I found this organization called Missio. They have been having the same kind of conversations and have been forming some philosophy around missional churches.
Here's what their site says their philosophy is:
"We don’t believe that missional ministry is tied to a specific form of church. You can be into 'mega church, house church, multi-site church, emerging, traditional, or cell model.' It doesn’t matter. They can all be ineffective and sterile, or they can be faithful and fruitful in engaging the world with a tangible presence of the Gospel.
The difference lies not in our programming, presentation, or how we choose to gather. The difference is how we 'go' and the habits of those who go with us.
Being 'missional' means being incarnational instead of attractional. We are not trying to attract non-believers, but instead engage them. If we are incarnational, then people will follow us and the Church will grow. "
Your thoughts.
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3 comments:
I love the phrase 'incarnational instead of attractional.' That speaks to Justin's previous post and some of what I was pointing to in 'Kill the Clergy!' I think I'm going to hold onto that phrase.
I also love how it describes the problem, the problem isn't which model works best for a church (mega, multi-site, etc) but rather the mission. A lot of churches and church leaders would probably say that there churches mission is reaching the lost and some are - but they are really reaching the lost that fit into their mold.
That probably sounds like more of a slam than it is, but some churches reach certain people well and others are marginalized. Part 2 will add to this point.
Yes, incarnational, great word. I am guessing that this group probably has read the book "Breaking the Missional Code" by Stetzer, I believe. Great book on reaching the people where they are and understanding the contexts into which we are going.
I think the best way we can be missional is allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our lives, living the fruit of the Spirit, and allowing others around us to notice a difference in our lives, without us needing to tell them that there is a difference.
Agreed. I'm all about the Incarnational approach. That is a heavy word. Loads of meaning. I am still picking it apart with some of my other "missional-minded" friends. I'm sure it will show up in our blogs to come....
love the conversation! so encouraging! God's Kingdom come!
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