Friday, June 23, 2023

Becoming a "Missionary" Church

Here in the rural South you have a church on practically every corner. Some of these are called "Missionary" churches. 

Not exactly sure why, but my guess is that they are intentional about missions and evangelism. I sometimes wonder if the word "missionary" might not be a good word to include in all of our church names. One of the worst mistakes a church can make is to be structured for the gathering rather than for the going, for fellowship rather than for mission. Ultimately, the true church is not concerned about itself. It lives exocentrically. It intentionally turns itself outward to the world. Hence its structure should embody this dynamic rather than static outlook. 

I would love to see the day when "missionary churches" does not refer to a particular denomination or local church but to all churches everywhere.