Being “missional” means living out the mission that God has given to all believers. The mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by proclaiming the gospel message and exemplifying the character of Christ.
The missional movement emphasizes that all Christians are missionaries called to spread the good news of Jesus wherever we are. It’s a mindset shift away from expecting people to come to church events and activities. Instead, every follower of Christ is encouraged to live on mission daily in their families, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and third spaces.
The Biblical Basis for Being Missional
The missional lifestyle for Christians comes straight from the Bible.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions his followers with these words:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20a ESV)
This Great Commission establishes the fact that Jesus expects his disciples to go out, share the gospel, baptize new believers, and teach them to obey Christ’s teachings. The original 12 apostles took this call seriously, spreading out across the known world to start churches and share the good news.
In Acts 1:8, just before Jesus ascended to heaven, he told the apostles:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)
The book of Acts records how the early church lived this out. Empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they began sharing first in Jerusalem, then expanded to Judea and Samaria, and finally took the gospel message to the ends of the earth.
The apostle Paul also spoke frequently about living on mission:
“For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16b ESV)
Paul felt compelled to share the gospel wherever he went, whether or not it was easy or comfortable. He reminds believers in Philippians 2:14-16:
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.” (Philippians 2:14-16a ESV)
Followers of Jesus have the privilege and responsibility of shining God’s light in a dark world. We hold out the word of life to those who need the hope only found in Christ.
The missional Christian embraces the calling to bring the gospel wherever they live, work, study, and play. Mission isn’t just for paid pastors, ministers, and missionaries. It’s the lifestyle Jesus has invited every believer into.
Practical Ways to Live Missionally
Living missionally flows out of a love for God and others. It involves both showing and telling the good news of Jesus through our words and actions.
Here are some practical ways Christians can live out the mission in their everyday lives:
- Get to know your neighbors. Introduce yourself, build relationships, and meet practical needs when you’re able.
- Serve your local community. Find ways to give back and care for those in need right around you.
- Share your story. Be authentic about how God has worked in your life.
- Invite friends to church or small group. Help connect them into Christian community.
- Start spiritual conversations. Ask questions and listen well when others share.
- Offer to pray for people. Ask God to meet their needs and draw them close.
- Share biblical truth and resources. Recommend a helpful book, podcast, or video.
- Explain the gospel clearly when you have opportunity.
- Train others to be missional. Disciple young believers in outreach.
- Go on short-term missions trips. Travel to serve those in need.
- Support missionaries. Give financially, pray regularly, and communicate.
- Focus your career and giftings on ministry. Develop skills to advance the gospel.
- Move into a cross-cultural community. Immerse yourself in a new context.
Living missionally will look different for each person. It’s all about leveraging your unique gifts, passions, places, and relationships for the kingdom of God. When all Christians embrace the call to reach their spheres of influence, the church powerfully expands.
Common Barriers to the Missional Life
While being missional is an exciting way of life, believers also face challenges:
- Busyness and distraction – It’s easy to get consumed by tasks and responsibilities, leaving little margin to build relationships and share Christ.
- Materialism and comfort – An affluent, convenient lifestyle can breed complacency and self-focus.
- Insecurity and fear of rejection – Sharing the gospel makes many feel uncertain about what people will think.
- Lack of compassion – It’s tempting not to get involved with messy people in great need.
- Apathy and selfishness – Some lazily assume evangelism is someone else’s job.
- Spiritual immaturity – Young or stagnant believers may not feel equipped to teach and disciple others.
- Cultural barriers – Navigating cross-cultural outreach takes special wisdom and sensitivity.
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome challenges like these. As we walk closely with God, read Scripture, and ask for boldness, we can break through obstacles to live on mission.
Key Missional Principles
Several biblical priorities shape the missional Christian’s perspective and practice:
- Incarnational ministry – Just as Jesus lived among humanity, we embed ourselves in culture while remaining set apart for the gospel.
- Contextual awareness – We understand our community’s values, needs, history, and concerns.
- Gracious dialogue – Asking good questions and listening well builds relational bridges.
- Holistic witness – We serve practical needs as well as sharing truth.
- Simple church – The church is the spiritual family, not a building or institution.
- Authentic community – Deep relationships provide disciples a safe place to grow in faith and obedience.
- Every member ministry – All believers use their gifts to further the mission.
- Sacrificial service – We lay down our rights and agendas to see God’s kingdom come.
The missional ethos is countercultural, hands-on, and highly relational. It’s a 24/7 lifestyle of availability to God and others no matter the cost.
Signs of a Missional Church
Local churches are the primary vehicle for believers to live missionally in everyday life. Healthy, missional congregations model and mobilize their people to reach the world for Christ. Here are key characteristics:
- Leaders equip all members for works of service (Ephesians 4:11-12).
- Gifted evangelists and teachers train and deploy disciples (2 Timothy 4:5).
- The focus is reaching the lost, not institutional preservation (Luke 15:1-7).
- Dynamic worship sustains cultural relevance (1 Corinthians 14:23-25).
- Believers incarnate within the community (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
- Mercy ministries meet tangible needs (Isaiah 58:6-12).
- Bold, contextualized preaching challenges status quo (Acts 17:22-34).
- Simple structures maximize impact (Acts 2:42-47).
- Passion for Jesus and the lost is contagious (2 Corinthians 5:14-21).
Churches that foster a culture of “every member a missionary” can spark awakening in their communities and beyond.
Cautions Regarding Missional Activism
In our zeal to impact the world for Christ, we must be careful of two potential dangers:
1. Neglecting Spiritual Formation
Being busy with many ministry programs doesn’t automatically produce maturity. Without pursuing communion with God, we lack his wisdom, discernment, and power for effective outreach.
Jesus corrected this oversight in Mary and Martha when Martha became “distracted with much serving” while Mary sat at the Lord’s feet (Luke 10:38-42). Both roles are vital. As Henri Nouwen wrote, “The spiritual life is not a life before, after, or beyond our everyday existence. No, the spiritual life can only be real when it is lived in the midst of the pains and joys of the here and now.”
We must nurture intimacy with Christ in the Word and prayer to fruitfully join him on mission.
2. Diluting the Gospel Message
Seeking to make Christianity relevant within contemporary culture can lead some to compromise or avoid key truths. The missional label has occasionally been associated with doctrinal murkiness and theological liberalism.
While our methods must adapt contextually, the message of conversion through Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection must remain crystal clear. The Pauline Epistles directly confront idolatry, sexual immorality, greed, and power structures undergirding societies. We best express God’s heart by modeling both grace and truth (John 1:14).
As we interact with diverse neighbors, we prayerfully depend on the Spirit for discernment to communicate timeless gospel truths in timely ways.
Conclusion
The missional movement calls followers of Jesus back to our roots of living as salt, light, and ambassadors of Christ 24/7. It’s an urgent summons to move beyond comfortable Christianity into sacrificial service empowered by the Spirit. We have the joy of joining the Lord in his unstoppable mission to redeem broken lives and restore all things under his gracious reign.
