What is a Missional Church?

Often terms get thrown around when it comes to 'Church World' one of which is 'Missional' and 'Missional Church' but what is the goal of being missional? What does a mission Church look like?

Missional church has become a popular term in recent years yet its meaning remains unclear for many. What distinguishes a missional church from attractional or revivalist church models?

Crucially, a missional church understands its purpose as a community as a sent people by God to the world, it is not a destination people should visit. Is that to say we don't believe that the Church should not be attractive? No, not at all. However, the 'attractional Church' has made the Sunday gathering the mechanism to 'attract', Jesus did not say it would be this, rather "they will know you are my disciples because you love one another" John 13:35 It is our lives, in community and beyond it that are attractive, we must thus be ready to be 'on mission' every day.

As such our goal is reaching beyond church walls and preparing those in community to share the gospel throughout their daily life.

Divergent Church deeply desires to see this wherever we may gather and scatter. This is also why we have been moved to plant local Churches in Canberra, Queanbeyan, Port Macquarie, Tallong, Goulburn and globally. Divergent Church chooses to interact with local communities through smaller relational gatherings instead of depending on big church buildings and a plethora of consumer products.

Five Key Traits of a Missional Church

1. A conviction we are sent by God into the World

A missional church understands that its existence is defined by people who God has sent rather than by a physical structure.

Missional churches disciples people to present Jesus at their workplaces and within their local neighbourhoods and schools instead of simply inviting people to church services like attractional models.

Missional churches seek to adapt ourselves within the cultural context rather than seek unbelievers to adapt to church culture. At all times we keep our eyes on the truth of the Gospel.

Divergent Church applies this principle in numerous ways including multiplying Life Communities on mission, planting Churches, equipping believers for the mission and sending people well beyond ourselves. "Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

John 20:21

2. Focused on Discipleship

The passion of a missional church is on discipleship development instead of organising events for consumers.

Revivalist churches often seek to pray in revival or create events that will trigger a long believed revival that will bring people in. We absolutely believe in revival, but a revival of God's people through his Spirit to SEND THEM into the world, not to bring people in when we are not going ourselves. A missional church aims for enduring spiritual growth and disciple development who also teach others.

Divergent Church encourages believers to join life communities where they can share their lives together while studying Scripture and supporting each other on their faith journeys.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18 - 20

3. Engages Culture, Rather Than Separating from It

A missional church reaches out to engage the surrounding culture instead of requiring people to adapt to its subculture. Living out biblical values means being present in everyday spaces where people live their daily lives.

Divergent Church intentionally holds gatherings at regular places like cafes and homes instead of sticking to traditional church locations. Remember, the Church is not the building, it is the people, a sanctuary does not have chairs, carpet and a sound system, it is the people of God.

"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." 1 Cor 9:19

4. Community-Oriented

Missional churches maintain strong connections with their local communities to serve and engage with them effectively. These churches prioritise addressing essential needs and advocating for justice along with selfless service instead of only holding worship services or spiritual experiences. We want to meet people where they are, so Christ can take them where he wants.

5. Every Believer is on mission

A missional church stands apart from others because it holds that every Christian should be on mission. The role of ministry extends beyond church leaders to include all believers across all areas of life. The role of leaders is to equip the saints for the ministry (Eph 4)

Those in the community of Divergent Church should view their work environments, homes and social groups as fields where they live out their faith. Their faith practice focuses on living the gospel every day through meaningful relationships instead of weekly church building gatherings. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Cor 5:14 - 17

We function as Christ’s representatives who deliver God’s message to others. Through our role as Christ's representatives we urge you to make peace with God.

Conclusion

A missional church extends beyond Sunday worship because it represents a dynamic of people who live the gospel in their daily life.

A missional church extends past the attractional approach dependent on refined church services and moves beyond revivalist movements which emphasize a desure that God would work miraculously beyond our walls because he changes us within it.

Divergent Church in Canberra, Port Macquarie and beyond takes this mission and shape of central importance.