It’s a buzz-word the Spirit’s been spreading: Missional.
And now it’s getting its own denomination, of sorts.
Spencer Burke has been on the cutting edge of modern ways to ‘do’ church for the last 20 years. Now he’s launching www.missionplanting.com as an association of mission-minded churches to share resources.
Chances are, they’re resources your church can use too.
Watch the Full Program
Rather Listen? Click here for the Mp3.
If you’re enjoying this article, share it on Twitter by clicking here.
Synopsis
Interest in the Missional church movement has never been greater. Spencer Burke thinks it’s time to harness that interest into an association of like-minded churches that span denominational lines to share resources. In this interview Spencer shares his vision, as well as his critiques, challenges and hopes for what the church can become. Here are my notes:
Don’t Ask How But Why
The missional answers to the kingdom-spreading, church-building questions that have been with us for so long are no longer how, but why. Churches are infamous for answering questions no one is asking, and answering the ‘why’ questions is a good way to change that.
Help the Community, Don’t Hurt It
Spencer says too many churches, who purport to exist for the sake of the community, put themselves first and fail to listen and respond to community needs - to the detriment of both.
Argument Partners
Instead assigning a ‘shepherd’ or greeter to a newcomer, what if we teamed them up with argument partners – people to help others sort out their questions, and fuel inquiry? Might we take discipleship to a new level?
About Spencer Burke
Spencer Burke is the founder of www.missionplanting.com and has been at the forefront of the emerging Church movement, including creating TheOOZE.com – one of the earliest expressions of this transition in the Church. He has also hosted an offline gathering – a learning party called Soularize – which offers participants a safe place to experience and explore emerging trends in theology, Church, the arts and faith. Spencer is the author of three books: Making Sense of Church, Out of TheOOZE, and A Heretic’s Guide to Eternity. Spencer’s 22 years of professional ministry culminated with his position as one of the teaching pastors at Mariners Church in Irvine, California where he played a strategic role in the congregation’s growth from 800 to 10,000 members. Spencer was a founding Board Member of Damah, an independent short film festival committed to spiritual experiences in film. As an accomplished photographer Spencer has exhibited his work at galleries and taught at the University level. Spencer is married to Lisa, his wife of 24 years, and has a son Alden who is 12 and a daughter Grace who is eight. They have lived in the same “beachshack” in Newport Beach, CA for the past 20 years.
Spencer Recommends
Trying out www.missionplanting.com with a 15 day membership – it’s free – click here.
