What is missional?
Over the last decade, the word "missional" has been used with increased frequency.
Yes - it is a real word. It's the adjectival form of the word "missionary." It can be used to describe activities, practices, behaviors, leaders, churches, movements, etc. Missionary is a noun; missional is an adjective. Using the term as a noun doesn't make sense.
When you use the word missional, it should be related to participation in God's mission in the world. Van Sanders notes this -
Missional then, no mater what noun it is modifying, must qualify the meaning of that noun by referencing God's mission as defined by Scripture. More specifically, missional limits any noun that it modifies to the temporary mission task of the Church to make disciples of all ta ethne for God's glory and worship. Therefore, a local church is missional when it intentionally pursues God's mission for His glory among all peoples by following His patterns and ways of expanding His kingdom.(from The Mission of God and the Local Church, 2006)
- Is it really a word?
- What does it mean?
Yes - it is a real word. It's the adjectival form of the word "missionary." It can be used to describe activities, practices, behaviors, leaders, churches, movements, etc. Missionary is a noun; missional is an adjective. Using the term as a noun doesn't make sense.
When you use the word missional, it should be related to participation in God's mission in the world. Van Sanders notes this -
Missional then, no mater what noun it is modifying, must qualify the meaning of that noun by referencing God's mission as defined by Scripture. More specifically, missional limits any noun that it modifies to the temporary mission task of the Church to make disciples of all ta ethne for God's glory and worship. Therefore, a local church is missional when it intentionally pursues God's mission for His glory among all peoples by following His patterns and ways of expanding His kingdom.(from The Mission of God and the Local Church, 2006)
