We need to be loved.
We have church leaders and planters that are not ready to love and care for their city. We’re like the spouse who says, of course I love him/her, I married them didn’t I?
Being missional is like getting married. Being incarnational is like making love.
It’s not enough to say, of course we love you, we planted a church for you. We have to court, love, and express love to our cities.
Practices:
1) We need to adopt a posture of listening to the neighborhood/community/region/city that we’ve been sent. Instead, now we give them the programs we think they need. Let’s listen to them and then figure out what we can do to incarnate the gospel in that culture. Jesus asked the blind man, what is it that you want from me? When was the last time we asked our community/county/city what they want/need?
2) Be prepared to serve. Be prepared to follow through on what it is that they’ve asked for. We are the sent ones, not because we’re better than you. But simply because we have been loved, forgiven, and set free by Jesus and sent to you.
a. Eat in local cafes and shop in shops.
b. Meet with community leaders.
c. Say yes to invitations to sit down with anyone.
3) Be loyal to your city/community/neighborhood. We are here and we’ll be here to help no matter what comes. In sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, ‘til death do us part. Nobody is more transient than American Christian church leaders. We’re like rolling stones that gather no moss. Incarnational mission is covered with moss.
Mission of God is telling our world that our God reigns through Christ.
Unexplained actions are not missional and undemonstrated announcement is not the gospel either.
Go and open people’s eyes to the reign and rule of God in people’s lives and watch church result.
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