From the very beginning, Navigator ministry initiatives have been shaped and driven by promises from the Word of God.
One promise that both our founder, Dawson Trotman, and current Navigators have held fast is: Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left . . . (Isaiah 54:2,3).
This promise from God continues to encourage and motivate us. As we head into a new year, I’d like to share with you a few of the ways we believe God is calling us to “enlarge the place of our tent, lengthen our cords, and strengthen our stakes” as we live and labor among the lost.
Stretching our curtains wide. The United States is an increasingly diverse and rapidly changing society. In Matthew 24:14, Jesus said “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations . . .” The word “nations” (ethnos) in the Greek literally means “people” or ethnic group. Through our various ethnic ministries, we continue to reach out in new ways to the significantly growing sub-cultures within our American culture.
Lengthening our cords. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). We see the truth of that statement on a daily basis. There is a compelling need to raise up generations of laborers (workers). So we’re expanding Navigator ministries to new places including college campuses, military bases, and urban areas where no current Navigator ministries exist—with the hope of equipping more and more everyday people and beginning a new wave of generational ministry.
Strengthening our stakes. One of the things that makes Navigator ministry unique is our commitment to developing strong, capable leaders. In addition to proclaiming Christ to those who don’t know Him, a significant part of our calling is to train leaders that will be able to train new generations of leaders (2 Timothy 2:2).
Taking advantage of unexpected opportunities. Life and ministry are full of surprises. Solomon wisely said, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). While we diligently plan to the best of our ability, we recognize God’s master plan. Sometimes that plan includes unforeseen challenges. And sometimes it includes incredible opportunities. Our goal in either case is to respond with joyful obedience.
The stories featured throughout this special edition of The Navigators One-to-One Ministry Review paint pictures of the everyday needs and opportunities we face as we live out God’s calling for us. I hope these stories give you a sense of where we feel God wants us to focus our efforts in the coming year. Eugene Peterson’s rendition of God’s promise in Isaiah 54:2 captures the spirit of what we believe God wants us to do:
Clear lots of ground for your tents! Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big! Use plenty of rope, drive the tent pegs deep. You’re going to need lots of elbow room for your growing family (MSG).
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