Characteristics of a Missional Church

Tim Keller discusses issues related to the Desiring God 2006 National Conference. Also see http://www.timkeller.info/ for all things Tim Keller.

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[ElJibaroBravo]

I'm just getting into Missional theology and I gotta say I'm feeling like I'm "coming home" again. This just feels right to me & more importantly, it's apparently more Biblical. However, I'm not sure I agree with the whole "let's bring in the non-believer to church" rhetoric. Why? The church (building) is for believers to be edified and commisioned. Jesus said "Go!" not "Bring them in".

Just my thoughts.

[Redempt88]

That is very awesome

[darthfocus]

@machisendai Actually understated, it primarily has to do with restoration within the church. I agree with you so long as that community reproves rebukes and exhorts with great patience and instruction handling accurately the word of truth under pastoral/elder care. John 13:35 is a better reference than Matt 18: 15-20 when it comes to making disciples.

[machisendai]

@darthfocus I think your response is an overstatement, but be that as it may, what I imply is not that unbelievers constitute the church. That would be absurd. What I mean to say is that what better place for unbelievers to encounter Jesus than through believers, disciples? People today will not usually meet Jesus through someone lecturing them or giving them a prepackaged presentation. People today encounter Jesus best in a community of authentic Christians, where actions back up words.

[darthfocus]

@machisendai wow, no offense man but where 2 or 3 are gathered has to do with judgment and discipline and never meeting Jesus. The church is not for non believers, never was or will be.

[SoniaSephia]

"not relying on evangelical sub-cultural jargon." Thank you! I grew as Roman Catholic, I'm a Mexican, live in southern California, then went to Baptist University in my city, 80% tof the people there are from the Bible Belt and use alot "evangelic jargon" that when classmates explained gospel to me, it made not sense. And then they would explain thier jargon with more jargon :P So yes a church that uses real language that's clear is always a must if they wanna reach anyone :) Go Tim!

[machisendai]

Why does "Go" and "Bring them in" have to be in opposition to each other? Take the account of Philip going to get his brother Nathanael and bring him to Jesus. "Going" has the objective of "bringing" people to where they can meet Jesus, and what better place to meet Jesus than "where 2 or 3 are gathered"? Also, the missional conversation does not equate the church with a building. "Church" is a believing community living out its calling as a sign, instrument and foretaste of the Kingdom.

[slick222]

"As long as we apologize for ourselves and take most of the challenge out of the gospel, we can grow churches in places where Christianity is socially undesirable." Sounds more like marketing than missions.

[ReformedTheology5]

WARNING SUBTLE FALSE TEACHERS. DRISCOLL AND WARREN ARE EMERGENT AND ECUMENICAL. MISSIONAL IS SECRET CODE FOR EMERGENT. YOU MUST KNOW THIS. THEY PUT DOWN BIBLE'S RIGHT WAY.

[dutchpuppy2]

@anthonythirteen Yep, I've seen that. We gotta get out there and do something!! ...and not be complacent, "preaching to the choir."

[anthonythirteen]

@dutchpuppy2 Yes, I have felt this myself. But not in churches that pursue 'Emerging Church' type strategies with their rock music, warehouse buildings and trendy 'team leaders', just the usual middle of the road (fairly) liberal local churches without overy 'missional' obsessions, just happy & welcoming.

[dutchpuppy2]

@anthonythirteen My experience is quite positive with them! We go over the sermons and cover any questions and then eat GREAT food! I get to eat lots of stuff I never heard of before as I am the only "westerner" in our group. We spend a lot of time laughing during the fellowship time and the spirit can be felt! :)