On being a missional church

Today many members are attending the Mississauga Camp-meeting.  It is a one-day-celebration event to encourage church in Ontario to go beyond our comforts, as we look upward awaiting the coming Lord Jesus in Glory.

How’s your “going beyond” been lately?  This past Wednesday I had an opportunity to share with those gathered for our mid-week service on being a missional church.  Read following verses: Acts 9:2, 19:9,23; 22:4; 24;14,22 and you will see that the early church was called the WAY.  Jesus called Himself “the Way, the Truth, the Life” (John 14:6) and his followers understood that they were to be Jesus to the world, after He ascended.

“Go Make Disciples” to the early believers meant “Go Do Me!” says Leonard Sweet.  It is an interesting rendering.  Very true paraphrase.  That’s what the church was and did – being the Body of Christ, being Christ to the world around them.  We would like to claim the “remnant” status – returning to the radical roots of apostolic faith.  Then this mindset is not optional.  The Church of Jesus is the Way, is on the Way, is going.

Some say we are ON a mission.  Yet, if the “ON” means a switch, like “ON/OFF” then the church could be either ON or OFF the mission, which is false.  The true Church is the Mission, not part time, not when convenient, not when half-empty and need new people, but all the time, 24x7!!!  If our church sign would read “London Seventh-day Adventist Mission” how would that change our dynamics?

As a child you may have played the game of TAG. You are being chased, and then “tagged” with words “you’re IT!” and now it’s your turn to chase.  As soon as you say to Jesus “I’m in” He says back at you “you’re out!”  GO, make disciples, “tag” people with the Kingdom of God message!

The Church of Jesus is not about “keeping God in His Holy Temple,” the building.  On the day of Pentecost the Mission fell on the church!  We are the Temples, and wherever we go – Jesus is manifested.

What is your Personal Mission?  Christ’s church accepts His vision of priesthood of every believer, implying personal ministry of every believer.  Prayerfully check your personal ministry and mission.  Are you GOING?