Vital Mission: When Churches Decide to Leave the Building

 WJ de Kock

Education Consultant to Partner in Ministry

Professor of Practical Theology at Palmer Theological Seminary

This is the seventh installment in our series titled “Building a Culture of a Collective Confidence”. 

Imagine, if you will, a church that's decided to break out of its Sunday best and venture into the wild, untamed world beyond its stained-glass windows. No, this isn't the plot of a new reality TV show (though "Extreme Makeover: Church Edition" does have a nice ring to it). We're talking about embracing a vital mission - the church's equivalent of deciding to leave the cozy confines of the couch and go to the gym.

Vital mission is like the church's extroverted alter ego

The vital mission is what happens when faith gets involved and connects with the community. As James Fowler might say, it's like the church joining in with what God is already doing in the world, enthusiastically participating in His work.

Being externally focused doesn't mean we should ignore our internal spiritual growth or our worship of God These aspects are still crucial - think of them as the spiritual equivalent of a protein shake before a workout of reaching out to others. It's all about balance, like trying to maintain a well-rounded diet while living next door to a donut shop.

Tim Keller, a respected figure in modern theology, reminds us that "the gospel creates a community that experiences inner transformation while also being dedicated to serving the needs of their neighbours and city.

Some important voices to listen to

For David Bosch church should be a bit of a spiritual ambidextrous - both heavenly and earthly, divine and dusty. It's not just about saving souls, but also about rolling up our sleeves and getting involved in social issues. Think of it as God's cosmic cleanup crew. In his influential work Transforming Mission, Bosch introduces the concept of missio Dei—the mission of God—suggesting that the church's mission is part of God's larger mission to redeem and restore the world. This perspective underscores that the church's outward focus is not optional but integral to its identity and purpose.

Then there's Leslie Newbigin, who insists that the gospel isn't just a private affair to be whispered about in hushed tones. No, he says it should be shouted from the rooftops (or at least discussed politely over tea). He sees the church as a living, breathing demonstration of the gospel - like a walking, talking billboard for God's love, but hopefully less annoying than actual billboards. Newbigin's vision of the church as the "hermeneutic of the gospel" means that the church interprets and demonstrates the gospel through its life and witness in the world. This approach highlights the importance of cultural engagement and the church's role in addressing social and political issues.

So how do we cultivate a missional mentality in the church?

How do we turn our churches from spiritual country clubs into dynamic outposts of God's love? Here are a few ideas:

Be Intentional in Missional Engagement

To foster a culture of vital mission in your church, it's essential to approach this endeavour with intentionality, creativity, and careful planning. David Bosch emphasises that mission is not an add-on to the church's life but its very essence. He states, "Mission is not primarily an activity of the church, but an attribute of God. God is a missionary God." With this understanding, churches should develop a comprehensive missional strategy that aligns with their vision and strengths, creating regular opportunities for the congregation to engage in missional activities. This approach integrates missional thinking into all aspects of church life, from sermons to small groups, ensuring that the outward focus becomes a natural expression of the church's identity.

Connecting Local and Global Missions

Leslie Newbigin argues that the local church is the "hermeneutic of the gospel," meaning it should interpret and demonstrate the gospel in its immediate context while also engaging globally. This perspective encourages churches to establish partnerships with local organisations that align with their mission, create sister church relationships in different cultural contexts, and encourage members to see their daily lives as mission fields. By doing so, the church becomes a bridge between the local and global expressions of God's mission.

Focusing on Relationships and Cultural Understanding

David Bosch emphasises the importance of incarnational ministry, where missionaries immerse themselves in the culture they serve. This approach calls for investing in long-term relationships with missionaries and communities, providing cultural intelligence training for church members, and encouraging cross-cultural experiences and exchanges. Such efforts help church members develop a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and more effectively communicate the gospel in various contexts.

Engaging in Cultural Exegesis

Church leaders must become adept "exegetes of culture," understanding both the gospel and the cultural values of their context. Newbigin stresses the importance of critically engaging with culture while maintaining the distinctiveness of the gospel. This involves regularly analysing and discussing cultural trends and their implications for mission, developing resources to help members navigate cultural challenges to faith, and creating forums for dialogue between faith and various aspects of culture, including arts, science, and politics.

The Whole Gospel, to the whole world, through whole people[1]

Finally, embracing holistic cultural engagement recognises that creating a Christ-honouring culture benefits society as a whole. Bosch's concept of "transforming mission" emphasises that mission involves not just evangelism but also social justice and cultural renewal. This holistic approach encourages church members to excel in their vocations as a form of mission, engage in community development and social justice initiatives, and foster creativity and innovation as expressions of God's image in humanity.

While emphasising outward mission, it's crucial to maintain a balance. As Teddy Ray points out, "Fellowship, teaching, and praise are not training – they are the very being of the Church!" The church's calling is inward, outward, and upward simultaneously, and these aspects cannot be separated. This balance ensures that the church's outward focus is sustained by a deep spiritual life, preventing burnout and maintaining the distinctiveness of Christian mission.

So what does all of this mean?

Embracing a vital mission is essential for creating a vibrant church culture that impacts both its members and the broader community. By balancing inward spiritual growth with outward engagement, churches can effectively join God's work in the world, reflecting His love and mission to those around them.

Consider:

As you seek to cultivate a culture of vital mission in your church, remember that it's not about creating a perfect strategy or achieving rapid growth. Instead, focus on being faithful to God's calling, responsive to your community's needs, and intentional in your efforts to share Christ's love both locally and globally. After all, if we're not out there being the salt of the earth, we're just taking up space in the shaker.

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[1] This is the motto of Palmer Theological Seminary where I serve as the Professor of Practical Theology.