At Grace & Truth we have been talking about the concept of missional living & a missional church.   The following excerpt from Mercy Hill Church in Dayton, OH provides definition & direction for what this might look like.  

 

The mission of God is to restore all things to Himself through the work and person of Jesus Christ.  His chosen vehicle through which He is accomplishing that mission is the church.  The church is the family of God called together for His glory and sent out on His mission.  Missional Communities are the primary means through which Mercy Hill mobilizes people together on a mission and connects people to a caring community.

WHAT IS A MISSIONAL COMMUNITY?
A Missional Community consists of a committed core of Jesus followers (Family) who live out the mission of God together (Missionaries) in a specific area or to a particular people group by demonstrating the gospel in tangible forms (Servants) and declaring the gospel to others—both those who believe it and those who are being exposed to it (Learners).

A Missional Community is NOT primarily a small group, Bible study, support group, social activist group, or weekly meeting.

Our hope is that every person who is committed to the Mercy Hill family and mission will be involved in a Missional Community (MC) and eventually the MC’s in a region will multiply and together form a new gathering for Mercy Hill.

The life of the church as recorded in Acts 2:42-47 came as a result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit into the lives of a people collectively committed to the mission of God.  We believe God is still more committed to His mission being accomplished than us having our preferred church experience.  Missional Communities exist to follow God and further His mission in every part of our region.

EACH MISSIONAL COMMUNITY WILL:
1. Be led by a team committed to leading, shepherding, equipping and organizing a community on mission
2. Grow together in understanding and application of the Gospel to who we are (Identities) because of God’s work in and through Jesus
3. Live out the weekly Rhythms of a family on mission together (Story-formed, Listen, Celebrate, Eat, Bless, and Enjoy) – BE the church together through the week
4. Identify, equip and release new leadership to begin new Missional  Communities

PATHWAYS INTO A MISSIONAL COMMUNITY:
1. Fill out a connection card (fill out the back concerning missional communities) a leader will get in touch with you.
2. Talk to a MC leader or other Mercy Hill leader (good place to start is the “MHC Connect” info table)
3. Check the website for a MC near you, contact the leader and visit!
4. Consider starting one in your area and start attending MC leader training sessions when available.

What do you think?