Has the 'missional movement' been given enough time to produce fruit?
Dan Kimball appears to be getting impatient as he writes,
"Small, indigenous churches are getting lots of attention, but where's the fruit?
I hope I am wrong. For the past few years, I have been observing, listening, and asking questions about the missional movement. I have a suspicion that the missional model has not yet proven itself beyond the level of theory. Again, I hope I am wrong"
The article he writes appears to me to ask some serious and compelling questions, comparing the growth of 'attractional' churches with the apparent lack of growth of those pursuing alternate methods of church.
"We all agree with the theory of being a community of God that defines and organizes itself around the purpose of being an agent of God's mission in the world. But the missional conversation often goes a step further by dismissing the "attractional" model of church as ineffective. Some say that creating better programs, preaching, and worship services so people "come to us" isn't going to cut it anymore. But here's my dilemma—I see no evidence to verify this claim."
I wholeheatedly agree that the measure of a method of 'church' needs to be, is it growing and seeing people move from non Christ follower to fully devoted disciple. Maybe I am a late adopter, or maybe its time for some serious re-evaluations of those who are the self appointed 'evaluators'
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6 comments:
6:01 am
Fruit = Disciple?
10:49 am
Answer = "Yes"!
12:39 pm
Fruit=people who were not christ followers, becoming disciples.
Otherwise the church (in whatever form) is just shuffling around)
3:01 pm
I'll admit my understanding of fruit is way different, looks like it will stay that way - there you go!!! we look at things through our own "lens".
Mark - not that I would do the stat thing - but cost/benifit - if someone was to come to the Lord here at the Bridge (which does happen), no paid Pastor, nominal rent , group of about 50, very low expences, even the guy at the Bank noticed and said most of our money was being spent elsewhere - how many would you need to see enter the Kingdom for the same cost/benifit? 4?, 8? - where you Pastor?
5:25 pm
Thats a very good question Mark.
We each operate from our own 'lens' as you say, and while we might discuss this on the net in various forms, I doubt anyone is going to change their minds...and maybe they dont need to. I believe God is very creative...and loves the church and utilises the church in all its forms. I just happen to believe that leadership is a gift given to the church, and I could not do what I do unless released to by my community of faith.
6:16 pm
you guys might enjoy reading a response to Kimball's "Out of Ur" post by David Fitch over at http://www.reclaimingthemission.com/2008/12/three-questions-for-attractional.html
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