Missional Living

One of the values in the emerging church is the idea of being missional or missional living. This is a values that should be at the core of every church emerging or not. Often we think of the mission of the church as doing outreach or leading discipleship training or other ministry in the church, which it is but the idea of being missional is much more then that.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
"All believers are missionaries who are sent to be a blessing to the culture around them through a lifestyle that mimics God's kingdom here on earth. Theologically, the incarnation of Jesus Christ informs the missiology of the emerging church. As God entered earth in human form, adherents also enter (individually and communally) into the context around them, aiming to transform culture through local involvement. This may take many forms, including verbal evangelism, social activism, hospitality, acts of kindness or service particular to the personality of an individual."

"Being a missional person/community means emphasizing the need for a Gospel which enhances the lives and communities of people regardless of culture or beliefs. Therefore, social action, community involvement, and sacrificial hospitality are as important as preaching and teaching. It means affirming what is good in culture and challenging that which is oppressive and abusive."

The following was written by my "old" friend Dr. Rob Guy as a Theology of Ministry for a ministry in a Nursing Home (ARC). I call it Missional Theology.

"We believe that the incarnate and resurrected Christ is Himself the mission of God, and is ever present and active in pursuing us, that we may personally know and love Him in return. Therefore we, as His Body, joyfully participate in His redemptive mission of love, through His real presence in the Holy Spirit."

Missio Dei—We recognize that it is God who is on a mission. He who created us and has loved us from the beginning, and has sent His Son to redeem us, continues to pursue us, and to work within us. He is the Good Shepherd, who is tending the flock. The ministry is His ministry.

Participatio Christi—Our role, then, is to participate in what He is doing. We neither determine our own agenda, nor merely imitate His, but rather participate in His, according to His call and guidance.

Imago Dei—We recognize that each person is created in the image of God, and thus possess the inherent dignity and value that accompanies it. We recognize also that God has been, and continues to be, at work within them, leading them on a unique and sacred journey.

Corpus Christi - We recognize that together we, who participate in this ministry in any way, comprise the Body of Christ. Christ, of course, is our head. Each member is a valid and valuable member, and as such, is God’s gift to the body. There is an inherent interconnectedness, and interdependence. In participating with each other, the weak with the strong, the old with the young, the advanced with the beginners, we cooperate with Christ in what He is doing in our midst.

For discussion what experiences of missional living do you see happening in your churches? Is it happening in your churches?