How Does The Mission Matrix Shape Culture Within Core Groups?

The Mission Matrix as Culture in the Core Group visually illustrates the interconnected framework of church planting, emphasizing the roles of Christology, Missiology, Ecclesiology, and Ministry. It highlights identity, purpose, position, and function within the church's mission context.

Planting a church is much more than establishing a building or organizing worship services; it involves creating a community that represents the kingdom of God. Such a church should embody Adventist principles and aim to plant other churches with the same missional DNA. Achieving this requires fostering a missionary culture rooted in praxis-oriented ecclesiology. Ed Stetzer emphasizes:

"Studies show that the higher the standards of teaching and formation, the more people remain engaged in the church. Those seeking Christianity today want depth. They will not sacrifice their Saturday morning sleep for a church that serves superficiality, at least not for long" (Stetzer, 2015, p. 43).

This article explores the challenges and opportunities of embedding a mission-oriented culture in the core group, using the mission matrix to align Christology, missiology, and ecclesiology in a balanced approach.

1. Understanding the Mission Matrix

The mission matrix refers to a conceptual framework that integrates Christology (the person and work of Christ), Missiology (the mission of God), and Ecclesiology (the nature and function of the church). These three elements form the foundation of the church’s identity and activities. Frost and Hirsch assert:"Our understanding of Jesus determines our mission, which in turn shapes the form and function of the church" (Frost & Hirsch, 2003, p. 16).

This interconnected framework ensures that the church remains centered on Christ’s life and mission, avoiding the extremes of cultural accommodation or isolation.

Christology: Jesus as the Foundation

The church must begin with a deep understanding of who Jesus is and what He accomplished. This includes His incarnation, ministry, sacrifice, resurrection, and ongoing intercessory role. Jesus is not only the Savior but also the model for mission and discipleship (Matthew 20:28; John 20:21; White, 2006, p. 25).

Missiology: The Mission of God

The church’s mission flows from God’s mission (Missio Dei) to reconcile humanity to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). The church exists not as an end but as a means to participate in this redemptive plan (Knight, 2010, p. 132).

Ecclesiology: The Church as a Missional Community

The church is not merely a gathering of believers but a sent community—a body of disciples called to make more disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). This shifts the focus from maintaining traditions to actively engaging in God’s mission.

2. The Pitfalls of “Doing Church”

Churches that focus on “doing church” often prioritize programs, buildings, and events over mission and discipleship. While these efforts may attract attendees, they frequently result in consumerist members—individuals who expect to be served rather than to serve. The symptoms of this approach include:

1. Overload: Leaders are burdened with maintaining numerous programs for passive participants.

2. Distorted Priorities: The focus shifts from mission to internal maintenance, leading to a loss of vision.

3. Centralization: Authority becomes concentrated in a few leaders, stifling lay participation.

4. Despondency: Leaders feel overwhelmed and undervalued, often resulting in burnout.

5. Disillusionment: Disheartened leaders and members disengage from church activities altogether (Hirsch, 2015, p. 51).

This consumer-driven model is antithetical to the church Christ envisioned, which was designed to be a movement of active disciples.

3. The Culture of “Being the Church”

In contrast, a church that focuses on “being the church” embraces its identity as a movement centered on Christ and His mission. This culture is characterized by:

• Participation in God’s Mission: Members actively engage in making disciples and serving their communities.

• A Commitment to Multiplication: The church prioritizes the development of disciples, leaders, and new churches.

• Spiritual Formation: Members are trained in spiritual disciplines and equipped for ministry.

• Community Engagement: The church sees itself as part of the city, working for its transformation (Jeremiah 29:7; White, 2006, p. 139).

This approach reflects the early Christian church described in Acts 2:42-47, marked by fellowship, prayer, teaching, and a commitment to mission.

4. Training the Core Group with the Mission Matrix

To embed the mission matrix in the core group, training must focus on three areas:

Christ-Centered Teaching

• Exploring the person and work of Christ (John 1:1-14; Hebrews 1:1-3).

• Understanding salvation through grace and the centrality of the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Missional Living

• Teaching members to live as ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).

• Equipping the group to engage with their communities incarnationally, following Jesus’ example (John 1:14).

Community Formation

• Establishing the church as a covenant community committed to mutual care and accountability (Acts 2:42-47).

• Encouraging the practice of spiritual gifts for the edification of the body (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

5. Practical Steps for Implementing the Mission Matrix

Core Group Sessions

Topics to cover during training sessions include:

1. The nature of the kingdom of God and its implications for the church.

2. The priesthood of all believers and the activation of spiritual gifts (1 Peter 2:9).

3. Missional-incarnational engagement with the community.

4. Developing a culture of discipleship and reproduction.

5. Preparing the worship experience as a response to mission, not the other way around.

Practical Exercises

• Missional Activities: Encourage members to identify and serve the needs of their local communities.

• Discipleship Practices: Train members to mentor others in spiritual growth, fostering multiplication.

• Evaluation and Reflection: Regularly assess the group’s progress in embodying the mission matrix.

6. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Churches that neglect the mission matrix risk becoming unbalanced. Some may emphasize evangelism at the expense of discipleship, while others may focus inwardly, neglecting their call to engage the world. Keller warns:"Churches must avoid being either overly attractional or overly missional. The balance lies in being gospel-centered, community-centered, and mission-centered" (Keller, 2014, p. 86).

Conclusion

The mission matrix provides a robust framework for planting churches that are biblically faithful and culturally relevant. By training the core group to embody this framework, the church becomes a vibrant, Christ-centered community equipped to participate in God’s mission.

Such a church does not merely do church; it truly is the church—a living representation of the kingdom of God on earth.

References

1. Frost, M., & Hirsch, A. The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st-Century Church. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2003.

2. Hirsch, A. Forgotten Ways: Reactivating Apostolic Movements. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2015.

3. Keller, T. Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014.

4. Stetzer, E. Planting Missional Churches. Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2015.

5. White, E. G. Evangelism. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2006.

6. White, E. G. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2006.

7. White, E. G. The Acts of the Apostles. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1911.