Reggie McNeal, in his book The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church describes a comment from a pastor after listening to McNeal speak. I think it is a great way to begin to help people understand the mission mindset:
“From now on, when some idea comes up for something new to do at our church, I am going to as the question, Who is this for?”
“Who is this for?” may be a good way for you to begin your own journey from member to missionary. Think about your life, your money, your time, your talent, and your commitments. “Who is this for?” Is the answer club members or people who do not yet know Jesus? (68)
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I reviewed this book a few years ago for the Alban Institute’s Congregations magazine. This book was a real eye opener to me. The congregation I was serving at the time didn’t seem all that receptive to discussion around the book–but it’s hard to tell with Norwegians sometimes. In the end, they hired a youth director and built a family ministry center with a gym in the middle of open country in South Dakota. Maybe it had to be their idea…I think they ended up being really clear about “who is this for?” Good post.
Thanks, Joe. I just picked up his newer book Missional Renaissance. It’s next on my to-read list after I finish one I’m currently working on.