Innovate 08 Session 5

Missional Moves

Rob Wegner posed the question where is the love? Where is the love of God in this world? What is God's plan to show His love to this world? Turns out as we look at the Bible -- we are the plan!

Jesus calls us to reach our Jerusalem.

How do we get the church in the community?

First missional move Rob posed... What is the Gospel that Jesus preached?

Churches are filled with well meaning Christians that would not give the answer that Jesus would give.

People think that the Gospel is: how to get out of trouble with God. They think that because we have told them that. The Gospel is how to get to heaven when you die. 

Jesus never teaches that. 

see Mark 1:14, 15 - Good news was used as a term relating to a political announcement. It was a news cast. Jesus' news cast. The announcement is that the Kingdom of God is here. 

Jesus would preach the good news and heal the people. see Luke 8:1; Mark 9:1,2; Luke 10:1, 5-9. 

The Kingdom of God is foundational to Jesus' teaching. Jesus comes back and speaks to His disciples about the Kingdom of God - Acts 1:3

Jesus teaches about the Kingdom in the Lord's (disciple's) Prayer. The Kingodm of God is available now! 

It is the life of God breaking through the dark and broken places on earth!

It is "bringing up there, down here."

What would it look like if Jesus answered that prayer - Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. 

You and are to build the Kingdom now. The kingdom involves every sphere of human concern. The vision of Jesus is so expansive. 

We need to shift from a Gospel from saved souls to saved whole's. The whole of humanity must be touched by the Good News... feeding the hungry, clothing the naked... It is the demonstration of the verbal proclamation. 

Missional Move: From "Flashlight" to "Laser Focus"

We think that more is better. The great commission is confused with the great commotion.

A flashlight is diffused light but when you focus it into a laser the laser becomes effective... even to heal.

Acts 1:8 - the Gospel taken locally, domestically, cross culturally, and globally.

You can't borrow someones vision. You have to take your unique DNA as a church ands translate that into your "life mission". You must find where God is active and seek His guidance.

Narrowing focus increases impact.

Missional Move: From Professionals to Full Participation.

Rather than look for the pros to do the ministry outside the church the church begins to participate in the Kingdom work that needs to be done. 

Many people's first step is not a large mission. So look for ways that are simple on ramps for people to get involved (Second Saturday).

The time has come for local churches to determine where they stand and fight for the Kingdom of God. God is moving the local church to the front line! To move outside our safety zone and fight against the gates of hell. 

Lord let your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. 

Let up there come down here!