I think I am tired of hearing the word "missional" continually used as a catchphrase by the Christian intellect savvy swish club. In some circles it's almost used as a password to unlocking the coolness portal, much like breakdancing moves did for many of us in the 80s!
So why do words surpass their actual meaning and take on a life of their own? I mean, I remember when "missional' was first being banded about. The curiosity of it was striking, especially at Bible college. It just sounded cool and it had that sense of mystique about it. But a friend of mine put it really simply, being missional meant being a friend. Simply, being a friend to the communtiy. So why does...
Be a Friend!
Not sound as cool as...
Be Missional!
Maybe because we really want to be part of the Christian intellect savvy swish club. Does being missional mean more than being a friend. A friend cares. Takes interest in the well being of their friend. Not only takes interest but acts and proacts to safeguard their friend. Brings meals in a time need. Offers a shoulder to cry on and arms for comfort. Provides a listening ear. And does not ask for anything in return...
The problem is this though... if we are not friends in church, then what's the point of being friends in the wider community? The changes need to begin from within so that we can be better without. I'm not trying to minimize our need to be missional, but if we are squabbling with each other it effectively renders being missional obsolete. Which I guess is why so many emergent leaders are calling traditional church antiquated and ineffective. But if the church is a friend (both within and without), regardless of it's structure, does that make it ineffective or antiquated?










