When asked, “What is missional engagement?” I describe three distinct types of missional engagement. There are likely other ways to think about the different approaches to missional engagement. Each type of engagement can make a difference. Financial engagement is often more passive, whereas relational engagement is active and ongoing. I suggested relational engagement led to the deepest transformation.

Do you hear the “but” coming?

But, if we are not careful, we miss an important aspect of missional engagement. We take for granted we are participating in the mission of God.

First, God. Then, engagement.

First, the movement of God, then we respond. If we get it the order mixed up, we’re telling God what to do.

I’ve told God what to do a time or two. And, I’m sure you have, too. When my prayers have sounded something like what follows, I am telling God what to do:

“God, care for the children in our city.”

“Lord, keep those who are sleeping outside tonight warm.”

“God, provide for those who are hungry.”

If you’ve ever prayed those prayers, you’ve told God what to do. Again, I’ve done it, too. In moments of arrogance or ignorance, I have unintentionally stepped into the role of God. Not to worry, God can handle our presumptions and our arrogance. Thankfully, God also loves us enough to help us grow in our faith. My journey with Jesus has led me to recognize that the very one who needs to care for the children, those who do not have shelter, and/or people who are hungry, etc. may be me.

So, when we speak of “mission” we are referring to the mission of God. David Bosch reminds us,

The classical doctrine of the missio Dei as God the Father sending the Son, God the Father and the Son sending the Spirit, was expanded to include yet another ‘movement’: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit sending the church into the world.*

God’s mission gives the church purpose and direction.

We participate in missional engagement because of the movement of God in and through the people of God we call the church. God’s mission expresses the good news that God is with us and for us.  The mission of the church flows from the mission of God. The church is an instrument for the mission of God. Begin with God’s mission and the church is a beautiful, life-giving community of faith. Begin with your agenda and the missional center of the people of God is left behind in the dust.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t live into God’s mission alone. I need the church. David Bosch reminds us,

To participate in mission is to participate in the movement of God’s love toward people, since God is a fountain of sending love.

When God is a fountain of sending love we have the great privilege of responding. As a result, missional engagement necessitates relationship: with God, with each other, and with the community. We participate in the movement of God as we build relationships with people through acts of service.

May all we say and do help us to live into the mission of God.
*David Bosch, Transforming Mission, p.390