Comments on: missional?

By: signposts.org.au » Blog Archive » Mission-Minded or Missional?

signposts.org.au » Blog Archive » Mission-Minded or Missional? — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 05:08:53 +0000

[…] In the early pages of the book (pp10–11) there is this quote that I thought gave us further information for our discussion surrounding the use of the word missional. […]

By: the rev

the rev — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 11:24:43 +0000

I believe the power of grass roots, movements has been shown, throughout history to be capable of great transformative power. Infact it was Jesus chosen method.

I am not sure what you are saying Alan, but the mob I have run with since I was a kid, is not going to any traditional church, no matter how cool it is. So should we just say, “bad luck”. And the fact that more and more of the young people in our western world are saying the same makes me ask, “what of the old tradition is absolutely necessary? And can’t we remove the stuff that repels people if it isn’t core? What I am left with is a simple message of Jesus, that can fit within cultures, as it was delivered in them. We need not export Rome, and Europe, along with it.

the rev

By: Kieren Green

Kieren Green — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 10:44:21 +0000

Even a strong man like the Rev has limitations on how far above his weight he can punch. You mentioned problems (sorry, should I say “challenges for the post-modern world”) of varying scales, Alan. Some would be more effectively with dealt by larger institutions which can often carry more weight. In the universe of churches, it is the well-established traditional churches, Roman Catholic, Anglican, that have developed the institutional size and recognition that can make a difference in some of the areas you mention. I’m thinking of how recent Popes have travelled the world talking with various political leaders. Or the public pronouncements of leaders of these churches being publicly and widely reported. Not to mention their vast assets that can be used for charitable purposes.

Your small “emergent church” is unlikely to have that sort of impact. Size can be important. Maybe the emerging church should form much closer alliances with the larger established churches and learn from them, instead of reacting against them.

By: alan

alan — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 10:32:04 +0000

I’m with Rev words are words are words.
Every generation is faced with the challenge of responding to the gospel;I dont have too much trouble with all of the qualifying and descriptors or how many “posts” are required (post Christian.modern/history/industrial/collingwood, but in the end ,its what you do and how you respond.And I must confess I dont see very much evidence in how the “missional” responds.Yep lots of meetings,some great discussion,good books,and “heroes” (as someone called them) a plenty,but …..
I’m struck by both the similarities and the differences between my generation and what I assume is the generation which mucks around in phil/Dans backyard.
If Phil wants a good debate he drops sex or the bible into the threads - nothing changes.
While there is much analysis of the world we live in (the “West” somehow seems to take a new lease of life) when a response is invited - prisoners,Aboriginal mobs,WMDs,terrorism,Iraq,the powerles at the mercy of the churches etc very few respond.
Maybe i’m missing something…..if so forgive me and hopefully someone will put me straight.

By: the rev

the rev — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 10:11:48 +0000

thanks got it

guess I have been in the bubble too long.

Sorry everyone, I will try to be less emerging in the future.

the rev

By: KenOath

KenOath — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 07:40:17 +0000

Edited from http://www.dictionary.com:

in·car·nate, adj.

1a. Invested with bodily nature and form: an incarnate spirit.
1b. Embodied in human form; personified: a villain who is evil incarnate.
2. Incarnadine.

tr.v. in·car·nat·ed, in·car·nat·ing, in·car·nates (-nt)

1a. To give bodily, especially human, form to.
1b. To personify.
2. To realize in action or fact; actualize: a community that incarnates its founders’ ideals.

By: the rev

the rev — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 07:01:09 +0000

exactly Dan

If I was explaining incarnational mission to those outside the bubble I would explain it differently.

I have no idea of any other understanding of the word incarnation, so I do not know what you guys are talking about. Perhaps you can explain to me what I am missing, because I really don’t get it.

the rev

By: dan

dan — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 01:03:06 +0000

I am not surprised - “incarnation” is a word with a particular theological meaning. I think that the conversation about mission being incarnational is a valuable one. It might only make sense to those inside the christian bubble, but how many people outside of the christian bubble are going to be talking about christian missiology?

By: bec

bec — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 00:58:50 +0000

For once I agree with Homer. Your definition of “incarnation” makes sense only to those who know what the Christian bubble is Rev!

By: Bring Back EP at LP

Bring Back EP at LP — Mon, 27 Feb 2006 23:11:38 +0000

Careful rev I think most people would come to the conclusion that Kieren alluded to