Being Missional

A few days ago a man was in for a chat about ministry and in the course of the conversation he said something like, “I’m troubled by the word ‘missional’” or “I can’t stand the word ‘missional’” and I agreed.

So, what is this being “missional” about?  My take is that most see it is about being laser focused on the lost and their need of Jesus.  Being “missional”means that all that is programmed or taught or envisioned is with the salvation of the non-Christian in view.  And why not?  After all, they are facing a horrible, horrible future that is eternal!  They are facing Hell!

And how bad is their coming Hell?  It is an existence forever void of 1.) a top ten weather day, 2.) laughing with a friend, 3.) time free of fear, 4.) the pleasure of accomplishment, 5.) time with no pains and griefs, 6.) the thrill of a great concert, 7.) or a tall glass of cold water (all will be true of eternity with God).  Hell is void of all those earthly pleasures and hopes.  Yes, they desperately need Jesus and NOW!

So, being “missional” is being driven about the salvation of people.  Therefore, under the “missional” banner, whatever it takes is done in order to connect with the non-Christian so to get into their world and into their head in order to introduce them to Jesus.

Now, if that is what “missional” means, it is not fully right!  First, is the salvation of people the ultimate goal?  I say, “No!”

Consider the national issue of fatherless homes.  There are children being born and we love children, but far too many into homes without a father.  Is that good?  No!  We are all in trouble if babies aren’t reared to a healthy maturity.  Just making babies is not good.

The same is true spiritually.  The mission is NOT to just see people saved but rather to see people be like Jesus (Romans 8:29).  That means after they are born again, they are nurtured and admonished and moved toward Jesus.  The mission of the Christian and the church is to see people act, talk, and be like Jesus, which includes being born again.

Another problem with the “missional” movement is that it encourages compromise and fellowship with the world in order to win them.  The calls to “come out”, “put off”, “be separated”, “touch not”, etc. are ignored for love and grace.  The Christian is encouraged to lower standards in order to find common ground with the lost.  To ignore God’s Word for the sake of people being saved can’t be good with God.

And a third issue is that of God’s sovereignty. While it is our duty and joy to show and tell Jesus to the world, it is also God’s work that empowers our witness and opens the mind of the lost. When we are not pleasing to God, our efforts will often be simply efforts – with little or no fruit.

So, “missional”?   It is good if it is about people being like Jesus meaning passionate about Him and fully, joyfully obeying Him.  “Missional” should include praying for, showing and  telling, and pressing people to Jesus.  “Missional” is good if it is a laser focus on people becoming like Jesus.