In a post I did several months ago titled “Missional: More Than a Buzz Word” I shared three theological distinctions that I believe are necessary to bring clarity and explanation to the use of the word “missional.” In addition I discussed five practical issues that I think can help to foster a missional posture in the life of the church.

The first of these practical issues involves an emphasis on spiritual formation. If the church is going to develop the passion, strength, and discernment to live as a sent, Spirit-filled community then there must be a strong focus on spiritual formation. We need learn to see  where God is working in our communities and discern  how He desires for us to participate.  

Part of this discernment process I believe involves developing a “rhythm” that puts us in a place to hear from God regularly. More and more people are recognizing the absolute need of some sort of rhythm of life that is marked by daily moments of prayer, solitude, worship, and study. 

If you have ever struggled with cultivating such a rhythm with your daily activities, let me suggest checking out Missional Order. Over the past few weeks there have been several posts that have encouraged and challenged me in multiple ways. Here are a few of the posts that have recently spoke to me:

Be There
Dance of Prayer
Midday Slowdown
Present to the Present
The Rhythm of Real Life
Do You Hear What God Says?
Solitude, Community, Ministry
A Sacred Rhythm of Continual Conversion