: 'To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand'” (Rom. 15:20 – 21).

That said, pioneers and settlers are complementary to each other because every successful venture requires not only growth, spurred on by pioneers but also the stability of maintaining what has already been established.

Concerning pioneers, the author of the article wrote: “Being a pioneer requires an intense focus on growth and taking territory from the competition [adversary] – as such it requires a certain relentless pursuit of success at the expense of others. It is not for the faint of heart or for the gentle of soul."

At first sight, the idea of a Christian pioneer seeking “success at the expense of others” comes across as completely unchristian.

After all, Paul describes ‘selfish ambition’ as part of the outworking of mankind’s sinful nature (Gal. 5:19, 20). He also instructs: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” (Philippians 2:3).

Nevertheless, Christian pioneers should want Christ’s success (i.e. His victory) to be realised in the world that we inhabit, and at the expense of Satan’s dominion. Concerning that victory, Christ Himself asked rhetorically: “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house” (Matt. 12:29).

Thanks be to God, Christ has “tied up the strong man” because the destiny He chose of sinless sacrificial suffering and death has nullified Satan’s insistent demand for God to condemn us.

Now that Jesus has tied up the strong man, He calls on us to join Him in plundering the strong man’s ‘goods.' In other words, join Him in liberating those whom Satan has taken captive.

Here, it’s worth paraphrasing the previous excerpt from the linked article: “Being a Christian pioneer requires an intense focus on expanding God’s kingdom and taking territory from our adversary, the Devil, as such it requires a certain relentless pursuit of Christ’s victory at the expense of Satan. It is not for the faint of heart or for the gentle of soul."

Of course, churches need settlers to maintain stability, but let’s be clear that authentic expansion of Christ’s kingdom requires pioneers.

In fact, it’s possible for us to overcome the needless risk aversion (which can be a pretext for self-preservation). It’s possible to be both pioneer in reaching out to the world and settler in encouraging steadfastness and stability in the church.