The Missional Church - part 2
| 01 September 2009
We recently discussed the importance of having a missional mindset as a church. The missional church sees itself as a group of Christians who live out their faith in day to day life. They take seriously the command to “GO into all the world” with the message of Jesus and see lives transformed. The missional church mindset, however, is just a theory.
What Bible Fellowship really needs are Christians who put this theory into practice, who understand what their mission is, and work toward its fulfillment. What does this kind of Christian look like? Who is our example? “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” -Jesus (John 17:18) Of course, Jesus is our example. Just as Jesus was sent by God, so we are sent by Jesus. In the gospel of John, Jesus says more than a dozen times that he has been “sent” on a mission from God the Father. Jesus left heaven to be born in human flesh so that he might complete a mission given to him from God the Father.
We can learn several lessons from Jesus’ missional mindset.
· Jesus received his mission from God. John 6:38 “I have come…to do the will of Him who sent me.”· Jesus understood his mission. Mark 10:45 “The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.”· Jesus devoted his life to fulfilling his mission. Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”· Jesus got mad when people or things interfered with his mission. Matthew 16:23 “But he turned and said…’You are a hindrance to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but the things of man.’” · Jesus completed his mission. John 19:30 “It is finished!” Like Jesus, we are to (1) obtain our mission from God; (2) identify our mission specifically; (3) devote our life to God’s work; (4) rid ourselves of things that hinder our mission work; (5) complete our mission. As Christians, we have the general mission to love God and love others. We are to share the good news of Jesus and worship God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. However, each Christian also has a specific mission from God. Each person is uniquely designed by God to complete their mission. This will mean different things for different people. If you are having a hard time pinpointing your mission for God, you should ask yourself a few questions: What do I have a passion for?What are my skills and talents?What role can I uniquely fill in the church? The answer to these might give you an indication of what your mission from God looks like specifically for you. Take some time to consider the example of Jesus and then pray this prayer:
Father God, I thank you for the mission of Jesus. Like him, I desire to do Your will and complete my own mission in life. Please help me to identify my mission and then pursue it with great passion. Empower me to glorify You. Amen.
