Are we first and foremost called to mission or, rather, to create community out of which mission comes? Most would agree that it is not either/or. But I have seen (and written) much about the primacy of one verses the other.
For example, I have written about the nature of the church as ‘going.’ And many agree that the church is missional by nature just as God Himself is missional to the core.
On the other hand, church is always a community of believers and relationship is at the core of God’s dynamic personality.
Recently I was struck by this quote from JR Woodward: “When we live authentic and vulnerable lives, we cultivate communities that have a good theology of failure, people willing to take risks.”
This helped me to tie mission and community together in a fresh way. Mission and ‘going’ always involves the element of risk-taking as we step out of comfort zones and into the world, culture, and lives of others. So where do we develop the faith and find the support for doing this? Woodward argues that authentic community is part of this provision!
So, we see mission and community married together—communities on mission—with the reminder that we need each other in order to live the kind of adventurous, faith-exhibiting life of a mission-centered Jesus follower!
On a personal note, I do want to acknowledge so many of you who are part of my personal and virtual community. You do give me strength to take FAR more risks in mission and life than I would without you! Thank you!
Comments
4 responses to “Mission or Community”
Roger,
Thank you for this timely post. Just last weekend Gaitha and I attended a community “Block Party” in one of Columbia’s Home Associations in an older, more challenged neighborhood. A small cadre of the residents were from Missionally-minded Churches in the neighborhood. it was a wonderful afternoon as those from the Karis and LegacyPoint Bodies joined their neighbors for an afternoon of great food and LOTS of Community. It was amazing to see how everyone joined in the Homeowners Association’s 2nd annual gig…There will be more. 🙂 Also on Spurgeon Ct, our home, the Picnic tables are being readied for Community Gathering… We have passed along the word that the tables will be for all to use and that on occasion we will have a Cul-de-sac Party gathering to build community ties together. We invite any and all to pray for this opportunity to “Join Jesus”. Blessings!
What I “see” in your reflections and Steve’s also is the overarching truth of being one (the Body of Christ) as both community and mission. And I believe this is how we are to live in community, with the constant knowledge that we are part and parcel of something always greater, lest we become “feudal kingdoms” instead of all subjects of the One Kingdom. In this way, no matter the manifestation of “church” we embrace one another as fellow heirs of the One True King.
Good article. It seems that when you are full of the Spirit, that zeal wants to love people and go talk about Jesus with others (Titus 2:14). It just seems to be inseperatable aspect of walking with Him. Since 1986 my life took a turn around and when I stay close to God, mission and community are burning in my heart (2 Tim. 1:6) to accomplish. I dont think I have ever had one without the other during all these years in my Christian walk. God bless.
Well said Patrick!!