I see our missional core value as the central theme of the Christian calling. Certainly, we are called to be a communal, worshipful, incarnational, transformational, evangelical, simple people; and I believe all of that culminates in the Christ-follower as missional living.
*Before I go further, let me note that over the past 15 years, many have confused the word "missional" as simply a new and trendy tag used to mean seeker-sensitive, home-group driven church, or as a new method for growing a church. As a result, missional is often looked upon as just another phase or program. But we error when we do so for missional is more than just another movement, it is a full expression of who the people and church of Christ is and what we are called to be and do.
"Missional is a Shift in Thinking"
Missional Living is the view that being a follower of Jesus Christ involves simultaneously both an inner transformation toward Christlikeness and an active participation in the mission of God's Kingdom.
"Missional is a Shift in Thinking"
Missional Living is the view that being a follower of Jesus Christ involves simultaneously both an inner transformation toward Christlikeness and an active participation in the mission of God's Kingdom.
-Tom Bulick has covered why I highlight inner transformation in his blogpost HERE.
-I highlight active participation in God's Mission because there IS a difference between being mindful and supportive of God's Mission and being participants in gospel mission of reconciliation with God. (*for the call to participate, see 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 and 1 Corinthians 9:23)
-I highlight active participation in God's Mission because there IS a difference between being mindful and supportive of God's Mission and being participants in gospel mission of reconciliation with God. (*for the call to participate, see 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 and 1 Corinthians 9:23)
-I highlight simultaneously because it would be a mistake to believe that you must achieve some higher level of personal spiritual formation before you begin serving, leading, and loving others as participants in the mission.
As a Missional Church, we view our own context as a constantly changing mission field. We are both engaged in and supportive of missions. We recognize that mission includes both the Great Commission (making new disciples) and the Great Commandment (loving God and loving others as self); and that all people are both the “subject” and “object” of God’s mission. We are engaged in the transformation of people, churches, communities and cultures as we multiply disciples, our church, and our mission.
As a Missional Church, we view our own context as a constantly changing mission field. We are both engaged in and supportive of missions. We recognize that mission includes both the Great Commission (making new disciples) and the Great Commandment (loving God and loving others as self); and that all people are both the “subject” and “object” of God’s mission. We are engaged in the transformation of people, churches, communities and cultures as we multiply disciples, our church, and our mission.
What should this look like in your community?
A missional church is a gathering of believers who participate in God's mission because they understand themselves as a sent people. This shifts us from a supportive "come-and-see" mentality to a "go-and-be/tell/do" mentality.
Missional churches see the church body as the place of ministry and conversion. Every person in our HG's and CG's should be participating in loving and meeting the needs of unchurched peoples. We should begin to see conversion happening outside of Church walls, which then becomes a gathering place for sending.
Missional churches see the church body as the place of ministry and conversion. Every person in our HG's and CG's should be participating in loving and meeting the needs of unchurched peoples. We should begin to see conversion happening outside of Church walls, which then becomes a gathering place for sending.
**I also like this definition from Wikipedia: "Missional living" is a Christian term that describes a missionary lifestyle; adopting the posture, thinking, behaviors, and practices of a missionary in order to engage others with the gospel message.
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