Shifting to a Missional Culture

This essay explores ten fundamental aspects that can guide this transformation, promoting a more effective and relevant engagement in the church's mission.

The transition from a maintenance culture to a missional culture is a significant challenge for many faith communities. This change requires a deep understanding of the current context and an innovative approach to ministry.

1. Evaluate: What year am I in? The first step in shifting to a missional culture is self-assessment. Each community must reflect on the time it lives in and whether its practices align with the demands of the present world. The mobilization of the contemporary world requires a clear and contextualized vision of the realities in which churches operate.

   
   

2. From Programs to Processes: The simple importation of programs from other churches often does not lead to success. The effectiveness of a program varies according to the context in which it is applied. Therefore, it is essential for leaders to focus on creating processes that genuinely engage people and promote the mission. While purposes may be universal, processes must be tailored to local needs and characteristics.

   
   

3. From Geographic Indices to Church Growth Discernment: Measuring a church's success cannot be limited to superficial indices, such as baptisms or attendance. It is crucial to decipher each community, understanding its peculiarities and needs. The analysis should go beyond numbers and seek to comprehend the spiritual and social impact of the church on people's lives.

   
   

4. From Models to Missions: The temptation to copy successful models from other churches can lead to stagnation. Each community must strive to be relevant in its own context, reflecting on the questions that cross-cultural missionaries ask: “How can we be relevant in our context?” This reflection should inspire evangelism methods that honor the gospel and adapt to local realities.

   
   

5. From Attractional to Incarnational: The belief that good programming attracts people can divert focus from the true purpose of the mission. The incarnational vision emphasizes the importance of being present in the life of the community, prioritizing harvest over mere attraction. The church should be an active agent of transformation in the world, not just a space where people come.

   
   

6. From Uniformity to Diversity: A missional culture does not require all churches to be the same. Instead, there should be an acknowledgment of the diversity in expressions of faith, as long as all share the same principles. Each church should be a local expression of the body of Christ, pursuing a common goal: engagement and mission.

   
   

7. From Professionals to Passionate Individuals: Ministry should not be restricted to a group of professionals with degrees. Every church member is a minister, called to use their gifts to serve. The Bible teaches that everyone has a role to play in God’s mission, and this vision must be spread so that each person recognizes themselves as an active part of the ministry.

   
   

8. From Sitters to Sent Ones: The greatness of the church is not measured by the number of people sitting in pews, but by the number of members sent into mission. It is vital to train and equip members to become missionaries in their communities, promoting real and significant impact in the kingdom of God.

   
   

9. From Converts to Disciples: Winning souls for Christ is just the first step. The true challenge is to make disciples. Evangelism and discipleship must go hand in hand, as a disciple is, by nature, a missionary. The emphasis should be on forming committed followers of Christ's mission.

   
   

10. From Addition to Multiplication: One of the signs of life in a church is reproduction. While adding new members is important, the multiplication of disciples and churches is the true indicator of spiritual health. Implementing processes that promote multiplication, rather than mere addition, should be the goal of communities seeking a missional culture.

Conclusion

The transition to a missional culture is a journey that requires commitment, reflection, and action. By assessing the current context, adapting processes, and promoting the active involvement of all members, churches can become agents of transformation in their communities. A change in mindset is essential for every Christian to understand their role as a missionary, contributing to the growth and multiplication of the kingdom of God.

References for Further Study

• Alan J. Roxburgh and M. Scott Boren. Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America.

• John Wimber. The Church on the Move: How the Spirit of God Can Change the World.

• David J. Hesselgrave and Edward Rommen. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission.

• Alan J. Roxburgh. The Missional Leader: Equipping Your Church to Reach a Changing World.

• John Stott. Discipleship: The Power of a Transformed Life.

• Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon. The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door.

• Alan Hirsch. The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church.Colin Marshall e Tony Payne. The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-Shift That Changes Everything.

• Dave Ferguson e Jon Ferguson. Multiplying Missional Leaders: A New Vision for Church Planting.

• Christopher J.H. Wright. The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's Grand Narrative.