Re-creating a Missional Culture

Discipleship, City Life | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

One crucial element of our church’s DNA that we’re aiming to re-create this year is a missional culture. That is, a culture in which relational evangelism is the norm. From our earliest days as a church our goal has always been to cultivate a culture in which everyone sought to build meaningful relationships with not-yet-believers in order to love them to Jesus. Yet, over the last six years, amidst growth, pastoral care issues, personal emergencies, changing venues, local mega-church implosions, and more, a bit of that DNA was lost. By God’s grace, we are seeking to change that this year.

When we talk about creating a “missional culture” we are not talking about a program that is run by leaders of the church. Rather, we are talking about a reality in which we are personally cultivating relationships with unbelievers, while seeking opportunities to graciously share the good news of Jesus. The vast majority of people do not trust Christ on Sunday-alone but through meaningful personal relationships with real-life followers of Jesus. That means we must think about this relationally. So, in light of that, I offer the following six ways for us to go about re-creating a missional culture among us: 

#1 Pray

It is easy to underestimate the importance of prayer because we are, by nature, self-reliant. That is why, I believe, God chose prayer to be one of the primary ways by which we relate to him. Prayer requires humility. Prayer requires dependence. Prayer requires relinquishing self-trust. That’s the point. This is particularly true when it comes to sharing the gospel with our not-yet-believing family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. God alone opens hearts to see his glory (2 Cor. 4:6). We don’t do that. So, do not underestimate what God can do with your prayers for the lost—in your heart and in theirs. Ask God to give you a heart for the lost around you. Pray for unbelievers by name. Ask for opportunities to build meaningful relationships with others. Above all, pray. 

#2 Think glory

The single greatest motivating reality for evangelism is the sheer glory of God. God’s glory refers to his incomparable beauty, or inexpressible excellencies, or unsearchable greatness. “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable” (Ps. 145:3). Our lives are driven and fueled by what we, deep down, glory in. Central to heartfelt, sincere, loving evangelism is a heart gripped by the unsurpassed glory of God. We love to share what we find beautiful, don’t we? “Have you read this book?” “Have you heard that song?” “Did you see the sun going down last night?” Glory is meant to be shared. How much more the One who is the source of all glory? Cultivate a heart that revels in the glory of God and you’ll have ample motivation to share the good news of Jesus. 

#3 Think relationally

To “evangelize” literally means to be a “bringer of good news.” I love that imagery. Don’t think of evangelism as a formula or rote script that you read. Think relationally. Build meaningful relationships with not-yet-believers who are sinners, like you, in need of the same saving grace of God, in Jesus. Some may say, “Doesn’t that mean you have an ulterior motive in your relationships?” Yes, an ulterior motive of love. It is genuine, heartfelt, sincere love for others that moves us to build relationships and talk about Jesus. Get to know others. Be patient. Ask questions. Don’t be pushy or weird. There is no pressure. Jesus is on the throne. So, be yourself, don’t give up, keep praying, and seek to be a “bringer of good news.”

#4 Think practically

How will you make space in your schedule for building relationships with unbelievers in this season of life? I say “this season” because this is something we need to regularly revisit. For example, in this season, our family primarily does this by meeting other parents through our kids sports and neighbors within our condo building. What about you? Think through how to create space in your weekly and/or monthly calendar. For example, on a weekly basis, what if we made it our goal to spend just one meal a week with an unbeliever? Or, on a monthly basis, what if we planned a group dinner, poker night, or social event of some kind? The options are endless, but if we don’t make intentional space for it in our calendars, as with anything else, it just won’t happen.

#5 Think missionally

This might seem redundant, but it’s not. What I mean by “thinking missionally” is to think evangelistically about what you’re already doing, wherever you are—at work, home, school, neighborhood, etc. Don’t think about evangelism as adding something else to your plate, but as a lens through which you view everything that is already on your plate. Ask God, “Who are the not-yet-believers already around me in my everyday life?” If we want to be technical, pre-evangelism is everything that goes into developing a relationship with a non-believer. Evangelism is the actual act of explaining the gospel of Jesus to others with the desire to persuade them. Mission is the term used to capture the entire process. Both pre-evangelism and evangelism are integral to participating in God’s upholding mission that he is calling us to join him in. 

#6 Think simply

Lastly, don’t over-complicate it. Our goal is simple, really: Talk with others about Jesus and his unique offer of forgiveness of sin and relationship with God. Keep in mind that this process is most likely going to involve more than one conversation with others. So, we need to have the long view in mind. You might ask, “What’s the first step I should take?” The simplest thing to do is to ask someone to read through one of the Gospels together (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John). Personally, I prefer the Gospel of Mark which is 16 chapters. Read four chapters and then get together to discuss. Then, repeat until you’re finished. Focus on who Jesus is, the claims he makes, and the response he calls for. So, don’t overcomplicate it. Think simply and keep praying. 

“Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent for I am with you…I have many in this city who are my people” (Acts 18:10). “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Rom. 10:15)

Christ is all,

Pastor Adam