There is a concern that arises in people when they hear statements like “When we are all working on mission, community happens naturally. When we’re working on community, mission gets lost somewhere.” Their concern is that when mission is held up as ultimate then care for others will stop and members of the community will be valued only for their contribution to the mission. Below I will try to show that in this concern there is a misunderstanding of the purpose of the Gospel. I will also show how living in community is not a by product of mission, but is part of fulfilling the mission. In addition I will give some ideas for leaders to keep in mind as they lead a community in fulfilling the purpose of the gospel.
I like to convey the idea by saying this: “You cannot have an Acts 2 church without an Acts 1:8 mission.” (I heard this from Jeff Vanderstelt of Soma Communities in Tacoma, WA) Many people aim for the “community” they see in Acts 2. When they do this and leave out the Acts 1:8 mission they usually end up with an inward focused, naval–gazing, psychotherapy group. That is not the church. I also think that without being on mission a church cannot have the “community” that is intended by the Lord and the New Testament writers.
PURPOSE OF THE GOSPEL
God, through the Gospel, saves individuals and is creating “one new man” (Ephesians 2.15). When an individual is saved by the Gospel, their very identity is changed in relation to God and in relation to other believers. Part of this new identity includes becoming members of the family of God (Eph 2.13-16, 19-21). These individuals and the body of individuals are saved for a purpose (Eph 2.10, James 1.18). This purpose is the mission of God.
This mission can be stated in many ways but for now we will define it as representing God on earth, reflecting His glory and drawing men/women to Himself. God’s mission is carried out by this “one new man” as the individuals in the body relate to one another in love (John 13.35). If believers relate to one another without this purpose you cannot have the realization of community that God intended for His church. For the sake of this discussion community will be defined as an attitude of good will maintained by believers that manifests itself in maintaining a close association, being involvied in mutual interests, and in sharing and participating with other believers.
The Gospel working in a believer empowers a believer to relate to others inside and outside the community of God in a God-glorifying way. At the same time, the Gospel fulfills its purpose by non-believers observing this “one new man” love eachother by the power and grace of the Gospel. Therefore, mission doesn’t distract me from community. If mission is held up as the purpose of the Gospel, then believers will be driven to care for others in the family of God, because in doing so they are fulfilling the mission. God is glorified and people are drawn to the body of Christ because of the way we love one another. Another question that a leader must ask himself as he is leading the mission is “Am I using mission to build people, or am I using people to build the mission?” If you are using people to build a mission you are not fulfilling the purpose that God has for saving individuals.
NAVY SEALS AND MISSIONAL COMMUNITY
I like to compare the church to a Navy Seal team. The Seals have a mission. As they pursue this mission they are brought closer to each other relationally. This is usually called camaraderie. Camaraderie is built as they suffer through the mission. In preparation for the mission trust is built, and they want to look out for the welfare of their teammates. In addition, if anyone of them is hurt or has weaknesses they will care for that team member and encourage them to work on improving their skills. Why? Because when they do this, it helps them carry out their mission better. This is the same with a church.
As members struggle together on mission they will experience camaraderie, an aspect of community. This occurs through actual hardships, wrestling with the scriptures, talking strategy and praying for the mission. As trust is built and commitment to the mission is shown, then commitment to each other also grows. Let’s face it, carrying out the mission of God can be scary and could involve risk. I really don’t want to do mission alone. I want someone who understands my desire to give it all up for the Lord and who is just as committed to the mission as I am. I want someone to be a “Jesus Freak” with me.
CARE IS MISSION
As people engage in the mission of God together they need to have a Biblical understanding of the role of the “new man,” or church, in carrying out this mission. As other people in the body struggle with sin issues, life issues and problems, other members who are committed to the mission know they need to care for these people because it fulfills the mission and allows others to get back in the game. In addition, as restoration comes through the Gospel, the Holy Spirit and the body of Christ, God is glorified and the mission is carried out in the restoration. The mission motivates me to care and the Gospel empowers me to care. If I am overlooking the care of the church then the mission is not my motivation, but what is motivating me is some other idol like selfish-ambition and self-glory to name some that I need to guard against. The Gospel must always be held up as ultimate. However, the church must constantly be reminded of the purpose of the Gospel, which is mission. Without being reminded of the purpose of the Gospel, the “one new man” will not carry out God’s mission. Care for those inside and outside of the church as well as proclamation of the Gospel all contribute to the purpose of the Gospel - which is mission.
ROLE OF LEADERS
In addition I don’t think that mission or community happens automatically or naturally. Individuals in the church must work together to stay centered on the gospel and its purpose. The Holy Spirit will play its part as must those who are leading these communities. Some people in the body of Christ, based on their gifts and temperament, will naturally be more focused on care or mission or doctrine. A leader needs to guide his flock in identifying these bents and empower individuals to speak up when they feel that the community is neglecting one of these crucial components of the church. A leader needs to be sensitive to this feedback. He needs to search his heart for idols, repent and center on the Gospel. By establishing this culture in a community and from this heart posture he can then lead and encourage the body in having gospel centered hearts and mission purposed relationships both inside and outside the believing community.