What does it mean to be missional or on mission with God?

It appears from recent reading and lectures there are some common terms that help to define what it means to be missional, such as, transformational or incarnational. Considering the missional church in light of my denominational experience, however, brings me to the conclusion that the type of church described by the writers and speakers is best depicted as - unique. By unique I am not making reference to clothing, worship or preaching styles though these elements are often different from the typical mainstream church. I am also not suggesting these churches are unique in their doctrinal affirmations. Most missional churches I am aware of fall squarely into classical Christian orthodoxy and usually they are not bashful in proclaiming their theological underpinnings. When I use the word unique I refer mainly to how they frame their view of God and humanity. The missional church does not view God as a remote entity whose holiness excludes Him from the life of His creation. Quite the opposite, God is viewed as active in the affairs of every human because they are created in His image. Because God is active, and because all human beings are viewed as Gods creation, the church then views itself as an instrument of reconciliation sent into the world. Thus, the church on mission emulates Gods sending of the Son by being sent into the community connecting the image bearer with the Creator. To view God and humanity in this manner has both positive and negative implications. Positively, understanding Gods sending mission for the church should enliven it with purpose. After all, being sent into the world aligns the church with one of Christ stated purposes for His entrance: to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10 KJV). Those who have been transformed by the power of Christ ought to be people who feel the responsibility of sharing the good news. Having moved from a life without divine purpose to a life filled with it must cause the redeemed to begin looking outward instead of inward; to look into the harvest field that has been prepared (John 4:35). Before coming to Christ the

focus of life is self but after it becomes others. Michael Frosts lecture speaks of the concept of Participatio Christi, that is, the gathering of believers who have been sent to participate in the work of Christ throughout the world (15:32). Frost challenges the missional church to be an entity that is a gift to its community because it involves itself in its life. How a local church involves itself is a process of discovering the many needs and ambitions of the community. As these elements are revealed the church relies on the Holy Spirit to enlighten and empower them as tools of influence bringing the light of the gospel. The expected end result is that the God who has sent will also use the lives of Christians to reveal a God who draws humanity to Him so they too can be redeemed and sent back into the world. One of the negative implications the writers or speakers did not deal with is how to meet the challenge to remain faithful to the missional idea. There are, I think, several things that could work to derail the vision of being or becoming a church on mission. One of the chief enemies is protecting against the exhaustion that is part and parcel of missionary work. Speaking from experience the work of entering into another culture and seeking to effectively minister the gospel is absolutely draining on the mind and soul if done with any passion at all. Helping local church members to reorder their priorities from self to community is often like walking around with cement shoes. Attempting to be involved in community life while ensuring the church does not slip into syncretism is no easy task. Often, it is easier just to let some things slide, make a few small compromises or just give in than to be constantly on guard. Because the missional church does its work in the real tension between the secular and sacred, fatigue can be a true enemy of the missionary. This exhaustion can lead to some positives if allowed to and also help to bring the church into a more missional outlook. One benefit of realizing the potential crippling affect of missional leadership, especially for the established church in transition, is the development of new leaders. As a pastor seeks to move the congregation from maintenance to missional he or she will soon

discover the power of training and releasing more missionaries into the community. This means, however, that for the transitioning church there will have to be a complete overhaul of every aspect of the church. This means as leaders we will have to be honest about our own weaknesses, the weaknesses of the local church, and gauging what the real opinion is of the church about those outside the body of Christ. This is a tough and grueling exercise because it forces the church to confront uncomfortable issues and, even worse, expose attitudes of prejudice against those who still live outside of Christs redemption. Only the arrogant enjoy posing naked in front of a mirror. Why? Because the mirror reveals every lump and ill placed curve. It also brings to light how we have neglected our health. The same is true when we place the church in front of the mirror of Gods Word. The Word discerns the motives of our heart and the signs of neglect. The good news, however, is that even in this state there is hope as we repent and allow the Spirit of God to send us as emissaries into our local context. In the end, being missional can mean many things. Nevertheless, I have walked away from the reading, discussion and lectures this week seeing that one key element is that of where we place our benchmark. To be missional means all things begin with a God who sends instead of church that focuses on gathering. The work of building relationships, bringing people to gospel transformation or recognizing that all humanity bears Gods image finds its cause in understanding we have been sent with purpose and power by God.

Works Cited Frost, Michael. Presbyterian Global Fellowship Conference. Houston, TX. N.D. 2007.