When I speak of missional energy, I confess I have no verse to take you to, no great theological architect from history to cite. Only decades of working with people as a leader. But I will tell you that I believe it is very real and must be considered. When I talk to other leaders, they believe it’s real, too. They may not use my language, but they know what I mean when I describe it.
Here’s the idea: It is as if there is a certain amount of missional energy within a person and, by extension, within a community of people.
This energy can be turned inward or outward.
If turned outward, toward something authentically missional, the life of the community is relatively peaceful. There isn’t the time or energy to focus on minor disagreements or petty arguments, trivial mistakes or inconsequential missteps.
Within the life of a church that is turned outward, no one cares what color the carpet is, the fine points of another’s eschatology, or splitting a Sunday School class into two to make room for others.
Instead, Kingdom victories are celebrated by all, grace is extended to all, and minor mistakes are overlooked in all.
Why?
There are obviously far larger issues at hand.
However, if that energy is not turned outward, the energy still exists. And when that energy is not spent being missional, it turns inward, like a dog gnawing a sore on its leg. Pseudo-missions come to the surface, feigning an importance equal to authentic mission. Suddenly minuscule matters of order, trivial variants of biblical interpretation, and trifling questions about lifestyle all come rushing to the forefront with a sense of gravitas that is wickedly out of proportion.
Of course, this isn’t limited to churches. You see it in schools, homeowner’s associations, sports leagues…anywhere people are gathered.
Yes, there are times to point out mistakes and errors, moral lapses and incongruities. This isn’t about turning a blind eye to incompetence.
But let’s make sure the mistakes we’re pointing out are major ones, shall we? Ones that really matter?
And in the meantime, let’s focus on using our energy toward something more productive than finding 24 inconsequential mistakes in a 143-minute film.
Like making a film or two yourself.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
