Last month I had mentioned in the concluding remarks of “New Beginnings,” that we would talk about the differences between Missional verses Mission-Minded churches.   In his book, “Shaped By God’s Heart” Milfred Minatrea explains the necessity to clarify the differences between these two terms:  “The mission-minded church perceives mission as one expression of its ministry; the Missional Church perceives mission as the essence of its existence.”

A “Missional Church” defines every opportunity to share God’s love as acts of ministry; the moment Christian’s express the divine love of Christ they are participating in the God’s ministry.  Conversely, “mission minded Churches” delineates, where and when they believe missions take place according to the types of programs that they offer.  However, God is too big to subject to one’s attempt to categorize when and where missions take place; God lovingly invites us to be a part of an existing ministry that is manifested by the movement of the Holy Spirit that is not bound to any classification of programs.  As we respond to the movement of the Holy Spirit we are brought forth into God’s Missional moment: a moment orchestrated by God. I take great comfort in knowing that as I walk into opportunities to express God’s love, God has preceded me in preparing one’s heart and soul to be receptive for redemption.  God leads us up to the moment in which we choose to accept or reject redemption, yet God does not force us to choose.  This loving action of grace is referred to as Prevenient Grace; it is God’s love that is extended to people, awakening their heart to the reality of God, providing them opportunities to receive redemption.   We are all agents of prevenient grace; we all reveal God’s presence through the way we live, the values we affirm, the fellowship we embrace, and the love we share.    We are all a part of God’s wonderful grace that stems beyond us, through the subtle movements of the Holy Spirit.

Minatrea furthers this thought with a wonderful illustration:

As author John Steinbeck was preparing to embark on a journey across the United States, he described the nature of a trip with these words, “We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.” Missional Churches understand that sentiment. They have not chosen God’s mission; God has chosen them for his Missional purpose. The initiative for the mission lies in God.  Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit…”  (John 15:16).

We are invited to be a part of a journey that is already underway.  We are chosen to be a part of something grand and miraculous; we are invited to love and by so doing we are participants in God Missional church.                                                                                                                              

God Bless you-Pastor Scott Squires