The Missional Church

Introduction

Illustration: Laptop computer

• Designed to go into hibernation when not in use
• Perfectly good laptop (don’t throw it away)…just needs waking up
• Wake it up by pushing a button

Church is like a lap top

• It goes into hibernation mode when not in use
• Perfectly good church – just needs waking up
• My job – to wake you up – to push your buttons

Church is Gods best idea – I love the church

• Some love it so much – don’t want it to change
• Others aware of problems and right church off
• Both extremely are extremely unhelpful

The Missional Church

Not a missions driven church but a Missional church

• People not programmes

Php 4:10-19 NIV I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. (11) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (12) I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (13) I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (14) Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. (15) Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; (16) for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. (17) Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. (18) I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (19) And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

1. Christ centred – not self centred

We live in a world that is full of rampant consumerism

• Want it all and I want it now
• What about ME

Alive and well in the church – ichurch

• Who's preaching
• Who's worship leading

Far cry from what Paul’s life

• Content whatever the circumstances

2Co 11:24-28 NIV Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. (25) Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, (26) I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. (27) I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. (28) Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Secret of his contentment – Christ

• I can do all things through Christ
• Our identity and security is not in things or positions – It is in Christ

You will be amazed at what we can live without

• E.g.. Rick Warren – Californian fires

E.g. before planting the church I was stripped of many things

• Friends
• Invitations dried up
• Not on the roster

Taught me that I could live without them – strong and secure

2. Purpose driven – Not people driven

Php 4:10-19 NIV I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it

For purpose to be fulfilled you must have concern and opportunity

• E.g. Good Samaritan
• Priest and Levite had an opportunity but no concern
• Samaritan had both

Luk 10:33-35 NIV But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. (34) He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. (35) The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

Concern must precede opportunity

• Must grow our concern levels
• Opportunity is all around us

3. Relationally strong

(Phil.4:18) I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Epaphroditus – a man known to the church

• Not a nameless faceless organization
• Don’t know if they will do the right thing with the money

E.g. Zacheus

• He needed a relationship before he gave away his wealth

E.g. invalid for 38 years (Jn.5)

• No one to help me

E.g. Paralytic lowered from the roof by 4 friends (Mk.2)

• As much relational as supernatural
• Resources are in our relationships – they are in people

One was Relationally poor and one was relationally rich

• Don’t build a relationally poor life

Our effectiveness as a missional church is as good as our relationships

People don’t stick unless they find relationships

• Church should be the biggest relational factor in town
• The church is the relational missing link in our community

Conclusion

Missional church is

• Christ centred – purpose driven – relationally strong