The term “missional” has become a popular buzzword over the past couple years. Because of its frequent use, some people have assumed that “missional” is a new word. However, the term was used by Dr. Francis DuBose, former professor at Golden Gate Theological Seminary, in his book God Who Sends, published in 1983.
Despite the fact that missional language has been in use for at least a quarter of a century, it is being applied today in such ambiguous ways that it often results in confusion. Some view missional as the latest church growth strategy or a better way of doing church evangelism. Others see missional as a means to mobilize church members to do missions more effectively. Still others believe missional is simply the latest Christian fad that will soon pass when the next trendy topic comes along. However, I would argue that those who believe missional is merely an add-on to current church activities, or perhaps even a passing craze prevalent only among church leaders, have simply not fully grasped the magnitude of the missional conversation. While it may sound like hyperbole, the move toward missional involves no less than a complete and thorough recalibration of the form and function of the church of Jesus Christ.
If an accurate and faithful understanding of missional is that significant to the life of the church, then how are we to best define the word? In other words, are there core characteristics that should inform the way we understand the missional concept? I believe there are at least four major theological and missiological distinctions that help to undergird the missional conversation. Without such a foundation, we run the risk of simply attaching the word “missional” onto everything the church is already doing, and, therefore, ignoring the necessary paradigmatic shift.
So join us for a conversation over the next four posts as we discuss where we should begin our missional journey.
Looking forward to the conversation.