Current trends in church planting heavily utilize the ideas of “missional” and “incarnational.” These terms are frequently employed as a framework for everything a church plant does. But much like the variety of definitions of “missional,” there are just as wide a variety of applications for the term. This leads me to the second question: What does a church plant rooted in a Reformed world and life view “look” like? That is to say, what would such a church plant do? What ministries would they create or get involved in?
Beginning with the most general, one clear aspect of such a church plant would be missions. I have already shown how Bavinck suggests that missions is an essential activity of the church in general, but especially in the context of a church plant, the essential nature of missions is emphasized. Church plants by definition are intended to minister to those in the community who do not already have a relationship with Christ. As such, the young congregation and each individual is placed in a position not unlike that of a missionary in relation to society. This is the posture aspect that Stetzer and Halter each emphasize.
The second aspect is “incarnational.” While missional is more akin to a particular mindset, incarnational deals with specific actions. This is where we can actually speak of what a Reformed church plant “looks” like.
The Reformed church plant is first and foremost concerned with declaring the lordship of Christ over all creation. Unfortunately, those individuals who do not profess a commitment to Christ, do not recognize this fundamental principle. In most cases, the world must see God’s people living and the difference the Gospel has made in their lives. Incarnational embodies just that – a living out of our faith as a daily, public declaration of Jesus’ lordship over us.
A church plant can do this in two ways: 1) through the manner that weekly services and Bible studies are conducted; and 2) through the conscious effort of the individuals living according to God’s torah [Instruction, guidance, law. Torah is not relegated to just one part of Scripture, but is contained within all of Scripture.]. In both ways, Jesus is declared king.
There is very little that is actually “off-limits” for a Reformed church plant (or established congregation). Because of the close relationship between “incarnational” and Christ’s lordship over all, the Christian and the church can be encouraged as they become involved in community groups that are not distinctly Christian as a means of reaching out to the community. Naturally, there is wisdom and discernment to be practiced, but our churches and members can rest easy knowing that it is perfectly acceptable to volunteer and partner with local schools, shelters, Boys and Girls clubs, and various other non-profits. I may even go so far as to suggest that the Christian has an obligation to engage in such activities for the benefit of all creation.
The Reformed world and life view enables and encourages God’s people to engage society with confidence that the Holy Spirit will work, the Gospel will be preached, the reign of Christ proclaimed, and the knowledge of the Lord spread throughout the world.
Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Church Planting, Leadership, Ministry, Philosophy, Theology
