The I:58 Markers were developed over several years with dozens of voices not only in I:58 but across The Navigator work. Covered in much prayer and discernment, the I:58 Markers exist to challenge and inspire generations of local leaders shepherding Spirit-led movements in historically underrepresented communities.
What comes to mind when you hear “whole life discipleship?” Some would say discipleship needs to be “whole life” concerning the whole person - spirit, soul and body. Others would say “whole life” meaning discipleship affects all of your life - not just on Sundays but every day for every stage of life.
I:58 Navigators affirms these definitions. And... Can you imagine that God’s vision of “whole life discipleship” is even more grand than these definitions?
Over and over again in the Word we see the Triune God loving the whole of humanity - all persons, communities and creation. Jesus is coming back and fully bringing His Kingdom which will result in the restoration of all things - not just individuals (Acts 3:21 , Colossians 1:15-20). I:58 Navigators exist in communities acutely affected by systemic injustice and racism. We are compelled by God and in the shared lament of our communities to participate in the vision of seeing God’s kingdom come “on earth as it is in heaven.”
The implication for I:58 Navigators is a style of ministry we call whole life discipleship. Therefore, our whole life discipleship is not solely focused on individual spirituality but also by a pursuit of God’s justice and reconciliation in whatever way the Spirit is leading in our communities (Ephesians 2:14-18). This fierce pursuit is vital in knowing Christ and making Him known. (Jeremiah 22:16).
“Any religion that professes to be concerned about the souls of men and is not concerned about the slums that damn them, the economic conditions that strangle them and the social conditions that cripple them is a spiritually [dying] religion awaiting burial.” -Martin Luther King Jr
We challenge expressions of Christianity that hyper-focus on the individual to the neglect and detriment of the communities and creation that surround them.
“He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me,” declared the LORD.” Jeremiah 22:16
Relationships and presence come first before pursuing any ministry or programmatic solutions. I:58 desires relationships to be mutual and grow more into communities that trust God’s already present work to restore our communities. In I:58, God has called us to stay in relationships with no guarantees. Though I:58 is driven by the vision to know Christ and make Him known, we have no agenda that does not first begin with developing mutual relationships. I:58 ministries are not formulaic in that we expect a certain outcome. I:58 deeply trusts relationships because we know that we are all image bearers with a voice, dignity and a seat at God’s table (Gen 1:27) (John 17:20-21).
Relationship and presence first is not solely for the sake of leveraging agendas of how we think God is going to move in our community. Instead, we look for how God is already moving in our neighborhood. Leading with presence and proximity informs the ministry WITH the people, not FOR the people.
We take into account the Biblical example of Ruth and Naomi to point to this idea that relationships first can lead to unexpectant generations and blessings. Ruth had no agenda - commitment was her goal and success marker. The generations that came afterward could not have been measured but it was exceedingly above all that Ruth could have asked or imagined.
“You say you care about the poor? Then tell me, what are their names?” Gustavo Gutierrez
We challenge expressions of Christianity that lead with programmatic solutions without building relational trust through presence and therefore unintentionally discredit the community’s God-given dignity.
“The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” John 1:14 (The Message)
I:58 ministries are paced to follow and affirm our local communities which is where God is and has always been present. Movements will only grow as fast as there is local leadership and at a pace local leaders can own and sustain. Local heroes are people from the community and/or representing the culture of the community. Some examples are the demoniac in Mark 5, Rahab in Joshua 2 and the Samaritan woman in John 4 - who would have imagined these people would have been local heroes?
Local heroes need to be affirmed as central to what is done from the very beginning. We need to ask in the beginning, “Can local heroes sustain the ministry, structures and funding for what is being built?” If the answer is “no” then we are disempowering our local heroes.
Local heroes have lived in the community and know the culture, values and aspirations of family members and friends. They can recruit volunteers and invite partners who have an intrinsic love for their place and bring energy to activities that fit who they are. “Is this local hero moving toward Jesus?” will be a guiding question in distinguishing local heroes. Local heroes are “all in” (mind, emotions and will) because they are building their home.
“Return to or remain in our communities; Live together, Learn together, Love one another; Start with what we know, Build on what we have; But of the best leaders, When the work is done, The task accomplished; The people will say, ‘We have done this ourselves.’” -Pastor Jonathan Brooks' remix of a poem written by Lao-Tzu
We challenge expressions of Christianity that seek to help, but end up hurting communities by imposing programs and ministries that ultimately disempower local heroes.
“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’" John 4:39
We see longevity as a key component to spiritual generations in the advancement of the kingdom of God. God’s all encompassing plan to restore places, systems, and communities (Isaiah 58:1-12) causes us to see ministry as an integrated endeavor that requires a long-term (seventh generation) perspective to discipleship. Our perspective includes both physical and family generations, as well as spiritual ones.
We recognize that the daily reality of generations of unjust structures drastically affects our pace and perspective. This means the journey is long, the work is hard, and it calls for a commitment not only to an individual, but also to a community and place. We sense that God desires faithfulness with what and whom we are entrusted with. Therefore, like a faithful farmer we can be patient knowing that God is growing something in the people and communities that will blossom into generational fruitfulness (1 Corinthians 3:3-7).
“If we wanted to be a part of transformation and reconciliation in our community, then we would need to be around for a while. Transformation does not happen through individuals alone; it happens through generations of individuals committing to a place, recognizing its value, and instilling that value to the next generation.” - Pastor Jonathan Brooks
We challenge expressions of Christianity that prioritize efficiency and speed over the long term investments required to see spiritual generations come forth.
“... be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:1,2
The all-encompassing, holistic nature of the Kingdom of God creates a larger vision of restoration which requires partnership to accomplish. God is already in our communities working to bring His Kingdom. We are showing up to partner with Him as he leads us to those he wants us to partner with. We are attuned to those who want to cooperate and engage in acts of justice, love and peace to advance the Kingdom. This can be with fellow followers of Christ but sometimes with individuals or organizations who do not profess to be Christian based (such as government bodies, social service organizations, health care organizations, youth services etc).
Partnering becomes a way of life, a rubbing of shoulders and working together with all types of people. We understand that God is calling people to himself and we journey alongside them in partnership in hopes to be the Light that draws them to Christ (Matthew 5:14).
We believe our liberation, flourishing, and suffering are tied together. We see this sort of partnership exemplified by Paul in Acts 27. Paul brings something unique, he ushers in the presence of God in a chaotic situation but it is in the midst of partnership with all sorts of people - captain, boat owners, prisoners, slaves, guards, etc.
“If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” Lila Watson
We challenge expressions of Christianity that are ruled by individualism, pride, and scarcity that hinder the humble partnership required to love communities in a holistic manner.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6
