What does it mean to be missional? “Failure to Launch”

Short version … for those on the run …

We are God’s missional people. Jesus said emphatically, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). Whether this means we cross the seas or cross the street, God’s mission in the world ought to be our defining reference point for life and community. Certainly, the facts are in: if a simple church family does not actively nurture a missional life, its end is nigh. However, this does not necessarily mean a Kingdom community has to suddenly embark on a works project to crank up the missional fires. As with all things, a fresh mindset is first required … which may, of course, lead to various Spirit-led projects.

For example, if someone from our church family feels led by the Lord to move to a foreign country and, earning his living as a teacher, seeks to advance God’s Kingdom we call them a “missionary”. If someone else in our church family, who is a teacher by vocation, has the same heart to see God’s Kingdom advance in our home city, we call them a “teacher” (and may still put pressure on them to find their “ministry”).

Of course, I’m certainly not suggesting we fail to appreciate the cost involved in going to another nation, I know personally what it involves, but the point is that until we grasp a missional mindset – and appreciate the missional call and responsibility we all have in Christ – we will never become a missional people.

In the “long version” (below) we suggest ways in which simple churches can be birthed into a missional heart and how they can regularly engage with a missional vision.