What does it mean to be Missional ?

The term missional is an adjective that describes the fact that a church totally aligns itself with the missio Dei ( the mission of God). Christ Jesus prayed to the Father, “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world,” (John 17.18). This truth reveals that the church is to be missional, on mission, acting as “sent ones” in this world. The church is formed to continue the mission that began in the heart of the Father, was seen in the life of the Son, and is to continue in the Spirit empowered endeavors of the church. The basic premise of the missional church is that “missions” is not an organization or program of a church. Missions constitute the very essence or nature of the church.

This blog will be dedicated to leading all of us who engage in this conversation to find ways to be missional in New Orleans or where God has placed us. I will publish suggestions for missional activites on a regular basis as well as food for thought that is designed to make us become missional. It is my hope that my thoughts and suggestions will serve as a motivation for all of us to be about missio Dei .

Thursday, November 25, 2010

The Advent Possibility

First Sunday of Advent

Passage Isaiah 2:1-5

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to comethe mountain of the LORD’s house hall be established as the highest of the mountains,and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

The great possibility of Advent is that we can all receive the enlightenment of God. Each year we are challenged to look inside of ourselves and prepare our hearts for the coming of the Savior. As we welcome our Lord into our world our hearts are lightened and our burdens are eased. We will find that elusive peace that we so desperately seek. In His church we gather to prepare for his coming. Isaiah says: “let us walk in the light of the Lord’ Let it be so for our church. Mr. Wesley has an interesting thought below.

"The temple of the Lord which is upon mount Moriah; which yet is not to be understood literally of that material temple, but mystically of the church of God; as appears from the flowing of all nations to it, which was not to that temple, nor indeed was fulfilled 'till that temple was destroyed."
John Wesley

  • What great possibilities do you see for yourself during this Advent season?
  • What are you doing to prepare yourself for new possibilities from God?
  • Do you truly want “new possibilities? 

Read the entire passage through three times and ponder your “Advent Possibilities.”As you worship this Sunday allow God to show possibilities beyond your reach.
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