Stetzer on Missional Practice
Monday, February 16, 2009 at 11:27AM Blind Beggar has a great interview with Ed Stetzer over at Missional Tribe. Stetzer says:
The problem with the so-called "missional conversation" is that it too often stops at conversation. We have lots of professional and armchair missiologists, but very few practitioners. I do think there is a tide turning; however, time will tell if it involves actual commitment to applying missional thinking or if it is merely a new coat of paint on to what is perceived as the next technique for church programming or growth.
And to pastors/leaders who would like to move people toward missional living:
You must live it yourself. It cannot be a theoretical technique you're trying on. Pastor by teaching but also by being an example. Secondly, be prayerful and patient. Don't take a sharp 90 degree turn. Cast a vision through your example and through consistent teaching over time and providing opportunities for missional service. Don't push; lead. There's lots of other things, but the last I'd mention is to network and seek counsel with other churches and leaders. See what's worked for others and what hasn't, get encouragement and advice, and develop cooperation between congregations.
Reader Comments (1)
Reminds me of a quote, " In the end, will we have said more than we've done." Sadly, the emerging church did not live out the theological conversation it imagined and mused about...hopefully the " missional church " won't be like the arm chair quarterback, sometimes you got to get onto the field to see if your plays really work.