


What is Missional - A Short Answer "Jesus told us to go into all
the world and be his ambassadors, but many churches today have
inadvertently changed the "go and be" command to a "come and see"
appeal. We have grown attached to buildings, programs, staff and a
wide variety of goods and services designed to attract and
entertain people. "Missional is a helpful term used to describe
what happens when you and I replace the "come to us" invitations
with a "go to them" life. A life where "the way of Jesus" informs
and radically transforms our existence to one wholly focused on
sacrificially living for him and others and where we adopt a
missionary stance in relation to our culture. It speaks of the very
nature of the Jesus follower." ---Rick Meigs (from Friend of
Missional)
Are
seeker sensitive churches Biblical?
Answer: In answering the question about whether "seeker sensitive"
churches are biblical, it makes sense to investigate what the Bible
says about the local church. The "first church" recorded in the New
Testament is found in Acts 2:41-47. The key verse in this passage
that describes the "biblical" church is verse 42, "And they
continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, and fellowship, in
the breaking of bread, and in prayers."
So, if a church is faithfully involved in these four ministry
areas, it is following the biblical model. Now, if what a "seeker
sensitive" church does negates any of these areas, it would be less
than biblical. The “apostles' doctrine” is the teaching and
preaching of the whole counsel of God from the Scriptures. If a
church is neglecting to present messages that cover the cardinal
truths of the Bible, such as sin, salvation, sanctification, and
the Savior, Jesus Christ, then it is less than biblical. The idea
of “fellowship” is the mutual sharing of spiritual things. If a
church is not allowing for this type of sharing, it is less than
biblical. The “breaking of bread” is the observance of the Lord's
Supper in communion. If a church doesn’t do this on a regular
basis, it is less than biblical. Finally, "prayers” are those
communications with the Lord, both private and public, that show
that a church is depending on Him for guidance and strength. If a
church disregards this, it is less than biblical.
If a church is faithful in these areas, it is biblical, regardless
of whether it is "seeker sensitive." Because a church worships with
contemporary Christian music, allows for casual attire, or includes
innovative things like drama, it isn't necessarily un-biblical. Be
reminded of Romans 14:19, "Therefore let us pursue the things which
make for peace and the things by which one may edify another."
But if a "seeker sensitive" church is compromising in one of the
biblical areas, then the leaders of the church are in need of
prayer and submission to the Word and the Holy Spirit.