Lunched with my Barnabas again today and we talked about the growth of the church. Though numerically we are small, we were able to point to areas of significant spiritual growth within this tiny body. This nascent maturity has profound effects both inside and outside of the body that we believe is moving ever closer to the ideal (as stated by Alan Hirsch) of ‘us for the community’ rather than ‘a community for us.’
The spiritual growth has brought some of the folks to a greater passion for others. From the first tentative steps that they made into our nursing home ministry where some were very shy and unsure of themselves, the love of Jesus for people has so taken hold of them that their passion for other, community based ministries is beginning to explode. The Spirit is moving them to suggest new avenues of service AND the willingness to lead these ministries that are close to their hearts.
The spiritual maturity that is developing is also serving them well in their relationship with God. His perspective is becoming their perspective and each, in his or her own way, is processing the events of life and the church through a God centered lens rather than a human one. Fellowship grows stronger and the commitment to the mission is strengthened as well.
Ultimately, the missional church is the one that breaks the sacred/secular wall and brings a God driven life to every part of world. The driving objective becomes ‘us for the community.’ Growth is measured in how many lives are touched by our ministry as we follow the discipleship of the Lord. The attractional church, though it can certainly grow strong disciples, still maintains the ‘community for us.’ Growth here is measured by souls in the fortress.
All praise to Jesus…and forgiveness for boasting!
LOVE | ACCEPT | FORGIVE 
great post