Missional Church in Boulder, CO

If you are confused by the term missional church, you are not alone. The word "mission" conjures up images of somthing "others" are involved in, not me. Church members pray and give so that others may go and serve. Just as churches have other programs, such as Children's Ministry and Worship Ministry, they also have a Missions Program. The word missions is viewed as but one expression of the church.

In the missional church, mission is more about "being and doing" than "supporting and sending." The missional church understands that although some may be supported as those sent to other locations, every member of the church is "sent." Mission is something all participate in rather than something we have someone else do as our representative. In this sense, every member is a missionary.

It's not that we, as individuals or as a church, have suddenly chosen to be part of God's mission. It is that God has chosen us. Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain..." (John 15:16). Mission starts with God. We can choose to live outside of God's intent for our lives. Yet, to live as ones chosen by Jesus is to be called and sent into God's mission in this world.

This means, all ministry and all of life is missional. As Jesus entered our world to love people, serve them, and share Good News; we cross the distance into the lives of others to be Christ with them.

I want to spend some time in the coming weeks writing about seven themes BVCC's leaders have identified as central to who God is calling us to be. Here they are as a reminder:

1. We will engage in God’s Mission in Boulder County and around the World.
2. We hold Jesus as the ultimate measure of our spiritual growth and development.
3. We pray that Boulder Valley, and each member, will be known for authentic, loving relationships.
4. We strive to be as inclusive as our Father in every area of congregational life, including our Sunday assemblies.
5. We call one another to love the marginalized and broken in our community.
6. We intentionally reach out to “those we run with.”
7. We will partner and live our lives with other faith families.

Called and sent - to be Jesus to one another, to Boulder and to the world.