The Watchman’s Call: A Biblical Mandate for Action – by Executive Director Dan Janzen

Teresa and Dan Janzen

In Ezekiel 33:8, God warns the prophet that if he sees danger coming but does not warn the people, their destruction will be on his hands. This sobering message is a reminder that inaction—failing to speak or act when we see a need—is just as serious as outright wrongdoing. This is true when we do not do have a collective strategy for both evangelism and discipleship.

And we should also consider whether we are stewarding our resources and land with excellence to maximally engage in the Great Commission. Today, as both urban and rural communities and churches witness growing economic hardships and spiritual hunger, we cannot stand by and continue in the same rut. There are families in urban areas yearning for a new life in a rural farming context, for the dignity of work, and the opportunity to build something lasting. In that case, we are guilty of the same sin of omission Ezekiel warns about if we do nothing.

The good news is that we have an opportunity to respond—to create a movement with a new Acts 4:34 model (not talking about socialism), where farmers and churches partner to provide land, mentorship, and cooperative farming enterprises. It could start with families who want to move out to the farm (possibly at first in temporary dwellings such as yurts), and then expand through these entrepreneurs to provide assistance to the urban poor for work (even urban church incubator kitchens, on-farm processing, or gleaning).

By opening our farms to those seeking a fresh start, we not only expand ministry but also build economic resilience by increasingly moving from low-value commodity crops to high-value crops. This isn’t just about charity; it’s about discipleship, responsibility, and creating a sustained expansion future for both farm families and those seeking or needing transformation and opportunities.

There may be other alternatives to the current context of farming away equity or riding it out, hoping for better prices in the future (like in the 80s). We need to have this discussion and plan with excellence.

Who will answer the call? This is the right time to start a movement like the Second Great Awakening Revival, and it can start on the farms with a renewed sense of responsibility toward ministry—including bringing youth to the farm, such as father-son and mother-daughter events.

Malachi 4:5–6: “…and he will turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

My programmer friend and I are attempting to provide a solution with “Farm Planner,” a program where the Great Commission ministry is front and center of the plan. We are going to need a team of people to help improve the “Farm Planner”. It will accomplish both helping people make farm decisions based on prioritizing the Great Commission and also pushing back against ideological agricultural principles that undermine human flourishing.

Contact me, Dan Janzen (616-676-6684), for more details or to help/plan.