missional community dna

This has been something that's been growing and developing within me for quite some time. When looking at the missional communities, the merging of community happens when it's centered around being sent. The purpose that it has of going into the community to restore it back to God is the uniting mission that draws people together in community. At the core of the group is the DNA. The DNA is the lifeblood of what Jesus was about and this is what the church should reflect.

The D in DNA stand for Divine Truth. This is the transformation into the likeness of Christ through God's Word. This truth is a major strand of the DNA. Jesus is the divine truth. Jesus said, "I am the... truth" (John 14:16). No one can come to the Father except through him. When we bear this truth in our lives it leads to loving communities with purpose and mission, which are the rest of the DNA. The transformation of the Truth is at the heart of worship (Romans 12:1).

N in DNA stands for nurturing relationships. This is a continual building into each other of love, mercy and joy. Being a self-pastoral community the needs are met from the community not just one person pastoring the church. "Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay his life down for his friends. You are my friends" (John 15:12-14).

A in DNA stands for Apostolic Mission. Just as Jesus was sent into the world to restore all things back to Him (John 3:16) so are we to join him in this mission. "As the Father sent me, I am sending you" (John 20:21). The DNA does not function in linear fashion. Working together, the Divine Truth is flowing into Apostolic Mission (Acts 1:8). Apostolic Mission is propelled by Nurturing Relationships. (John 13:35). Being together in Nurturing Relationships drives one another toward a unified Mission.

Pretty much this is Neil Cole's book Organic Community summed up. Not only does this serve as a drive from mission it is at the heart of the church. This can be compared to the Tangible Kingdom of Communion, Mission and Community. Then again it can be applied to Rick Warren's 5 purposes of worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism. Not matter what scale you're at these purposes are at the individual to the corporate. But it starts with the individual first.