On The Missional Church — Timothy Keller

Timothy Keller, in a 2001 paper, The Missional Church, writes

This concept of the missional church goes beyond any program; the practices described here have to be present in every area of the church.

For example, what makes a small group missional? A missional small group is not necessarily one that is doing some kind of specific evangelism program (though that is to be encouraged). Rather,

(1) if its members love and talk positively about the city/neighborhood,

(2) if they speak in language that is not filled with pious tribal or technical terms and phrases, nor with disdainful and embattled verbiage,

(3) if in their Bible study they apply the gospel to the core concerns and stories of the people of the culture,

(4) if they are obviously interested in and engaged with the literature, art and thought of the surrounding culture and can discuss it both appreciatively and critically,

(5) if they exhibit deep concern for the poor, generosity with their money, purity and respect with regard to the opposite sex, and humility toward people of other races and cultures, and

(6) if they do not bash other Christians and churches—

then seekers and nonbelieving people will be invited and will come and stay as they explore spiritual issues.

Source:  The Missional Church, by Timothy Keller (2001).  (PDF of 3 pages)