Prophetic Agenda

Being intentionally missional

The Church Unveiled – Called, Cultured, and Empowered

I think that on the top of priorities for the Church today is urgency for it to be missional. The Church—God’s chosen vessel, His bride—stands as a place of hope, imbued with divine mandates that shape its identity, destiny and mission. These divine commands encapsulate the worship of God, the cultivation of a thriving fellowship, the embodiment of social compassion, and an unwavering commitment to healing—both spiritual and physical. God is in our midst and still moving in power by the Holy Spirit.

In our day, the call for the Church to fulfil these divine mandates resonates with an urgency like never before. We find ourselves caught in a web of challenges and crises that have the potential to shake the Church’s foundations, yet also provide an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate its God-empowered relevance and resilience.

The Faith and hope-stripping postmodern mindset, with its tendency to question absolute truths and deconstruct traditional norms, leaves many grappling with scepticism and doubt. This creeping doubt attempts to cast a shadow over the divine authority of the Bible, God’s inspired Word, leading to a crisis of faith for some Christians. It is here, in the crucible of doubt, that the Church is called to affirm its faith and reliance on God’s Word with unwavering conviction.

Similarly, the threat of military conflict, especially in Russia’s dreadful war with Ukraine affects Europe, ripples through global consciousness, stirring up fear and uncertainty. As a beacon of hope and peace amidst a world riddled with conflict, the Church is called to echo Christ’s peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) and to stand as a testament to His teachings of reconciliation, love, and forgiveness (Matthew 5:9, 44).

Close to hand, the continuing cost of living crisis adds to the increasing strain on societal fabric. The call to social concern here is not merely a call to charity, but a challenge for the Church to examine economic structures critically, to advocate for justice, and to offer practical, compassionate responses to alleviate the burdens of those hit hardest by these crises (Isaiah 1:17), something that the church through food banks, CAP and other ministries is doing with a sense of excellence.

Even in the midst of gender identity issues, the Church finds itself navigating a complex dialogue between upholding biblical teachings and demonstrating Christ’s inclusive love. Even here, there lies an invitation for the Church to create safe spaces for dialogue, to listen, to learn, and to respond with both grace and truth (John 1:14).

Against this backdrop of mounting pressures, it becomes imperative to remember our roots, to trace back our lineage to the ancient faith, and to reinforce our steadfast trust in God’s sovereign design.

The biblical narrative during the reign of King Hezekiah provides an illuminating touchstone.

Hezekiah’s reign was one marked by sweeping reforms and profound faith amidst adversity. Notably, it was during his reign that the prophet Isaiah delivered prophecies of both judgement and restoration. As Isaiah stood as a statesman of faith and truth amidst a society steeped in disbelief and idolatry, we are reminded of the encouraging prophetic role the Church is called to fulfil today.

Isaiah’s prophecy foretelling restoration and revival—predicated on the people’s return to their faith—is a beacon of hope for our contemporary context. Just as Isaiah envisioned a revival following repentance and return to God, so too can we expect a resurgence of faith, love, and power in the Church as we return to our first love (Revelation 2:4-5).

The prophetic parallel with Isaiah and Hezekiah’s time is a clarion call for the Church today—a call to rise to the divine mandates with renewed fervour and spirit-led power.

Echoes from the Early Church

The early Church has much to say to us. As we look at the unpredictable landscapes of modern society, with its convoluted maze of dilemmas and crises, a source of wisdom and advice comes from the early days of the Church. The formation and development of the early Church provides us a rich, multilayered roadmap. This roadmap does not simply depict an historical journey; it is a time-tested guide to spiritual growth, community building, and mission-driven living.

Christ’s establishment of the Church was no mere human endeavour. Instead, it was an act of divine will, purposefully designed to manifest His power in the world. The Church was born as a living testament to God’s power – a testament not confined to the annals of scripture but dynamically embodied in the lives of the believers.

This Church, born out of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), stood as a beacon of light amidst a prevailing darkness. It brought hope to the hopeless, offered healing to the sick, and breathed life into the spiritually dead. As believers gathered, sharing in fellowship, the Word and prayer, their lives were transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. They were not just hearers of the Word; they lived it, breathed it, and became a living exposition of the scripture (James 1:22). The Church was pulsating with Spirit-empowered life and purpose – and as we’ll see – that has not changed today.

The Church, through its communal worship and shared life, served as an active demonstration of God’s kingdom on Earth. This is where Christ’s establishment of the Church transcends its historical confines, reaching into our contemporary context. The Church, both then and now, is called to tread the path illuminated by the Scriptures, living as Christ’s ambassadors, His hands and feet in the world.

However, to follow this path, we must delve into a deeper understanding of this calling. As Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) exhorts, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” This scriptural mandate paints a picture of the life to which we are called: a life modelling Christ’s love, sacrificial giving, and unwavering commitment to the Father’s will.

The early Church also serves as an example of radical love for one another. In Acts 4:32 (ESV), we read, “Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.” It is a striking testament to the unity and love that the early Church embodied, a unity born out of a shared life in the Spirit and raises the challenge to examine our individual and collective lives: Are we mirroring the unity, generosity, and love of the early Church? Are we truly walking the path that the Scriptures illuminate?

The early Church’s legacy is not merely a relic of the past; it is a living, breathing reality meant to permeate our congregations, communities, and personal lives and we are called, as they were, to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), to influence society, and to bring the flavour of Christ’s love into the lives of those we encounter. We’re called to be a living testament to God’s power, just as the early Church was. If you wonder where God is, come to His Church!

It’s worth remembering the reality check that the early Church faced its share of tribulations – but through faith and reliance on God’s power, they overcame. Their perseverance in the face of adversity serves as an inspiring lesson for the contemporary Church as we navigate through our own unique set of challenges. The echoes of the early Church are resonating, calling us to an adventurous journey, a journey where we do not merely follow Christ’s path but also leave our footprints on it.

Acts of the Apostles

Being intentionally missional, the book of Acts, penned by Luke, acts as a chronicle of the Church’s ground zero. This historical record begins in Jerusalem, tracing the formation and progression of the early Church and shedding light on the critical foundations of Christian faith and practice.

The Church’s conception occurs in an extraordinary event known as Pentecost, captured in Acts 2:1-4. Here, the disciples, gathered in one place, are filled with the Holy Spirit, manifesting in the ability to speak in tongues – an occurrence that marked the fulfilment of Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit’s arrival (John 14:16) and signalled the birth of the Church. The Holy Spirit, God’s very personal presence, empowered the disciples to carry on Jesus’ mission, underscoring the centrality of the Spirit’s power and guidance in the Church’s life. Helpfully, Acts 2:42-46 provides an intimate glimpse into the Church’s daily life where we can see the early Christian community is marked by devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. Each aspect holds profound significance.

Devotion to the apostles’ teaching underscores the Church’s commitment to sound doctrine and continual learning. These teachings, derived from Christ’s own words and actions, served as a guide for their faith and conduct. This underlines the importance of the Bible’s authority, a principle that contemporary Christians must uphold, even when confronted with the rising tide of scepticism in our postmodern society.

The term ‘fellowship‘ translates from the Greek ‘koinonia’, suggesting deep communion and partnership. The early Church was characterised by a profound sense of community and mutual care, demonstrating their love for one another in practical ways such as the sharing of possessions (Acts 2:45). Amid the growing individualism of our times, this challenges us to foster authentic, supportive relationships within our church communities.

The ‘breaking of bread‘ likely refers to both common meals and the Lord’s Supper, symbolising unity in Christ and commemoration of Jesus’ sacrificial death. This practice, central to Christian worship, connects believers across time and space, underscoring the shared faith that unites us.

Prayers were integral to the life of the early Church. They recognised their dependence on God and the power of intercession, drawing strength and guidance from their collective prayers. In our own lives, amidst societal pressures and crises, this illustrates the essential role of prayer in our relationship with God and our communal church life.

The early Church’s life was not devoid of adversity, they faced severe persecution, as the new ‘Way’ they followed was countercultural and threatening to both the Jewish and Roman authorities. Their response to such adversity is a testament to their resolute faith; they stood firm, unswerving in their belief, and continuously multiplied in number, demonstrating God’s faithfulness amidst trials. This historical experience parallels the spiritual apathy and marginalisation faced by the contemporary Church. As such, we are encouraged to remain steadfast, drawing strength from their example, and continue to boldly profess our faith and live out the Gospel message.

The genesis or beginnings of the Church in Jerusalem serves as a timeless model for us, reminding us of the foundational aspects of our faith – the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, the importance of sound teaching, the value of fellowship, the significance of the Lord’s Supper, the power of prayer, and the unwavering faith amidst adversity.

A Cross-Cultural Ministry

The Church in Antioch in Acts 11:19-26, is a fascinating account of the early Christian community that shaped the trajectory of cross-cultural ministry. Its story speaks volumes to our present generation, particularly amidst an increasingly multicultural and diverse society, offering invaluable insights into the manifestation of the Gospel’s universality:

• The Universality of the Gospel
  Antioch stood as a microcosm of the diverse Roman Empire – it was a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. Into this cosmopolitan mix, the Gospel arrived and thrived, effectively bridging divides and drawing people from different backgrounds together into a cohesive community of believers. The narrative of Antioch powerfully speaks of the Gospel’s power, highlighting its ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, breaking down walls of division (Ephesians 2:14). It serves as a potent reminder of the relevance of this universal message in our multicultural, interconnected world, affirming that the Gospel is literally for all people, irrespective of their cultural or linguistic identity.
• God’s Hand and Power
  In this diverse community, the transformative power of God was significantly evident. Acts 11:21 particularly stands out: “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” The ‘hand’ of God is metaphorically equated with His ‘power,’ underscoring the tangible presence and transformative effect of God in the Church and individual lives. This symbolism serves as a powerful reminder to the modern Church that our faith isn’t merely intellectual or philosophical; it is, at its core, experiential. It calls us to foster a personal, real relationship with God, one where His power actively shapes our lives, influencing our attitudes, actions, and interactions.
• Grace Amid Imperfections
  When Barnabas arrived in Antioch (Acts 11:22-23), he encountered an imperfect Church – a reality true to every Christian community across ages. Yet, instead of focusing on their shortcomings, Barnabas chose to see the grace of God actively at work within them. He rejoiced, “for he saw the grace of God.” This perspective challenges the contemporary Church to adopt a similar outlook, encouraging us to focus on God’s transformative grace in action, even amid apparent imperfections. It calls for a gracious approach, one that acknowledges our shared humanity and fallibility, fostering a community of grace, forgiveness, and mutual growth.
• The Fullness of the Holy Spirit: Barnabas’ Growth
  Another pivotal point in the Antioch narrative is the Holy Spirit’s fullness in Barnabas (v24). Barnabas, initially introduced as a ‘good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith’, wasn’t born this way; he grew into it over the years. His spiritual journey, like ours, was one of continual transformation, underscored by his interactions with Paul. Their relationship, marked by both disagreements and reconciliation, reflects our spiritual paths, replete with ups and downs. However, amidst all this, the narrative emphasises the integral role of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the necessity of His continual filling for spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry.

The Antioch narrative is an echo from the past, reverberating into our present, beckoning us to emulate its key principles. As we navigate our faith journey amidst the complexities of a cross-cultural society, let’s strive to uphold the Gospel’s universality, experience God’s tangible power, adopt Barnabas’ grace-centred perspective, and continually seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit. For it’s through this that we can truly influence our world as the early Church did theirs.

The Model of Leadership

Barnabas, whose name translates to ‘son of encouragement’, emerges from the scriptures as a profound model of leadership. Spirit-filled and deeply committed to his faith, Barnabas was a beacon of guidance, offering both solace and direction to the burgeoning Church of his time. An overview of his life offers an invaluable roadmap for leaders navigating the contemporary Church through a labyrinth of secular ideologies and dwindling conviction.

Barnabas’ strength lay in his profound faith and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. It is critical to note that these were not distinct, unrelated aspects of his spiritual life but rather two strands that beautifully intertwined, lending him the ability to shepherd his flock with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith (Acts 11:24).

The same indwelling of the Spirit that guided Barnabas is accessible to leaders today, but it also requires a consistent and fervent desire to seek God’s presence. The onus is on leaders to strive towards this relationship with the Spirit, equipping themselves to manoeuvre through an increasingly secular world where the authority of God’s Word is often questioned.

As leaders, filled with the Spirit’s power and deeply rooted in faith, their words and actions ought to reflect the harmony of God’s will and His love. This alignment with Scripture and the Spirit enables leaders to provide their congregations with a compass, directing them towards a deeper understanding of their faith and fostering stronger commitment.

This spiritual leadership isn’t merely about profound faith; it also encompasses a deep sensitivity to the needs of the church. Much like Barnabas, who offered encouragement and support to Paul, leaders must recognise the unique requirements of their congregation, particularly the new converts.

For these new believers, akin to new-borns in faith, the journey is often fraught with questions, doubts, and even fear. Leaders must gently shepherd these newcomers, offering nurture and care, helping them find their footing in the vast expanse of spiritual life. They should embody the loving-kindness of the Father, expressing patience and understanding, drawing these new members into the Church’s heart, and facilitating their spiritual growth.

The Church’s growth in Antioch (Acts 11:24) is a testament to this balanced leadership model. The Antioch Church flourished, marked by an increase in believers and a deepening commitment to their faith. This growth was not solely due to sound teaching but was balanced with the palpable demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s power.

In essence, leadership in the Church involves a delicate equilibrium between teaching the Word and manifesting the Spirit’s power. It’s like a bird that needs both wings to fly; likewise, leaders need both the Word’s grounding wisdom and the Spirit’s empowering presence to guide their flock effectively.

Barnabas’ example  presents a compelling model for today’s Church leaders. In a world marked by rising secularism and wavering faith, the need for Spirit-filled, faith-rooted, and sensitive leadership becomes even more pressing. Leaders, like Barnabas, should encourage, guide, and nurture their congregation, steering the Church towards growth and deeper faith, embodying the love of Christ in every step. They are called to emulate Barnabas’ profound faith, his alignment with the Spirit, and his pastoral sensitivity, fostering a Church that is as resilient in faith as it is rich in love.

From Local to Translocal (Acts 13.1 ff)

The New Testament provides a compelling blueprint for church growth and expansion, depicting a model that propagated from local roots to broad-reaching branches. This model particularly resonates within the context of the Antiochian Church, their journey casting a rich precedent for the Church’s missional strategy.

The Antioch model underscores an ambitious plan for church growth – establishing large churches within large communities. This approach serves as an effective counter-strategy to the challenges of today’s expansive, globally connected society. It simultaneously facilitates the cultivation of vibrant, impactful communities of faith while ensuring the Gospel’s reach to a broader audience.

One crucial aspect of the Antiochian model was the concept of travelling ministries. As they journeyed from place to place, the apostles acted as dynamic ambassadors of Christ, bringing the Gospel’s transformative power to people across varying geographies and cultures. This approach, underpinned by an inherent flexibility and adaptability, resonates profoundly in our culturally diverse and interconnected world. The apostles’ journey began with a ministerial sending (Acts 13:2), a solemn appointment that prepared them for the monumental task that lay ahead.

A unique facet of the Antiochian model was its emphasis on preparation before embarking on mission work. This preparation encompassed a comprehensive approach involving spiritual, mental, and logistical readiness. The apostles set themselves apart for the Lord’s work, embodying a spirit of dedication and humility. This setting apart was far from a passive withdrawal; instead, it was an active commitment to attune their hearts to God’s will, fortifying their spiritual vitality before venturing into the mission field.

The apostles’ experience in Antioch provided a vibrant blueprint, which they sought to recreate elsewhere. They did not merely transplant the Church as an institution but aimed to transplant its vibrant spirit. They strove to emulate the Antiochian Church’s defining characteristics – its rich fellowship, the evident work of the Holy Spirit, and the deeply ingrained culture of worship and prayer.

This practice of spiritual and missional reproduction teaches us valuable lessons today. It emphasises the importance of obedience to God’s calling, an obedience that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable or unfamiliar. It underlines the necessity of preparation, reminding us that effective ministry is born out of dedicated preparation and consecration, and it also highlights the role of prayer and fasting in both personal and communal spiritual formation.

The apostles, aware of their dependence on divine guidance, deeply engaged in these spiritual disciplines. Their commitment to fasting and prayer underscored their dependence on God, setting an example for believers today to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer and fasting, inviting God’s power and guidance into our lives.

Standing Strong Amidst Challenges

The contemporary Church stands at a pivotal juncture in history, navigating through a world where belief in God teeters precariously at a mere 50% (in the UK). This decline in faith is, at its core, symptomatic of the crises that we face – the onslaught of scepticism, rising existential angst, and the perceived irrelevance of divine authority. These challenges, daunting as they may be, must galvanise us into action rather than paralyse us in defeat.

Standing firm in our faith, a mandate to the Church today, is more than a passive acceptance of doctrines or an intellectual assent to the teachings of Christ. It is an active, living commitment, a dedicated stance that refuses to waver amidst the storms of doubt or the quaking ground of popular opinion. This stance, grounded in the authority of Scripture and bolstered by the power of the Holy Spirit, forms our spiritual bedrock.

Our mission, as believers, is not merely to resist the tide of disbelief but to rekindle the fervour of the early Church, and requires us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant faith of our spiritual forebears, drawing inspiration from their unwavering commitment to God’s Word, their deep communion with the Holy Spirit, and their relentless pursuit of God’s mission.

Such rekindling involves a keen receptivity to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives and entails inviting the Spirit’s transformative power into every aspect of our lives and our communities, allowing Him to manifest in gifts of healing and prophecy.

These spiritual gifts, often relegated to the pages of ancient early church history, are not mere tales of old, but potent realities meant to infuse our lives today. As Paul encourages the Corinthians, we too must earnestly desire these spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1). Through our personal experiences and the ensuing testimonies, we can refute the sceptical voices that dismiss these manifestations as outdated or irrelevant.

As we grapple with the complexities of our times, regardless of our denomination or family of Churches, it is imperative that we remember our divine calling, echoing the faith-filled voices of the early Christian communities. These communities, vibrant and dynamic, embodied God’s grace in their mutual fellowship, held onto faith in the face of persecution, and were Spirit-filled in their worship and service.

The Antioch Church serves as a fitting model for us to emulate. Their Spirit-led growth, Barnabas’ grace-centred vision, and their commitment to prayer and fasting are practices we must revive. The early Church, despite their imperfections and challenges, thrived because they were deeply rooted in God’s truth, filled with the Holy Spirit, and committed to His mission.

Our journey, therefore, is one of becoming. Becoming the Church that is not swayed by cultural winds but remains steadfast in biblical truth. Becoming the Church that embodies God’s grace amidst a world in desperate need of love and compassion. Becoming the Church that is alive and dynamic, filled with the Spirit’s power.

This process of becoming has a profound purpose – to inspire revival within our hearts and in our communities. This revival is not just about numerical growth but rather a deep, transformative change in the hearts of believers. It involves extending the kingdom of God, not merely in geographical or institutional terms, but more importantly, in the realms of hearts and lives transformed by the Gospel.

As we continue to grow as the Body of Christ, our focus should not be merely internal but also outward-looking. We must engage with our communities, offer Christ-centred solutions to the crises we face, and be bearers of hope in a world plagued by despair.

Making sense of it all

In view of all of this, we are in an era of challenges and uncertainties, but the Church stands unveiled, called, cultured, and empowered to fulfil its divine mandates. As we navigate the complexities of our time, we look to the early Church, tracing their footsteps and drawing inspiration from their faith, unity, and perseverance.

We embrace the universality of the Gospel, reaching across cultural and linguistic barriers, bringing hope and healing to a diverse world.

We embody the spirit of Barnabas, a leader rooted in faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit, nurturing and guiding our congregations with grace and wisdom. Like the Antiochian Church, we embark on a mission that transcends local boundaries, propelling the Gospel to impact the world on a broader scale.

We stand strong amidst challenges, firmly rooted in the authority of Scripture, ignited by the power of the Holy Spirit, and driven by a relentless pursuit of God’s mission.

For such a time as this, we rise as the Church, an unwavering beacon of light, love, and truth in a world longing for hope and redemption.

The post Being intentionally missional first appeared on Prophetic Agenda and is written by Jon Cressey