MCN Reflection — Angela Fraser on Presentation on Missional Christianity by TV Thomas

Angela Fraser shared the following reflection immediately following TV’s presentation on the Missional Church Movement of 2024 03 11.

She writes:

The main theme that resonated with me was the need to do things differently from the norm – to go to people, not just wait for them to come to us through invitations to church events.

TV mentioned the need to be aware of the contexts of others and to make sure ministry and therefore, the missional church, is contextual. He said there should be penetration, not extraction.

Simply translated, we need to meet people where they’re at. Start where they are and proceed from there.

TV tied everything together well with his definition of the missional church: “a biblically faithful, Spirit-led, culturally appropriate, reproducing community of Christ-followers who abandon themselves to passionately pursue the mission of reaching all peoples in their context.”

This definition provides both a challenge and a potential stumbling block. In our individualistic society, even Christians are likely to be hesitant to “abandon themselves,” whether corporately (i.e. within a faith community) or individually. However, I have personally found this to be key.

As we proceed in the future, I believe any discussions around ministry should be guided by the premise of going out to meet people in their context, not trying to have them come to us so we can mold them in the image of whatever our particular church context may be.

The recording of the full Zoom meeting, including the presentation by Dr. TV Thomas, is available here:

MCN Presentation — TV Thomas (2024 03 11) – RRVista…

Angela Fraser provides missional ministry as an multi-faith Chaplain with Living Skies Spiritual Care.
See also:  Chaplain Angela Fraser – Living Skies Spiritual Care

First published:  2024/03/21