Three ‘postures’
The mission posture of a church/fellowship/assembly is how it approaches its task of outreach mission in the local context, and in the global context. There are essentially three postures a local church can adopt (whether consciously or subconsciously, whether deliberately or by default):
On the front foot
Active mission planning, targets, roles assigned, leading to action. Budget allocated specifically. The good news of the Kingdom is proactively preached.
On the back foot
Have not done mission recently (ever?). Vague plans, or no plans. No target. No roles assigned. No budget, or if there are funds these are simply donated to external agencies. Funds may be donated to charitable work in lieu of mission work (‘social gospel’).
Sitting on our hands
Church/fellowship/assembly is simply not interested in outreach.
As you reflect on your own church’s mission posture, it may be instructive to prayerfully and astutely assess yourselves against the seven ‘churches’ of Revelation chapters 2 and 3. In addition, the Federation of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) provides a self-evaluation programme to encourage struggling churches to assess their strengths and weaknesses. An adapted version of this document can be found here: Church Self-evaluation – Survey (Word)
Intentionality
Needless to say the mission posture of a church is very revealing and is a clear indicator of the future trajectory of that church. Long term, it is also an indicator of its likely survival.
How might mission posture be expressed/evidenced and then programmed for a local church? Potentially a church can devise short and medium term plans for outreach mission. Documenting a plan helps to bring it alive. A “grid” or tabular approach might be optimum:
The below is an example from a local church context (anonymized):
| Possible activity | Reason for doing | (prayed for) Outcome desired |
The below is an example from a local church context (anonymized):
|
Possible activity |
Reason for doing |
(prayed for)
Outcome desired |
| Prayer!
(n.b. this is internal to AAAA) |
Nothing happens without prayer!
Obviously this is not a “public” activity, but it would have to underpin everything else we do. |
Our folk get behind the initiatives and stay behind the initiatives Boost corporate prayer. Encourage the prayer triplets. |
| Welcome messages to new houses being erected in (town)Houses where we are aware people are moving in (??) | There’s an obvious opportunity to reach out to these new estates, with their new families and possibly feeling the need for making contacts in the town. |
Such newcomers (a) become aware of AAAA as a lively church (b) they check out our website (c) they feel a bit less embarrassed about visiting (d) they sense they will be welcomed |
| “Thursdays Up West” |
Regular slot. People begin to recognize that something will be going on. We might say “every first Thursday of the month). |
Ditto immediately above |
| “Thursdays Up West” – examples |
Artless Theatre play (we would need to learn lessons from other churches experience of this) |
Gospel messages in easy to digest format |
| “Thursdays Up West” – examples | Film
“Jesus” “A Man for All Seasons” “A Man called Peter” “Amazing Grace” “The Miracle Maker”*
* this one is really a childrens’ film so would need careful pre-positioning! |
Gospel messages in easy to digest format |
| “Thursdays Up West” – examples |
Meet the author events
NameName – The Ten Commandments for Today
NameName – The Lesson of Jonah
NameName – Reaching out to Jewish folk with the good news of Jesus |
Association with a “name” might get Christians from a wider area to attend, and possibly to bring a non-Christian friend if they know what the theme will be about. Such events should ideally be advertised 6 months in advance so people can slot it in to their programme
Subtle gospel presentation |
|
“Thursdays Up West” – examples |
Understanding the Moedim
(NameName)
Encourage local Christians to “see” the Bible in a new light. But also to encourage them to bring non-Christian friends. |
Gives a chance to express Gospel truths through the Moeds (that is, the biblical appointed festivals, which Christians are increasingly recognizing as the Gospel in prophetic rhythm) |
| Bible Comes to Life |
Enables AAAA to reach out to local Schools, part of our “good neighbour” task. Enables AAAA to reach out to and bless other local churches. |
Gospel messages in easy to digest format |
|
MISSION! |
A mission is an outreach to a particular area or specific mission group.
This might be supported by a specialist mission agency such as Through Faith Missions. |
To reach out to individuals with the gospel message and to issue a clear call to faith in Jesus.
To boost the faith of AAAA people – and hopefully other local Christians. |
| Exploring Christianity (or “Alpha”) type course |
Systematic/proven and well recognized. Can lead towards a person deciding to follow Jesus. |
Having explored the basics of the Christian faith (gospel) a person determines to follow Jesus, leading towards baptism. |
It is important to remind ourselves that the purpose of all this activity is not to “entertain”! That is not the job of the church. The purpose is to enable gospel encounters in a reasonably relaxed atmosphere and to let visitors know what is happening in other AAAA events – particularly Sunday morning and ‘housegroup’ events.
A MISSION (as defined in Chapter 5) is rather different, but many churches do missions.
Next Step
As churches/fellowships/assemblies focus on the need for outreach mission, it is essential to pray into this and arrange as agenda item at either the next scheduled [church management, Elders, Deacons’, etc] meeting, or even better, to scheduled a special ad-hoc meeting to explore, pray and plan. Never forget that the most important element of this is clearly ‘hearing’ the Lord’s direction.
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