Missional What?

Every other Sunday I visit a new church plant and have appointments with
planting pastors most every week. Being "missional" is on every ones mind.
Everyone defines missional differently. Here is my
take:

The typical church seeks to
develop its ministries to reach and disciple people. Sounds good. And often
has impact. However this model is very centralized in its focus. Questions are
asked like: "What can the church do to reach people?" "How can we get our people
to use this event or ministry to reach people?"


The pastor sees his role is to get the people
involved in the latest programs. The people see their role is to help the pastor
fulfill his ministry.

But the missional church
seeks to equip the people to develop their own ministries. This model is
decentralized in its focus. Questions are asked like: "Who has God placed on
your heart to reach out to with a caring relationship and share your God story?"
"What people, need or cause has God put on your heart with a passion that you
can develop into a ministry?" "What spiritual gifts, talents and experience has
God given you that he can use to reach and impact
lives?"

The pastor sees his role is to envision
for the people how God wants them to be salt and light and have an impact for
Christ in others lives. His role is to equip the people to have a ministry.


Centralized: The people help the pastor have a
ministry.
Decentralized: The pastor helps the people have a
ministry.

An efficient centralized church says
"alignment" is getting everyone involved in a few things we do that fit our
mission. This can work and bring addition growth especially if the leader is a
great communicator.

A missional decentralized
church says "alignment" is to be passionate about our mission, then go do
whatever God puts on your heart. We will coach you. We will celebrate you. We
will help you build a team. We will help you apprentice leaders.  Have
at it! 

This is how we have
multiplication growth.

Go multiply!