MISSIONAL CHURCHES: THE MESSAGE IN CONTEXT

   
   In the book The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, an American missionary to Africa wants to teach his African willage that "Jesus is precious."  Unfortunately, the word for precious in the jungle language of that village can also mean "poisonwood."  And so, due to a lack of understanding and improper voice inflection, the missionary ends up teaching the entire village that Jesus is "poisonwood."  Confusion often results from terms that are not defined or that are used out of their proper context.  Let me give you an example that you can probably relate to.  If you lived in Lebanon today and identified yourself as a "fundamentalist," an unpleasant image might enter the mind of the listener - guns, jihad, holy wars and senseless deaths.  However, if you traveled 5000 miles to the west and described yourself as a fundamentalist, the mental image might be quite different.  To some, a fundamentalist is a radical, right wing conservative who embraces republican pro-life candidates and prayer in the school.  Others would view a fundamentalist as one who subscribes to a biblical worldview, the inerrancy of Scripture, and the sanctity of marriage and life.  Fundamentalists are loved and hated - understood by some and misunderstood by some.  The way someone defines a term can shape their opinions, perceptions, and conclusions.

   The word "missional" has been used frequently in recent years and its meaning can vary greatly depending on who you know and how you have heard it defined.  The purpose of this article is to give a fuller explanation and description of the missional church.

   I remember singing the chorus "Be A Missionary" in junior church back in the mid-seventies.  
   
   Be a missionary every day! (clap)
Tell the world that Jesus is the way!
Be it in the town or country
or the busy avenue!
Africa or Asia, the task is up to YOU!
So, Be a missionary every day! (clap)
Tell the world that Jesus is the way!
The Lord is soon returning
There is no time to lose, so
Be a missionary
God's own emissary
Be a missionary today!
Let's GO!!!

In thirty years many of us went from singing songs like that to being surrounded by a post-modern, irreligious, hedonistic culture on which we have little impact.....  

                                                                                         To read the complete article

                              

   

Missional Pastors

It is easy to assume that all pastors understand that they are to be the lead missionary and primary missional thinker of their particular flock.  However, for years I have struggled against the extremely prevalent idea that churches should be developed with a corporate American mindset that puts the pastor in a position of administrator and manager of structures and programs.  Many ministries across the U.S. have a top heavy or top-to-bottom approach to ministry.  These ministries have a few doing the work and even fewer making the decisions....

We as pastors need to turn a corner and begin investing our resources in equipping the next generation for kingdom building.  This will be done by closely evaluating our ministries and adopting a missional mindset as we approach the pulpit, classroom, and community.

                         To read the complete article

 

Mission: To provide a safe environment for women transitioning from incarceration to well-balanced community living through
BUILDING - a God-based foundation
FACILITATING - education + career goals
TEACHING - healthy life skills
REUNITING - mothers with their children
For more information contact THE WELL HOUSE
PO Box 92
Quincy, IL 62305