Missional?

Eric just got back from an Executive Pastors conference somewhere up north (everything is up north...we live in Miami). He blogged about it, though, and I found myself wanting to yell BOO-YEAH at one point.

From Eric's Blog:

God is burdening pastors for their churches to be more missions-focused (missional is the new buzz word). For the last several years we have ramped up our commitment to missions locally and globally at CF. We are serving our city, supporting more missionaries, launching additional campuses, and sending more people on trips. God is doing similar things in churches all across the Country. This fires me up. As God desired Israel to be a blessing to the surrounding nations, God desires the church to do the same. It grieves God when we stay within the walls of our church doing just tons and tons of programs. And churches are stepping outside the walls.

Two years ago I don't think I knew what missional was. Within the past year, though, missional seems to be the passion of everyone I meet, and I pray that God will give me strength to use the resources He's given me to spread His renown.

Now, understand that "missional" is not "missionary". Missional is more than just a 2 week mission trip to some overseas country. It's a lifestyle. It's your lifestyle.
It's realizing that Miami-Dade is the second most unchurched county in the country.
It's understanding that the Lost will not know Christ unless you tell them.
It's also understanding that they don't want to be hit over the head with the Bible.
It's having non-Christians for friends, and having conversations that don't always lead to theology.
It's investing in a single life over time, not trying to convert your entire office by lunch.
It's listening, more than talking.
It's going to the world, not making the world come to you.

With that being said, I am very excited that 30+ Executive Pastors of "mega-churches" get into a room and say the word "missional". Gives me hope in the "church's" future...

I encourage you to do some reading on the "missional" mindset. For a brief synopsis, check out Missional Apologetics, and for a full overhaul of missional in the blogosphere, check out Friend of Missional. Consider it. Pray about it.

Thank you, God, for the opportunities You've set before us...

Comments

[John Smulo]

I'm excited to hear about the meeting as well, and also the buzz on the internet about all things missional.

Thank you for mentioning my Missional Apologetics site! Look forward to reading more of your blog.

[Ray Raley]

You need to check out Ed Stetzer at NAMB. Believe it. A denominational guy that gets it.

http://theresurgence.com/es_blog

[Jeff Reed]

Thanks Ray. It's so like a NAMB guy to reference another NAMB guy's blog. It'll make the blogroll soon.