Monday, August 17, 2009

Marks of Missionality

How do we know if, or when, we are diving into missionality?

Missionality goes beyond any ministry or program - even evangelism. For instance, a 'missional' small group is not necessarily one which is doing some kind of specific 'evangelism' program (though that is to be recommended). Rather...
  1. If its members love and talk positively about the city/neighborhood,
  2. If they speak in language that is not filled with pious tribal or technical terms and phrases, nor disdainful and embattled, or embittered, language,
  3. If in their Bible study they apply the gospel to the core concerns and stories of the people of the culture,
  4. If they are obviously interested in and engaged with the literature and art and thought of the surrounding culture and can discuss it both appreciatively and yet critically,
  5. If they exhibit deep concern for the poor
  6. If they show generosity with their money
  7. If they show purity and respect with regard to opposite sex
  8. If they show humility toward people of other races and cultures
  9. If they do not bash other Christians and churches.
Then seekers and non-believing people from the city...
  • Will be invited and
  • Will come and will stay as they explore spiritual issues.
If these marks are not there it will only be able to include believers or traditional, "Christianized" people.

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