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Discernment in Mission

Who are we reaching?

Mission-shaped or Mission-flavoured
This issue of Encounters on the Edge called "Discernment in Mission" is a what we refer to as a "general issue".It addresses an issue that is common to all types of fresh expression of church and every mission context.George writes "there is a serious danger that churches are only opting to become a bit more mission-flavoured…churches tweak the worship they offer and the evangelism they do."

George is concerned that this "mission-flavoured" approach will only connect with "church fringe" members; it will not achieve the longer, more challenging task ofconnecting with the "de-churched" or the "non-churched".

This booklet will help those starting or currently leading fresh expressions of church strategically analyze what theyare doing. It will also help them discern who else God might be calling them to.

This booklet explains the need to connect up starting points with our diverse mission field and to be clear about what works best for different groups within our society. It unpacks the pattern of good practice that begins with the group of people sent to start a fresh expression living out a quality of community life and listening to local community. Following this, they discover the particular shape of the mission and evolve worship that will sustain community in its mission.

Jesus' promisein Acts 1:8that the Spirit will always send the church further out in mission.The rest of Acts unfolds the surprises and shocks by which that lesson was learnt. The church was driven beyond its own culture. Following a similar journey today will, in the same way, change those who make it. Failure to learn these lessons has serious dangers.