This article provides a little introduction, by way of examples, to a term called “Missional Renaissance.” Its the commitment of many churches across the country to bring the mission of church – holistic discipleship, relationship with God and others, and a focus on the kingdom – to communities in non-traditional ways. Mission spills out from inside church walls into communities in the form of new mindsets for ministry (we go out to find people instead of waiting for them to come to us), new financial priorities (we don’t build a new large building but spend a surplus on direct minsitry and alleviating poverty), and various commitments to embracing creative and new ways to “be church” that invite and welcome new and ‘unchurched’ people.
I love that this is being called a ‘renaissance’ – acknowleding that throughout history, God has always moved in churches in ways that brought renewal, reform, and fresh life. Indeed, the history of evangelicalism