Defining Missional
There has been some discussion on the term ‘missional’ lately. See here, here and here. Good.
I especially enjoyed reading about the many ‘Non Missional Assumptions‘ around. So true: Living a missional life costs us. It is not a minor adjustment in ‘how we do church’. What is our commitment to living missionally really?
In the end it remains a matter of the heart. Living missionally is not about methods, fads, hypes or even ’strategies’. We must get over the ’seven keys to get people to church’ mentality and live out the life and message of Jesus in our daily, ordinary, life.
One gripe I have with the many blogs on ‘what it means to follow Jesus in this changing culture’ is the fact that so often they are ’smart’, theological, discussions instead of practical daily-life stories. We ourselves are so guilty of this here at MissionalWays (noticed the lack of posts recently 
What I need are stories of real people, not theologians, that share their struggles of fleshing out the Message of our Master. Stories of succesfully connecting people to Jesus and stories of miserable failures…
Of course theological reflection is good and necessary. But I spend too much time thinking all this over and reading blogs. I need to get out more.
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Hopefully this is an interesting read.
October 9th, 06 at 2:37 pm
We are fleshing out the same thing at Becoming Missional.
I think stories and examples of missional living are much needed!
October 9th, 06 at 2:41 pm
Jerry, thanks: I’ve noticed your weblog and will add it to my bookmarks
Much needed indeed!
October 10th, 06 at 2:38 am
Dave,
Really good thoughts! I agree with you also when you state, “One gripe I have with the many blogs on ‘what it means to follow Jesus in this changing culture’ is the fact that so often they are ’smart’, theological, discussions instead of practical daily-life stories.”
There have been a number of us (including Jerry who commented above) feeling the same and have been attempting balance conversation with some good practical daily-life “stuff.”
October 10th, 06 at 4:05 pm
Thanks for the link.
I generally agree with what you said. However, don’t be so quick to dismiss the importance of theological discussion. One of the problems in the church today is that we worship the idol of pragmatism.
I agree that there has been too much talk and too little action in the church. But the answer is a different kind of talk and more action.
We need the theological foundation for our actions. Without that missional living could quickly become another fad, slip into legalism or leave behind the gospel itself (as in liberal Christianity).
Good post,
Rod
October 10th, 06 at 9:51 pm
Hi Rod,
Thanks for your comment. I do not want to dismiss theology, since I believe ‘a theology’ undergirds most of what we say and do. I am all for theological discussions, ‘conversation’, etc. But I do feel there seems to develop a ‘trend’ of theology becoming ‘hip’.
Again, I think this is a good thing. Let’s discuss theology let’s talk things through.
Re-discover, Re-imagine, Re-cap the theology in our culture. But always with the intention to become better followers of Jesus in our daily life…
I myself feel I sometimes fall in the trap of ‘discussing’ too much for the sake of discussion. Is not that ‘missional living’; the intention of making our re-imagined theology practical in our daily lives?
For me living missionally means just that: living with the intention of participating in the Missio Dei. Seeking opportunities to make my missional theology practical.
So, we agree
One thing; what exactly do you have in mind when you speak of a different kind of talk?
October 10th, 06 at 10:51 pm
Dave,
What I was referring to was a distinction between empty talk and the kind of talk that leads to action. Some people talk instead of doing. We need the kind of dialogue that informs and guides our actions rather than taking their place.
Rod