Fusion Value: Missional

“Jesus told us to go into all the world and be his ambassadors, but many churches today have inadvertently changed the “go and be” command to a “come and see” appeal. We have grown attached to buildings, programs, staff and a wide variety of goods and services designed to attract and entertain people. Missional is a helpful term used to describe what happens when you and I replace the “come to us” invitations with a “go to them” life. A life where “the way of Jesus” informs and radically transforms our existence to one wholly focused on sacrificially living for him and others. It speaks of the very nature of the Jesus follower.” (Rick Meigs)

What Jesus said was quite explicit – GO!

He was concerned that the message of the cross was presented not necessarily from pulpits, but rather in classrooms, on the shop floor, around the office coffee machine.  In the words of the Great Commission, or Great GO-mission, Jesus said:

“Go and make disicples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)

When Jesus sent out the 72 in Luke 10 he gave very specific instructions on how the disciples were to deal with each situation they came to.  The overriding message is one of going to where people were living and working, becoming one with them and then responding to openness found to the message of the Gospel.  It was and still is a challenge. Far easier to wait for people to come and visit us in our comfort zone (but by the scarcity of visitors to churches, not the best method!!) rather then move out to where people are hurting, in need, searching. Yes, when Jesus did it he came under fire – fortunately he knew what he was called to do and did it. 

Being Missional

Being missional means accepting that whatever occupation or circumstance we find ourselves in, there we are to demonstrate the reality and presence of God. It means that time at university is not only about preparing for the future, but for the Christian believer, it is about opportunity NOW to show Christ. It is not a chance happening but part of God’s plan for our lives as we serve Him. For those of us in a workplace we have the same calling and responsibility.

Being missional is an attitude of heart and mind.

Being missional involves me declaring the Gospel not only from a pulpit or ‘soapbox’, but reaching out with compassion and to those around us in need. So often men and women come to Christ because they first saw the gospel in action before they heard the message of the gospel.

Being missional it goes hand-in-hand with being relational.  It means to totally trust and depend upon God for all and in all that we do. It is about stepping out of our security in our abilities and resources and knowing that God is there to take care of everything. When we look at the enormous challenge before us in reaching our campuses for Christ, we know it needs supernatural intervention. A missional mind-set knows that God is able!