What is Missional?
August 6, 2007 | Filed Under books, dmin project, missional |
There are several things to like about Dan Kimball’s book ”They Like Jesus But Not The Church.” (For a complete book review check out Wess Daniels’ gatheringinlight blog.) In the introduction Kimball presents seven basic characteristics for what it means to be missional. On page 20 he writes:
Being missional means that the church sees itself as being missionaries, rather than having a missions department, and that we see ourselves as missionaries right where we live.
Being missional means that we see ourselves as representatives of Jesus “sent” into our communities, and that the church aligns everything it does with the missio dei (mission of God).
Being missional means we see the church not as a place we go only on Sunday, but as something we are throughout the week.
Being missional means that we understand we don’t “bring Jesus” to people but that we realize Jesus is active in culture and we join him in what he is doing.
Being missional means we are very much in the world and engaged in culture but are not conforming to the world.
Being missional means we serve our communities, and that we build relationships with the people in them, rather than seeing them as evangelistic targets.
Being missional means being all the more dependent on Jesus and the Spirit through prayer, the Scriptures, and each other in community.
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I like his 7 examples of what being missional can look like, thanks for the heads up…
Paul, in the next couple of days I will share a couple other portions of the book that I found helpful.
Brad,
This is helpful.
On the spiritual formation side of things being missional in such a way that the character of Christ is exhibited in us at every turn, which the last point touches upon.
Do you think a church’s overall vision is to be missional? Somehow if we define the church in task oriented actions (missional activities) we run the risk of ending up structuring these activities as to become programs. If, however, we would see Jesus, and aim at being like him, we would be less likely to program or structure this, and we would remain spiritually energized rather risk becoming program-based. The secret is to have a curriculum that teaches us in the church “whatsoever I have commanded you…” (imitation of Christ in being which flows into doing). This is imitation for the sake of others.
Georges
Yes I agree concerning the importance of seeing “missional” as being the essence of the church as opposed to activities of the church.
I think there are two major issues involved here; first is that the church shift from seeing itself as “sending” to “being sent.” Second, that we see mission originating with God not with us. When mission originates with God then the focus is on how we can participate with Him instead of how we can carry the mission foward with our own initiative. When we start with the missio Dei then I think we are less likely to program our efforts.
Wonderful quotes, Brad. Worth framing.