Thursday, January 11, 2007

links and thinks

I have posted some helpful links for us as we dig into this business of being followers of Jesus Christ who are sent into the world on his behalf. One of the links (Friends of Mission) has some really good material, some of which I pulled out and posted below. Give it a look over. Dance with it a while. Maybe you will embrace it or maybe you will find it out rhythm with how you see the world. I would be interested in hearing your reaction, either in person next time we see each other or via your comments on this blog. Peace, joy and wonder.

Some Thoughts on being a missional Church from Friends of Mission
  1. A missional church understands that God is already present in the culture where it finds itself. Therefore, a missional church doesn't view its purpose as bringing God into the culture or taking individuals out of the culture to a sacred space.
  2. A missional church is evangelistic and faithfully proclaims the gospel through word and deed. Words alone are not sufficient; how the gospel is embodied in our community and service is as important as what we say.
  3. A missional church will align all their activities around the missio dei -- the mission of God.
  4. A missional church seeks to put the good of their neighbor over their own.
  5. A missional church practices hospitality by welcoming the stranger into the midst of the community.
  6. A missional church will see themselves as a community or family on a mission together. There are no "Lone Ranger" Christians in a missional church.
  7. A missional church will see themselves as representatives of Jesus and will do nothing to dishonor his name.
  8. A missional church will be desperately dependent on prayer.
  9. A missional church gathered will be for the purpose of worship, encouragement, supplemental teaching, training, and to seek God's presence and to be realigned with God's missionary purpose.
  10. A missional church is orthodox in its view of the gospel and scripture, but culturally relevant in its methods and practice so that it can engage the worldview of the hearers.
  11. A missional church will be a community where all members are involved in learning "the way of Jesus." Spiritual development is an expectation.
  12. A missional church is a healing community where people carry each other's burdens and help restore gently.

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