Being Reformissional

Now you are starting to hear all kinds of new terms. You might wonder what they mean in real life. The pastor is talking about something called "reformission" or being "missional". If you were to type these words into your word processing program it would result in a squiggly red line that indicates a spelling error. These words aren't even in the dictionary. What are these new words?

Being reformissional is preaching the Gospel in the context of your culture. We are missionaries on a mission that Jesus gave us in his earthly ministry. I mean that we are to be like Christ was in his humiliation while having the confidence of the exalted Christ as we boldly proclaim truth. What truth? The truth. I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Redeemer. I have freedom in Christ from sin and death and so can all of those who place their lives in the Redeemer's hands.

Being reformissional means taking the truth to the people in a way that they can understand--not in a way that they necessarily might agree with, but in a way that is clear cut Gospel. This involves being relational with people so that we can actually communicate and conversate (ha, I think I made up another word--but you get the point). People relate to people they know and trust. That means in order for us to be reformissional we have to know others outside of the church so that they can get to know and trust us.

Being reformissional is not about getting people to church so that pastor can do what he is paid to do. Rather we are to be the messengers. Church serves as the community of believers that can have a real hand in sharing the Gospel. But once a person is in the pew, the job is only beginning.

Being reformissional is not about safety and a fortified church. Reformissional Christians put their comfort on the line to achieve eternal purposes. We must think with eternal things in mind (where have I heard that before?). When we think with eternal things in mind we become like that cute little boy, who is no longer that cute, from the movie "The Sixth Sense". You don't see anonymous people walking around, you see opportunities to share life with those who are dead.

Are we reformissional? This is just the beginning.