A Living Alternative

Some time ago I was chatting with a leader from a small rural church who was trying to find ways to engage his congregation in missional activity to their community. As I listened to him, he expressed frustrations in the process of getting people on board with the vision. As he engaged the great resources that are emerging on the topic of being missional, he faced some challenges in communicating it effectively to others.

First, people were often confused by and even suspicious of the new language surrounding missionality. As we all know, even the word "missional" has been so used, over-used, misused and down right abused that it is no wonder people are confused. Second, people become overwhelmed by the vast amounts of information and possibilities available. This is most surprising, as it seems that the more information and options people have, the more crippled (by fear and indecision) they become making choices. Third, people are intimidated by the level of knowledge and/or theological depth (real or perceived) of many missional "experts. They are more likely to dismiss ideas as too complex for their "simple little church".

As I considered these challenges, I realized how common they are for people wrestling with the real challenge of becoming missional communities. Each of these three dynamics needs to be acknowledged and addressed, both by those seeking to engage being missional and those seeking to promote and nurture missionality in others. Here a few simple thoughts that I would love your feedback on:

1. Strange New Language: When the people of Greenland were first introduced to Scripture, missionaries experienced the inevitable challenge of explaining concepts like "the Bread of Life" and "the Good Shepherd" to a culture that had seen neither bread nor sheep. In response, they needed to translate God's Word into both linguistic and conceptual models that they understood- not as a condescension, but as a contextualization. In the same way, if we want to see Christian embrace their vocation as missional communities, we must take the responsibility to translate the ideas into language and concepts that they understand.

In time, through education, experience and globalization, Greenlandic Christians were able to converse in both their contextual understanding and the historic context of Scripture and faith. However, it took time and patience. We must be careful not to judge people as ignorant simply because they do not "speak our language". In fact, it is too often that I see ignorance in those who promote missional Christianity, coming off as superior, condescending and paternalistic. Time, patience and humlity are necessary.

2. Information Overload: I recently read a study that showed how choice (even between several good options) seems to cripple intelligent people in making decisions. Before people are able to take in, process and integrate new imformation, they must have a foundational, conceptual framework in place. Remember that many of the ideas in missional living can be perceived as very threatening to long-held, cherished beliefs and practices. Sensitivity and an intentional pace are critical.

We have to remember that those of us who are most passionate and active about modelling and promoting missional Christianity are wired in such a way that we are more likely to embrace experimentation over sustaining (in fact, if you find yourself saying "Duh! Of course. Who wouldn't?" you are probably one of us). Not everyone is wired that way, having a great deal invested in the current reality. I am not suggesting that people are closed-minded protectors of the status quo (though some most certainly are), but rather that most people legitimately expend most of their energy sustaining good communities, making change a scary concept. Have grace and patience.

3. Intimidation Factor: While I love reading and engaging new ideas, I know that I am not much of a theologian. There are many theological discussions that leave me scrathing my head. As significant theologies of missionality are being explored by great Christian thinkers, it is not surprising that people are becoming overwhelmed. I can remember a time when terms like "eschatology", "epistimology", "ecclesiology", etc. left me scratching my head. It took time and work to begin (and I am just beginning) to understand. This is why storytelling is so critical- not to replace theology, but to communicate it in tangible and engaging ways.

Interestingly, as we embrace a storytelling approach to the theology of missionality we discover that there are many churches and communities who have been deeply missional for a long time. While they may not have the articulated theology behind it, they are deeply informed by Christ, His Word and His example. Look for the stories of missionality as they already exsist in a community. Not only will it help create a bridge of learning for that community, they will most certainly have much to teach the theologians themselves.

Have you experienced these challenges?

Have you seen any other barriers?

What has worked in overcoming them?

Missional Missional Community Christianity Jesus