Missional

Missional is a term used in Christian theology and church practice to describe the conviction that God is on a mission to the world and that the church participates in that mission. In missional thinking, the church is understood as being sent into the world rather than primarily gathering for worship or programmatic activities. The emphasis is on living as a people formed by the gospel who witness to it through words and deeds in daily life and across cultures.

Origins and development: The term gained prominence in the late 20th century with the rise of the missional church movement. Key figures include Darrell L. Guder, whose work Missional Church (1998) framed the church as part of the ongoing triune mission of God (Missio Dei). Other influential voices include Alan Roxburgh and Michael Frost, who emphasized incarnational presence, contextualization, and mission-shaped church life. The concept combines a theology of mission with practical reforms in church structure, leadership, and community formation.

Core features: Missional ecclesiology emphasizes sentness, incarnational engagement, and cultural discernment. It advocates integrating proclamation of the gospel with accompaniment, service, and social transformation. Churches emphasize formation of deep disciples, smaller mission-focused communities, and partnerships in local and global contexts. Leadership and governance are often reoriented toward equipping members for mission, with attention to contextual realities and cross-cultural listening.

Critiques and variations: Critics note definitional variation, the risk of reducing mission to programs or growth metrics, and tension with traditional sacramental or confessional emphases. Despite disagreements, missional language remains influential in shaping church renewal, planting, and urban ministry strategies in many denominations.