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Lessons from the Cuban Church: Joy, Community, and Mission

In a powerful reflection on his visit to the Cuban church, Pastor Shane L. Johnson, D.Min., shares insights into the profound joy and resilience of believers in an oppressive environment. Despite facing intense hardships under communism, Cuban Christians exhibit a remarkable faith, driven by love for Christ and community. Their house churches thrive on shared resources and mutual support. Pastor Johnson emphasizes the need for the American church to connect deeply with missions, leveraging its resources for effective outreach and maintaining a strong relationship with God, while learning invaluable lessons from their Cuban counterparts.

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Lessons from the Cuban Church: Joy, Community, and Mission

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Presentation Transcript

  1. What I learned from Cuba Pastor Shane L. Johnson, D.Min. 8/15/10 New Life Church

  2. The Cuban church has real joy • It was the very first thing I noticed • I have not seen this large scale joy since I was a boy growing up in the church • The source of this joy is Christ, and the work of the HS • The oppression of Communism leaves little else to be joyful about • This joy comes out on their faces, in their worship, and their preaching • They love the Lord; they love and respect their pastors; the church does ministry wherever they are • They enjoy each other- table fellowship every Sunday at Pastor George’s church

  3. Real ministry with few resources • The Cuban church is not allowed to build church buildings, per se • They are largely a nation of house churches- pastors knock out walls in their houses and have church • Most all the pastors are bi-vocational- welders, farmers, mechanics • They make about $20/mo as pastor, and their people tithe off their produce, livestock • I asked what we could do to help- they reluctantly responded regarding economic help • They work around communism and denominational restrictions- Willie • They minister 24/7- on their jobs, in church, on the street • Denominations mean much less in Cuba- what matters is partnering to get the job done

  4. Communism is oppressive • It does not spread wealth; rather it reduces people to a common level of poverty • It robs people of incentive to get ahead- there are very few ways for people to better themselves • The state cannot provide basic needs for everyone- hence, the black market • I met a neurosurgeon who made $20/mo • We were watched from the time we got off the plane, until the time we got back on the plane, including in the churches • No gun ownership • + crime is low, mainly stealing

  5. What I was reminded of about myself • At this point, I am not called to be an overseas missionary • I am called to be a missions pastor- modeling mission, communicating mission, raising funds, going and helping to train overseas leaders, leading teams from the states • I don’t have much to complain about, and am blessed beyond measure- my Lord, my wife, children, my call as pastor/teacher, my church, my education, my home and possessions • I don’t want my Cuba experience to fade

  6. What I was reminded of regarding New Life • The church is about connecting people to a relationship with Jesus • We need to be Spirit led in all we do • We need to pray more • We are blessed to have each other • We need to pursue God’s call for us • A MVP may help with that- fellowship, evangelism, worship, discipleship, missions • We are to step up our missions emphasis- hosting pivotal missionaries, raising more missions funds and investing them strategically • We have pivotal people in this church who can help the Cuban church- pastors, farmers, medical people, educators, skilled workers

  7. What I was reminded of regarding the US church • We have many resources and are doing very little with them • We have too many choices • We are way too self centered, even in the name of ministry- I want, I need, I can’t… • Sometimes in the name of relevance, we are creating a monster of narcissism, making us bloated and ineffective in impacting culture • Many of us know little about real sacrifice

  8. Where we go from here • As a church, draw close to the Lord in prayer • Ask the Spirit to lead us as a team • Allow the Spirit to burn off pettiness and sin • Pursue God’s desires for us regarding our MVP • Enjoy our fellowship together- be intentional about it • Be intentional about relationships with the lost • Ask the Lord to make us ready for the people He wants us to have • I see an open door for ministry in Cuba • Thank you for your vision in sending me to Cuba

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